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Italy - Travel Guide
Introduction A treasure house of architectural, artistic and scenic splendors, Italy has drawn foreign visitors for centuries. In the 18th century it was an essential inclusion on the European "Grand Tour" and it has continued to attract artists, poets and travelers ever since. It might sound trite but Italy can truly be all things to all people. For some the Italian experience is full of passion and excitement, a hubbub of urbanity, crowds and noise. For others it is a quiet rural idyll where the traditional life of years gone by can be glimpsed and experienced. Indisputably Italy is one of the cultural centers of the world and uniquely where the ancient and modern live side by side. Its great cities are replete with fantastic works of art ranging from the crumbling remains of the Romans to the fine canvases of the Renaissance. Even then, many visitors will forego the rich attractions of culture in favor of some of the most unspoiled beaches and spectacular mountains in the world. From the historical and cultural centers of Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Bologna and Venice, to the ski resorts of Courmayeur and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the sun-kissed beaches along the coast and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Italy can't fail to charm even the most demanding of tourists. History & Culture Italy as a nation didn't exist as a political entity until 1861. Until that time, it had been an endless patchwork of kingdoms, duchies, and republics ruled by a variety of nobles and feudal lords. The Greeks, the Normans, the Moors, the Spanish and the French have historically held footholds and enclaves within what is now modern Italy. This fragmented nature of Italy's past has created huge cultural diversity between regions, resulting in a stunning array of architectural styles and traditions throughout the country. In the South the influence of the Muslims can be easily noticed, while the North is the best place to find examples of Renaissance architecture. The period of the Renaissance between the 15th and 17th centuries was undoubtedly Italy's golden age. The philosophical movement saw the country produce the world's best artists and artisans - who added their own influence to the country's already eclectic mixture of architecture and culture. Italy's then most powerful city-states, including Venice, Rome and Florence, were hotbeds of artistic creativity and now feature wonderfully preserved palaces and buildings from the period. Although the country never held an empire of the magnitude of Spain's or England's, Italy was the center of European culture and had an influence across the entire globe. It's no coincidence that when the Spanish conquistador Cortes first saw the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1519 he described it as a "second Venice" rather than anything in Spain. Venice and the other Italian states were truly world leaders. The strongest influence on Italian history however occurred a long time before the Renaissance in the shape of the Romans. The original Roman Republic was first established in the 5th century BC in Rome and slowly expanded over the peninsula before turning it's attention to Europe. The most effective empire builders in the world the Romans were the most influential civilization on the Eurasian landmass until the 4th century. Evidence of the empire's ferocity in war and decadence at home litters Italy, with the coliseum at Rome being the undoubted centerpiece of all the empire's remnants. Modern Italian history is relatively mundane compared to the color of previous centuries. A disastrous World War II led to a decline in the nation's status - although few modern Italians dwell on this period. Instead the country prefers to celebrate its cultural achievements and is once again at the forefront of fashion in clothing and points of architecture. As of 2007 Romano Prodi with renewed support kept the position of Prime Minister after losing a vote on foreign policy early on in the year. Culturally speaking Italy is slowly finding its identity, although there is a noticeable divide between the affluent North and the poorer South. At the beginning of the 20th century less than 20 per cent of Italy's population spoke Italian. It was only with the unifying effect of cinema and television that Italian truly became the language of the country and the regional languages and dialects are fast disappearing. However French is still widely spoken in the Northwest, German in central northern regions and Slovene in the Northeast. In areas other than language, 130 years of unification have done little to erode the strongly regional nature of the Italian people. This is great for the visitor as regional cuisine and customs have been largely preserved. Throughout the nation you'll find that religion (mainly Catholicism) and football are of great cultural importance. Although given to arguing among themselves with great gusto Italians are generally friendly to foreign visitors. Having said that, look and style are inbred into the Italian race and they can be critical of foreigners' dress. To avoid being a "brutta figura" it is sensible to pack at least a few elegant outfits for a trip to Italy. Also, recently, there has been an upsurge in support for far-right political groups in Italy. This has been particularly well observed among some elements of football "supporters" in the country. It means that discrimination on account of race isn't unknown, although it very rarely occurs in the tourist centers of big cities.
