Italy - A state located in the southern part of Europe. Geographical location can be defined as the center of the Mediterranean. Italy has common borders with Austria and Switzerland in the north, France in the north-west and Slovenia in the north-eastern part. This country also has internal borders - with San Marino and the Vatican.
Italy belongs to the territory of the Apennine Peninsula, the Padan Plain, the slopes of the southern Alps, as well as the islands of Sardinia, Sicily and several small islands.
Italy is a mountainous country washed by the seas (Adriatic and Ionian).
Quite a frequent occurrence (due to the location of tectonic rocks along the territory) was earthquakes. And many travelers are waiting for the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent spectacle from a distance - the eruption of volcanoes, which are numerous in Italy. The most famous of them are Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano.
About 57 million people live in Italy, 93.5% of which are native Italians. A small percentage of the population are Romanians, North Africans, Albanians, Chinese and people from countries of the former Soviet Union.
The official language is Italian, which within itself (depending on the territorial distribution in the north, center and south) is divided into dialects. In some provinces, other languages that are equal in relation to Italian are also legalized: German, Slovenian, French.
In Italy, the Roman Catholic Church dominates. The number of its parishioners reaches 55.75 million people, which makes up the vast majority of the population. The remaining diasporas are represented in extremely small numbers.
Italy is a country of the European Union, so the national currency has been replaced by the euro.
Italy - the capital and major cities
The capital of Italy, the city of Rome, is located on the banks of the Tiber River. Its population is 2.7 million people. This is one of the oldest centers of world civilization. Rome received the nickname "cities on seven hills", as it spreads across the Palatine, Capitol, Quirinal, Celius, Aventine, Esquiline and Viminal.
Rome has become a real treasury of world culture. Many sights of Italy are located exactly in the capital.
The largest cities in Italy are Milan with a population of 1.3 million people, Naples - 960 thousand, Turin - 909 thousand, Palermo - 659 thousand, Genoa - 611 thousand.
Italy - holidays and tours
Connoisseurs of tourist attractions consider Italy one of the most beautiful places to relax. Here, not only classic types of relaxation are available (swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beach), but also tourist delights.
Tours to Italy are popular, first of all, among lovers of antiquity, history and art. The number of museums and monuments of ancient culture is so great that it is not possible to go around or go around all the sights in one visit.
Italy offers relaxing relaxation for lovers of sandy beaches and clear coastal water. If a person seeks solitude, then the southern direction for travel is best suited for him.
And, of course, the presence of mountains cannot but affect the nature of the resorts. Ski areas are located on the territory of all slopes. Not only tourists, but also indigenous people very much respect outdoor activities in the mountains.
Italy - Attractions
Italy is not accidentally called a museum country. Each city has inherited an incredible amount of the most valuable monuments of ancient culture, most of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Italy attracts tourists at any time of the year. The number of visitors exceeds 40 million annually! And this fact has made the country one of the world leaders in the development of the tourism industry.
There are 30 thousand ancient churches, 20 thousand castles, 700 galleries, museums and various exhibitions.
Tourists have something to see. The most visited places in Italy are the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Castle of the Holy Angel, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica and many others.
Italy - weather (climate)
Despite the fact that Italy is a small country in terms of occupied territory, the weather can vary significantly in the north and south of the peninsula. Such a variety of weather manifestations is explained by the large extent and diversity of the relief. Therefore, when going on a trip, you should study the nature of the climate of the area where the trip is planned.
The north of Italy is characterized by a temperate continental climate (a slight minus in the winter and heavy snowfalls, and in the summer - dry land and heat).
The center and south of Italy are located in the Mediterranean climate zone (hot, dry summers and mild winters with a lot of precipitation).
Weather in Italy now:
Italy - cuisine
Spaghetti and pizza, beloved all over the world, brought fame to Italian cuisine. But in addition to the universally recognized masterpieces, each region of Italy has its own small culinary delights. This is due to inherited traditions from peoples who at different times, one way or another, influenced the culture of Italy (Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Lombards).
The presence of fresh vegetables and fruits is an essential component of Italian cuisine. The most consumed products in Italy are: tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, salad, artichokes, various cheeses, olives and oil from them, seafood, fish, rice, poultry, beef, mushrooms, fruits, almonds, wines.
Italians love smoked meat products, add hot chili peppers and garlic to their food. Therefore, the food is not only hearty, but also very spicy.
Lovers of high-calorie and gourmet dishes Italian cuisine will surely be to your taste.
Italy - Shopping
A curious fact is that many tourists go to Italy not only to enjoy eternal values, but also to make profitable purchases. Shopping in this country is world famous for its sales.
In the sales season, discounts on goods in Italian stores reach 70%, so shopping lovers from different countries tend to get here.
The most expensive and fashionable boutiques with clothes, shoes and accessories are located in the centers of each city. Shops of popular Italian fashion masters are located in the center of Milan.
In addition to things for socks, go to Italy for jewelry, furniture, household items and crystal. All these things here will cost many times cheaper than in Russia.
Sales in Italy take place in the winter (from January 7 to the beginning of March) and in the summer (from July 10 to the end of August).
Italy - visa application
Since Italy is a party to the agreement on a common space, a Schengen visa is issued here.
Most often a tourist or transit visa is required. To receive it, the applicant must personally contact the Embassy. But if the whole family goes on a trip, then the presence of one of its members is enough, which will provide documentation for the other participants in the trip to Italy.
Residents of the regions can apply for this document to a travel agency that sells tickets to the country.
A standard set of documents is provided (passport, photographs, certificates of employment and study, a document on the purchase of foreign currency).
The visa fee is 35 euros.
Italy - Embassy
In Moscow, the Italian Embassy is located at: Denezhny pereulok, 5. Phone: 8 (495) 796-96-91.
Italy map
