Italy, the Italian people, italian, italian culture, culture of italy, discover italy, italy travel information, italy tourist information
Welcome to Understanding Italy
Understanding Italy and the Italian people is a fascinating journey of discovery that will provide a lifetime of interest and entertainment. It is a journey that will examine the history of Italy, its complex politics and the whole spectrum of italian culture. It will explore the wonderful, contrasting landscapes of the Italian countryside, the unique pleasures of Italian food and wine, and the extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the Italian people.
The history of Italy includes many of the most significant and memorable events of European history such as: the rise and fall of the Roman Empire; the birth of Christianity; the destruction of Pompei and Herculaneum by Mount Vesuvius; the emergence of the Venetian superpower; Napoleon Bonaparte; Garibaldi's unification of Italy and the rise of Fascism under Mussolini.
Italian culture is recognised around the world with the writings of Virgil, Plutarch and Dante, the great paintings, sculptures and architecture of the Renaissance masters, the unique genius of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo and the sublime music of Rossini, Verdi and Puccini. But Italian culture is not all in the past... Today, Italy is a world leader in cinema, fashion design and engineering.
For tourists wanting to discover Italy, Rome, with the wonderful sites of the Colosseum, the Basilica of St Peter and the Trevi fountain guarantees an unforgettable holiday. Visitors going further afield to Lake Como, Venice, Siena, Amalfi, Naples and Sicily will experience the stunning variety of scenery, and the many unique cultural sites that Italy has to offer. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world! You will find plenty of italy travel information and italy tourist information in our pages.
Traditional Italian food includes pasta, salami, pizza and ice cream, olives, pesto and Sicilian Caponata as well as fresh fish and meat. Italian fruit and vegetables are bursting with freshness, taste and smell, and the famous wines of Italy: Chianti, Valpolicella, and Barolo glow deep red in the Italian sunshine.
Italy is a land rich in culture, history and beauty. From the majestic mountains of Aosta, to the sublime beaches of Calabria, it is an unmatchable experience that once experienced, will never be forgotten. Discover Italy!
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Italy is a great place to enjoy a whole range of different activities.
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Activities in Italy
Featured Location - The Maremma
The Maremma is a fascinating area of Italy, located mainly in southwest Tuscany, that offers a wide variety of history and culture, spectacular scenery and a fascinating history.
Profile of the Maremma
History of Italy

The history of Italy includes many of the most significant and memorable events of European history such as:
- The rise and fall of the Roman Empire
- The birth of Christianity
- The destruction of Pompei and Herculaneum by Mount Vesuvius
- The emergence of the Venetian superpower
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Garibaldi's unification of Italy
- The rise of Fascism under Mussolini
Italian Culture
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, was the artist's favourite work.

Madame Butterfly, written by Giacomo Puccini, was the composer's favourite opera.
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Listen to an extract of Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly'

Madame Butterfly, written by Giacomo Puccini, was the composer's favourite opera.
Find out more...
Listen to an extract of Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly'Useful Information

Italian food varies enormously depending on which region you are in. Click Here to explore each region's favourites.