See & Do Italy is a land blessed with an endless variety of highlights. It's worth noting that during Italian Culture Week, which takes place annually in May, many of the country's main attractions offer free entry to visitors. The Grand Canal - Venice No matter how many times Venice has been seen in pictures and film, nothing can detract from the impact of the visitor's first journey down the Grand Canal. The overwhelming beauty of this famous waterway lined on both sides by palaces, churches and museums is truly breathtaking. Disembarking in front of the Doge's Palace visitors are further enthralled by the elegant majesty of St Mark's Square with its basilica filled with Byzantine mosaics. The Uffizi Gallery - Florence Opened at the end of the 16th century, this is one of the world's truly great collections of paintings. Housed in a 16th-century palace, originally designated for public office, the list of artists exhibited reads like a Who's Who of art history. The Uffizi collection includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Canaletto, El Greco, Giotto, Goya, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci amongst others. English is spoken and tickets can be collected from the museum ticket office prior to entrance time. The Basilica of St Francis - Assisi Standing on an escarpment to the western end of the medieval town of Assisi, the basilica of St Francis, on which work started in 1228, is one of the greatest glories of medieval architecture. There are, in fact, two churches - one having been built directly over the other. In the lower church is the tomb of St Francis. The ceilings and vaults are covered with 13th-century frescoes, including works by Cimabue and Simone Martini. The Gothic basilica above, recently restored following a devastating earthquake, is filled with Giotto's great frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St Francis. Siena In a country in which every region is filled with small, historic towns, Siena is still something special. At the heart of Tuscany it is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Italy. The city owes much of its splendor to the local bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which for centuries has plied its profits into the conservation and enhancement of the town. A perfectly preserved medieval settlement retaining its original walls, the town is criss-crossed by small alleys and streets lined with Gothic palaces and houses. Valle d'Aosta In the Northwest of the country bordering France and Switzerland, the Valle d'Aosta region is a scenic jewel - the magnificent mountain landscape of pyramidal peaks and dizzying arêtes is dissected with narrow passes, lakes and green valleys. Towering above the surrounding mountains is Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco to the Italians), the highest point in the whole country. The region offers endless opportunities for country hiking during the summer months and in winter is home to some of the most famous ski-resorts in Europe including Courmayeur, La Thuile, St Vincent and Cervinia. Vatican Museums - Vatican State In the center of Rome, housed in parts of the papal palaces, is this outstanding collection of sculptures, paintings, books, furniture, and tapestries. The museums are divided into specific areas housing the various papal collections, including the Etruscan collection, Roman sculptures, and Old Masters. For many the highlights are not the collections housed in the museums but the actual buildings themselves, which include the Sistine Chapel complete with Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes. Ravenna Early in the 6th century Ravenna came under the rule of the Byzantines who set about beautifying the city in their own distinctive style. The result was one of the crowning glories of their civilization, and Ravenna became famous the world over for its artistic magnificence. Today, Ravenna is still home to some of the world's most beautiful mosaics, which undoubtedly exhibit the pinnacle of Byzantine artistic achievement. Many of the town's churches are enriched with these masterpieces. Amalfi Coast South of Naples the short stretch of coast between Positano and Amalfi, known to locals as the "Costiera Amalfitana", is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains plunge vertically into the azure sea and, at intervals, small bays and creeks provide secluded beaches and intriguing inlets for exploration. The brightly colored towns and villages that cling precariously to the mountainsides enhance the outstanding natural beauty of the area. Pompeii In 79AD the city of Pompeii was completely covered by lava following the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Since the mid-1800s organized excavation of the site has revealed perfectly preserved sections of this once thriving Roman city that has been buried under feet of ash and dust for centuries. Among the highlights are the House of the Vetti family with its pillared central courtyard, the House of Mysteries with its astonishingly vivid frescoes, and the