italia.it
Italia.it is the official website for tourism in Italy, sponsored by the Italian Government. Its principal objective is that of being a knowledge source on the places, attractions and services relevant to Italian tourism.
Italian culture and history: Ferrara, people-friendly beauty
Welcome to Ferrara, the first modern city of Europe. lts historic centre, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, is the realisation of the humanistic concept of the ideal city. But one of the most precious treasures in Ferrara is time. Take advantage of this by immersing yourself into the vital everyday life of this people-friendly ci...
Italian land and nature: The Valleys of Comacchio
Captivating for their age-old superstitions and stories of brigands and highwaymen, the Valleys of Comacchio are a vast wetlands area located between Ferrara and Ravenna, in the Province of Emilia Romagna. More specifically, they lie between the town of Comacchio and the Reno River, inside the Delta del Po Regional Park. Their 11,000 hectares of br...
Italian culture and history: Palermo, peeling away at its layers
Getting around Palermo is easy. Everything revolves around a topographical and symbolic centre: Piazza Villena. The people of Palermo prefer to call it Quattro Canti, in reference to the four symmetrical façades of the buildings which look out onto the square. Of an octagonal shape, it is located at the intersection between the two main streets of...
Italian land and nature: Santa Maria di Leuca
Apulia has long been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for its natural and geographic attributes; a bridge between East and West, it is a promontory that separates the Adriatic from the Tyrrhennian Sea. A hamlet of Castrignano del Capo, in the Province of Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s e...
Italian culture and history: What to do and see in Parma, Italian Capital of Culture 2020
A refined arts town, Parma amazes visitors with its elegant monuments, churches, museums and green spaces, but is also a city of theatre and music and a land of gastronomic excellences. Its rich historical, artistic and culinary heritage has earned Parma the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2020: with a calendar of more than 500 events, 2020 is...
Italian traditions: Christmas in Trentino Alto Adige
Visiting Trentino Alto Adige during the Christmas season is just magical! Besides the wonder of its snow-filled landscapes - highly-appreciated by skiers, of course - its magnificent Christmas markets, in Trento and Bolzano during Advent, are what makes the Region so special this time of year. Bolzano The largest city in Trentino Alto Adige, a mee...
Italian land and nature: Monti Sibillini National Park
The municipalities of Monti Sibillini Park represent a unique occasion to live the wonders of the past in full, and to discover the treasures that have been curated by man throughout the centuries – in part so that they could adapt to their natural environment, wild – and often hostile - as it was. A travel experience in these parts can be akin to...
Italian culture and history: The Ghetto of Rome
Rome is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Its history is closely intertwined with the events of the Roman Catholic Church and the papacy, which over the centuries has played the roles of both protector and persecutor of the Roman Jews. Culturally rich and vibrant, even though it is spread out throughout the city, the Roman...
Italian land and nature: Lombardy, the Lakes Region
Lombardy, with its grand lakes and numerous small basins, offers a unique mix of charms to lovers of lake tourism. Staying on Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or Iseo (just to name the largest and most famous), means immersing oneself in all the flourish of a lush nature that also has the power to renew the mind and body. The gorgeous landscape...
Italian culture and history: Taormina
Just two stones’ throw away from the Strait dividing Sicily from the Italian Peninsula lies delectable Taormina (Tauromenion in Antiquity), facing out toward the Ionian Sea from a high, natural terrace. With its Medieval architecture, its ancient Greek soul, and the colors and smells of Mediterranean foliage, Taormina is one of the most beautiful p...
Italian land and nature: The Stars Over Italy
Italy is a magnificent place to visit, even if you’re looking to the heavens. This trip throughout the peninsula highlights some of its astronomical observatories that are open to the public and certainly where charming views can be enjoyed. Let’s start out with the Osservatorio astronomico della Valle d’Aosta (Astronomical Observatory of Valle Aos...
Italian culture and history: San Gimignano
In the sun-drenched Sienese hills of the Val d’Elsa stands the gorgeous hilltown of San Gimignano, a splendorous Medieval atmosphere enwrapped by its 13th-Century wall. It is the Tuscany that tourists love most, set amidst fields of golden grain, vineyards and ancient borgoes; it is the Tuscany of Chianti and the Val D'Orcia, of beloved culinary tr...