ITALY; THE BEL PAESE

We can’t travel these days, we can’t even go out of our homes. What about a virtual journey throughout our wonderful country?

We Italians sometimes forget it, but if Italy is called “Bel Paese” there is a reason! Already in ancient years Italy gained a place of honour among the most beautiful countries in the world. In fact, the beauties of Italy are renowned everywhere and visitors come from all over the world. From North to South of the boot, each Italian region offers historical monuments, panoramic views and unique villages where time seems to have stopped.

But what is the most beautiful city of all?Rome or Venice? Palermo or Naples?  Italy is the country with the largest number of unique cities which makes choosing the most beautiful very hard. Here are the most beautiful cities, in my opinion.

Rome, Lazio

The capital of Italy is a concentrate of wonders that have fascinated travellers from all places and all times. And it continues to do so with its historic centre, starting with the Coloseum, a UNESCO heritage site, included among the New Seven Wonders of the World, continuing along Via dei Fori Romani, passing through the Altare della Patria, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps until you get to St. Peter's Square. But the Eternal City is so much more!

 Florence, Tuscany

It is the cradle of the Renaissance, always crowded with tourists from all over the world. Beautiful all year long, Florence is considered the home of Italian art, along with Rome and Venice.  Squares, gardens and churches make it incredible in every corner. Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River,  is magical.  A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must.

Milan, Lombardy

It is the economic capital of Italy, the "first lady" of fashion in the world and a city that knows how to renew itself every year. Hotels, spas, restaurants, clubs and boutiques reach the highest standards of our country. Art explodes among the museums of the center, while Piazza Duomo strikes with its soaring spiers.

Venice, Veneto

 

It is unique and inimitable. A real miracle on the water to be visited at least once in a lifetime, especially during Carnival, which here translates into art.  It’s impossible to make a list of all its attractions but we can’t leave out Piazza San Marco, the heart of the island, with the Basilica of grandiose mosaics, and dividing the city in two, the Grand Canal, travelled far and wide by gondolas and vaporetti.

 Verona, Veneto

 

It is the home of Pandoro and has a thousand of wonders starting with the Arena, which hosts the Opera Festival in the summer. From opera to tragedy: Juliet's house is located here. And also, the Church of San Zeno Maggiore, the Scaliger Arche, Castelvecchio, the bridges over the Adige and the lively Piazza delle Erbe.

 Perugia, Umbria

 

Its origins date back to the Etruscans as evidenced by the arch of the third century BC in Piazza Fortebraccio and the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria. The centre of the city is Piazza IV Novembre with the Fontana Maggiore, which hosts the Umbria Jazz stage in July. The city is also famous for its chocolate,  especially Perugina.

 Alberobello, Puglia 

 

It is among the best-known places in Puglia. The conical houses made of dry stone from the Rione Monti transformed this small town into a great UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You should definitely visit the Church of Sant'Antonio and the Trullo Siamese. It is a city full of stories and legends.

 Matera, Basilicata

It is the city of the famous Sassi: a treasure dug out of the white rock and the first site in Southern Italy to be included in the UNESCO heritage list.  Rich in cave churches, home of the Musma, the museum of contemporary sculpture, it was 2019 European Capital of Culture. Around the town, you find the unexplored nature of the Murgia park.

 Agrigento, Sicily

In the past it was conquered by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. Here in Agrigento there is the largest archaeological area in the world, the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO heritage site. The Hellenic beauties of the "cradle of Magna Grecia" add up to those of the historic centre, such as the Cistercian Monastery of Santo Spirito or the Cathedral of San Gernaldo.

 Naples, Campania

 

It is the capital of Campania, with its mild climate all year round, the romantic view of the Vesuvius and the best pizzerias in the world. It is the home of the sfogliatella. You can visit the masterpiece of the Veiled Christ in the Chapel of San Severo, the all-lemon cloister of the Chapel of Santa Chiara, passing through Spaccanapoli and going down to Underground Naples.

 

MICHELA M.