amphitheater. It is a fascinating opportunity to see a genuine Roman city almost 2000 years on. The Valley of the Temples - Agrigento It is said that even the Greeks themselves are envious of this astonishing collection of wonderfully preserved temples, all dating back to Greek rule in the area in the 5th century BC. Set in a verdant valley in the south of Sicily, the extensive complex includes the ruins of the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Vulcan. Perhaps the most important and inspiring of the many temples is the Temple of Concordia, which ranks as one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture in the world. Geography The Italian peninsular stretches southwards from the mountain ranges of the Alps and Dolomites; jutting out into the Mediterranean. East of the country lies the Adriatic while the Mediterranean hugs Italy's southern and western coastlines. Along its mountainous northern limits Italy has borders with France, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia. The Appenines form the backbone of Italy running north to south, from Emilia-Romagna to Calabria. The Alps and Dolomites are Italy's main skiing areas especially around Mont Blanc in Valle d'Aosta and Selva di Val Gardena. The 7,600km of coastline provide endless opportunities for sunbathing, sailing and watersports with the most famous mainland areas being the Cinque Terre south of Genova, the Costa Amalfitana south of Naples and Rimini. The larger islands of Sardinia, Elba and Sicily, which surround the mainland, provide a seemingly unending selection of beaches. The bulk of cultural tourism centers on the cities of Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and Palermo. More and more, however, visitors to Italy are tending to visit the smaller towns and cities where attractions of equal charm are to be found. Rome is the political and cultural capital of the country with a population of approximately 4 million. Milan is the economic and financial capital with a population nearing 1.5 million. Overall, 57.5 million people live in Italy and it has a zero per cent population growth rate. About 98 per cent of the population are Roman Catholic with the bulk of the remainder being either Protestant or Jewish. Weather The South and Sicily can be visited comfortably year round. The North can be cold and wet between the winter months of November and March and is best avoided unless skiing or other winter sports are on your itinerary. For many people, July and August can be uncomfortably hot and these months are best for enjoying the coastline, Sardinia and Sicily or the relative cool of hiking in the mountains. Transport Italy has a comprehensive and reliable transport infrastructure, with good public transport options in the larger cities. Certain public holidays may affect your journeys. by train Italy has an extensive rail network that connects most of the towns and cities in the country. In comparison with other European countries ticket prices are relatively cheap. The most straightforward pass for extensive touring within Italy is the TrenItalia Pass, which allows you unlimited use of the Italian train (TrenItalia) network. The pass is only available to non-Italian nationals. It covers periods of four to ten days' travel within a two month period. TrenItalia also subscribes to the InterRail and EuroDomino schemes that cover the continent as a whole. Italian trains fall into distinct classes. For long distance journeys InterCity trains (IC) are more expensive but a lot faster and more comfortable. Traveling first class means that you'll get reclining seats and more legroom. For long overnight journeys within Europe you should try to book a sleeping car (couchette). Eurostar trains connecting the major cities are the fastest and most expensive trains. Reservations on these trains are compulsory on Fridays, Sundays and holidays and advisable at other times. by bus Run by a public company in each city, buses are generally the most economical and, on short journeys, often the quickest way to get around urban areas. In cities one week passes are available that cover bus, tram and underground journeys within that city. These are excellent value if you are going to be based in one place for more than three days. Ask for advice immediately on arrival in a particular city. The national network lags behind the train in terms of convenience and comfort and few tourists use the public bus for long distance travel. Local and national departure points tend to be outside major train stations where there are also information booths and timetables. Rome Metro, Rome Buses, by car Driving yourself in Italy is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Italians have a distinctive way of driving which is all their own. To the independent observer, traffic lights appear to be optional, pedestrian crossings seem expressly to be ignored and the right-of-way on a roundabout is an eternal mystery. Added to this, most historic cities have restricted car access to their city centers and car parking facilities can be virtually non-existent. With time-consuming insurance processes in case of accident self-drive is not recommended on a short-break. Given the economical and extensive public transport networks the lack of a car should not present any inconvenience even if you do want to tour the country. Points to consider:
