Italy
also known as "lo stivale" meaning the boot
Originally the Italian Republic
Italy is a country in Southern Europe. The capital of Italy is Rome. Together with Greece, it is acknowledged as the birthplace of Western culture.High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. Italian is the official language of the country.
LOCATION
Located in southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the Central Mediterranean Sea. It is shaped like a high-heeled boot kicking a "triangle"—the island of Sicily.
CAPITAL
Rome.
CURRENCY
Euro.
1 Euro = 72.62 Indian rupees
This tower is famous for the settling of its foundations, which caused it to lean 5.5 degrees from the perpendicular in the late 20th century. Extensive work was subsequently done to straighten the tower, and its lean was ultimately reduced to less than 4.0 degrees.
Venice
Venice is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world.Venice, the world's only pedestrian city, is easily walkable, and the absence of cars makes this a particularly pleasant experience.
Valley of the temles
Valley of the Temples is a must if you love Greek temples.This archaeological site is magical. With a vast variety of well preserved Greek temples, and a garden to visit, you feel transported to the pre-Christianity days.
Naples
Romantic Naples, two hours south of Rome, is the largest city in southern Italy. It has some of the world's best opera houses and theatres, and is often called an open-air museum, because of its many historic statues and monuments.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most imposing ancient structures. Imagine it all white, completely covered in splendid travertine stone slabs. It is elliptic in shape in order to hold more spectators. It had four floors; the first three had eighty arches each; the arches on the second and third floors were decorated with huge statues.
What we see nowadays is just the skeleton of what was the greatest arena in the ancient world. Three-fifths of the outer surrounding brick wall are missing.
FOOD
Italian cuisine is strongly influenced by local history and traditions, as well as by local and seasonal availability of products. Common Italian foods and dishes include all types of pasta, pizza, risotto, some soups (minestroni and zuppe) and delecious meat and fish dishes.
AUTOMOTIVE PASSION
The most famous and expensive sports car companies in the world, Ferrari and Lamborghini, are of Italian origin. Many other automobile companies, like Alfa Romeo and Maserati, have also gained immense popularity for their impressive design and speed. These gorgeous sports cars on the stunning streets of Italy are a site to watch and enjoy for the tourists.
ART AND CULTURE
Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and many famous sculptors, painters and composers were born on this land. Their original works are on display in many parts of the country. The modern artists from all across the globe come to Italy to gain inspiration from the pieces of work by ingenious and talented minds.
Here are some quick fun facts
- Pizza is one of the very few words which is understood all over the world.(given that it was born in Italy!)
- Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
- Italy is famous for its sports cars like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lamborghini.
- The oldest olive tree in Italy, in Umbria is reportedly over 1700 yrs old.
- Italy holds the Guiness record for having the most elevators.
Visit Italy this year!
We'll see you on the other side!