Italy Travel Guide

Italy is renowned for many things which reflects and represent its present culture. Such things as its fashion, football and cuisine draw in its tourists in year after year. As well as these popular modern attractions there are also many historically rich areas of the country.

Italian Foods

Italian cuisine has become popular throughout the world due to the explosion of tastes and flavoursome foods which the country has created. In the North of Italy fish, cheese and sausages are the main aspects of Italian cuisine. One of the quirks of this region’s cooking is that tomatoes are virtually absent. Lingurain cooking usually involves different fish and seafood alongside basil and olive oil.

In the central areas of Italy, the food varies and tomatoes are used to create dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese and Lasagna. There is also a great deal of ham, sausages and salamis presented in salads and midday cuisines.

Then in the South of Italy there is a great concentration of vegetables as the luscious landscape provides this produce. This includes such foods as tomatoes, pepper, olives, garlic and oranges plus many more. Through the food shown it is clear to see that the typical Italian cuisine is both healthy and full of flavor due to the great produce used.

Religion

The largest religion in Italy is considered Roman Catholicism. There are four popular and famous churches in Italy; the Milan Cathedral, Florence Cathedral, Syracuse Cathedreal and St. Mark’s Basilica which are the pride of Italian citizens as well as being popular tourist destinations. This religion is predominant within San Marino and the Vatican City; whilst the country’s religious significance can also be seen through the country housing the Pope, a great national figure. Roman Catholic architecture is also an impressive feature within Italy as there are such striking buildings as St. Peter’s Basilica and the above Cathedrals which are worth visiting.

Italian Architecture

Many buildings and monuments draw in tourists year after year. Two of the main cities to enjoy these sights are Venice and Rome however the beauty can also be found throughout the country if you wish to explore places off the tourist trail. The style of the Italian architecture ranges between Classical Roman, Gothic, Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau alongside many more. Some popular places to visit whilst travelling or visiting the country are the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pantheon which are all excellent examples of the striking exteriors of buildings which Italy has to offer.

Italian Culture

An important phrase in Italian life is la bella figura; the Italians pride themselves on their outward appearance when meeting people in order to make a good impression. This idea of looking good coincides with the many fashion houses and designers which originated and still inhabit Italy. Another important aspect of the culture is the dining and table manners. Families and friends enjoy meals together enabling them to chat and discuss important topical issues.

Map of Italy