by air Alitalia, the national carrier, and Meridiana operate domestic flights that link many of the major cities and islands of Italy. There are over 30 airports within Italy providing comprehensive links to European and North African cities by boat There are many ferry and hydrofoil companies providing services from ports along the mainland to all main Mediterranean islands as well as Tunisia, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Turkey and Malta. With such a massive coastline you will have to check with local transport operators as to the various scheduled ferry services available to you. Shopping Historically, Italian prices were generally favorable for the foreign visitor although with the advent of the Euro true bargains are harder to find. Certain regions are world renowned for specialty products and buying at origin represents significant savings. What to buy The glass factories on the Venetian island of Murano have been mastering the art of glassblowing for centuries. Chandeliers from Venice hang in many of the world's palaces. On a smaller and more portable scale, the visitor can purchase a whole range of goods from wineglasses to ornaments. Venice is also an important center for lace-making and fine examples can be found on the island of Burano. Some of the world's best wines come from the Langhe area, west of Turin. A trip through the vineyards visiting the enoteca's in the castles of Grinzane and Barolo is an enjoyable excursion from Turin. On offer are the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco and the more humble dolcetto wine of the Piedmont region. Turin is also the capital of chocolate making and it is enjoyable to take tea in one of Turin's sumptuous 18th-century coffeehouses before purchasing some of the many chocolate creations on offer. Florence is the leather center of Italy and its streets are filled with leather craftsmen. It is also home to the wonderful marbled paper in all shapes and sizes that makes a perfect present for friends and relatives at home. Naples and Sorrento specialize in the delightful Italian cameos, which are available as both jewelry and ornaments. This region is also the center of intarsio work (inlaid stone and woodwork). Master craftsmen achieve amazingly delicate effects using the hardest stones or varieties of wood. Every city is filled with the great designer names, which have made Italy the world's capital of fashion and style. The via Condotti in Rome, via Monte Napoleone in Milan and via Caracciolo in Naples are filled with designer stores. Even the relatively small centers of Bologna and Verona have their share of designers, including: Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, D&G, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, and Prada. For those interested in designer goods at relatively affordable prices, the outlet shops of D&G, Prada and Gucci in Incisa, Montevarchi and Leccio are an irresistible attraction. Operation hours Shops are generally open from 08:30-13:00 and 15:30/16:00-19:30/20:00. In busy tourist areas and large cities, shops stay open all day from 09:30-19:30. VAT tax refund Value added tax (IVA in Italy) of 20% is added on to the price of all consumer goods and services. Having visited Italy, non-EU tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought there. Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Italy, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is EUR154.94, spent in one store. To reclaim tax you need to request an itemized invoice, indicating the item, price and amount of tax paid. On departure from Italy, take the items and invoice to the customs office to be stamped. Once home, send the stamped invoice to the store where you purchased the items, which will then send the refund to you. Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in Tax-free Shopping program (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping cheque to the amount of tax payable. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can then claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have it sent to you. Note that by law in Italy when making purchases in shops, or paying restaurant and hotel bills the client must take the receipt with them. Food & Drink Food Two words sum up Italian cuisine: fresh and regional. The cuisine in Venice, Genoa and Naples relies heavily on fish. Verona and Bologna enrich their food with the liberal use of butter and cream. Tuscany is the home of beef and the central regions of Abruzzo and Molisse specialize in lamb. Rome is famous for pork and tripe. Both Sardinia and Piemonte's cuisine reflect their historical links with France, while the northern regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia show their close ties with Austria. The main thing to remember about eating in Italy is that food is of paramount importance to the daily routine and culture of the country. The major cities experience four rush-hours rather than two as people go on the move for lunch. Italians see a meal as an opportunity to socialize and time is taken over preparation and consumption of food, not least to avoid indigestion. Portions are usually huge which prolongs lunches even further. Specialties In order to sample the best that Italy has to offer gastronomically, it is important to order the right dish in the right region. Below is a short list of Italian specialties and where to order them: Spaghetti ai ricci (Sicily): Spaghetti with sea-urchins. This is a Sicilian specialty and, although an unusual dish to many, the flesh of the sea-urchin is delicious enlivened with lemon, mint and parsley. Trofie al Pesto (Genova): Every region has its own types of pasta specifically designed for the sauces which accompany them. The oddly shaped Trofie are perfect for the famous pesto sauce made with basil, pinenuts, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Pizza (Naples): Famous the world over, Naples is the home for the classic pizza. Here authentic pizza is cooked in specially designed brick ovens. Fiori di zucca (Rome): Courgette flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies before being fried in a rich batter. Perfect appetizer to be washed down with a glass of cool white wine. Risotto alla Milanese (Milan): The definitive risotto of rice and shin of veal cooked in chicken broth and saffron with the addition of butter and Parmesan cheese before serving. Tortellini Bolognese (Bologna): Bologna's answer to ravioli. These delicate pasta cases can be filled with a rich meat stuffing or pumpkin with walnuts. Topped with cream and grated Parmesan they melt in the mouth. Risotto Nero (Venice): For those who enjoy the taste of the sea, this is a must on any visit to Venice. The risotto is made with the ink of cuttlefish or squid from where it takes its name (nero means black in Italian). Spaghetti alla carbonara (Rome): The classic roman pasta, the sauce is made with raw egg, pecorino cheese and pancetta bacon. appardelle alla lepre (Tuscany): An important center for game, Tuscan cuisine includes wild boar, rabbit and venison. This example is a wide, flat pasta served with a rich hare sauce. Vitello tonnato (Tuscany): The perfect dish on a hot summer's day, thinly sliced veal is served topped with a mouth-watering tuna mayonnaise. Cassoeula stew (Milan): Contains all manner of pork products, mixed with vegetables and white wine, making it a hearty choice for a cold evening. Cassata Siciliana (Sicily): A sponge cake filled with ricotta and candied fruits covered with sugar and cherries. Panettone (Milan): A bread like sponge cake filled with sultanas and candied fruits usually served around Christmas. Pandoro (Verona): A tall round sponge cake covered in icing sugar always eaten around Christmas and Easter. Cantucci or Tozzetti (Tuscany): Tuscan biscuits filled with nuts. Twice baked they are very hard and traditionally served with Vin Santo (a dessert wine) into which they are dipped prior to eating. Drink Of course, a large part of Italian eating is the wine that accompanies it, and Italy has a larger range than most countries to choose from. Ranging from the rich Barolo of Piedmont in the North to the sweet Marsala of Sicily, wine is grown all over the country and Italy both produces and exports more wine than any other nation in the world. The climate of the country means Italy's wines cover the entire spectrum of grapes, although the most familiar names are soave, valpolicella and bardolino. It is no coincidence that these three are the staple produce of the Veneto region (including Venice) the leading producer of wine in the nation. But, then, it is largely unimportant where you go in Italy; wine is the national vice. The usual rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for, but with large amounts of locally produced and often unclassified wines on offer you might just be surprised at the quality of even the cheapest wine. Overshadowed by wine, Italy also produces some excellent beers - most famously from the Rome brewer Peroni. Beer isn't drunk in any great amount by the Italians although having a bottle in the afternoon can be more refreshing than the ubiquitous range of wines on offer. Visas & Embassies The following information regarding visa requirements is intended as a guide only. Since visa regulations can change frequently we are unable to guarantee that information will be updated immediately and recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. US citizens are required to have a passport to enter the country. A visa is not required. For more detailed information contact Italian Embassy 3000 Whitehaven Street NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel:+1 (1)202-612-4400 Fax:+1 (1)202-518-2151 http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ affariconsolari.washington@esteri.it Money Currency: Euro (EUR). EUR1 = 100 cents. Banca d'Italia will exchange Italian Lira until March 1, 2012. Notes: EUR5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Coins: EUR1, 2 and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Cents Credit cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted. Money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports. Exchange rates differ. Traveler's cheques are accepted in all banks, airports, and railway stations. It is advisable to take traveler's cheques in Euros (EUR). One of the best ways to obtain money is to draw cash from ATMs (Bancomat), using an international credit or debit card. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities and they tend to offer a better exchange rate than traveler's cheques. A four-digit PIN is used for most European ATMs. Check with your bank before you travel to make sure your PIN will work in Europe. Check also which ATM systems are compatible with your card. In general, banks are open from Monday to Friday, 09:00-14:00. It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% of your bill for the waiter in a restaurant even though the service charge of 15% is normally included. In cafés and bars leave 15% of the bill if sitting at a table and about EUR0.1-0.3 or whatever small change you have if standing at the counter or bar. A service charge of about 15% is added to hotel bills. It is still customary, however, to tip the hotel concierge, chambermaids, porters and room service attendants. It is also customary to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare. On sightseeing tours, it is normal to leave a tip of EUR1-1.30 per person for the guide and driver. Communications Telephone
Note that, unlike in most countries, the leading zero of the area code is required when dialing from abroad as well as from within Italy. Many public telephone boxes only accept phone cards (carta telefonica), which can be purchased from newsagents, newsstands and coffee shops. Poste Restante is available at all large post offices. Ask family and friends to address your mail marked: c/o Ufficio Postale Centrale Fermo Posta Make sure to put down the postcode and town you are staying in on the envelope. To send a postcard within Europe costs approximately EUR0.45. To send one beyond Europe costs EUR0.65. Delivery normally takes up to ten days Public internet access is available in Internet Corner Kiosks at airports, major hotels and public places in large towns and cities. There are Internet cafés in all major towns Italian language daily newspapers include, La Stampa, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, Il Messaggero, Il Giorno and Il Giornale. Large towns tend to publish a booklet each week containing listings of entertainment, events, restaurants etc. English language newspapers are available, including the daily newspaper, Daily American (Rome). Health & Safety Vaccinations No vaccinations are required to enter Italy. Health Concerns Water is considered safe to drink throughout the country. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended for all nationalities, as medical costs can be very high. It is also advisable to take out additional insurance to cover the cost of private healthcare as standards in Italy's public hospitals can be low compared to other European nations. A reciprocal health agreement with certain countries including all EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway means that dental and medical costs for residents from those countries can be received at a reduced cost on presentation of a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1, 2006). If you do not already have a EHIC, it must be obtained prior to travel from the post office or department of health in your country of residence. Prescribed and over the counter medicines can only be obtained from a pharmacy. A list of pharmacies with late night opening is available at all pharmacies and is also listed in local newspapers. Personal Safety Although the level of violent crime in Italy is relatively low, incidents of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in large cities, crowded tourist sites, buses, trains and railway stations can cause a problem for tourists. Watch out for thieves that work in groups or pairs and if a policeman approaches you always make sure you see his documento (identification card), as thieves have been known to impersonate police officers. Ensure that you keep your personal belongings safe at all times and secure your passport in a hotel safe during your stay. Emergency Numbers Police Tel: 113 or 112 (Carabinieri) Ambulance Tel: 118 Fire Tel: 115 Phrasebook The secret to Italian pronunciation is that every letter (except "h") is pronounced. Another important thing to remember is that most Italian questions are indicated by tone of voice rather than the actual word meanings i.e. Posso means "I can", but with a different tone of voice means "Can I..." . Below are some sample phrases in the four main languages:
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