Agrigento  Agrigento Agrigento, Sicily, was built on top of the ancient Greek colony town of Akragas. It is home to the amazing "Valley of the Temples", a site hosting some of the greatest Greek ruins in the world. Listed as a World Heritage Site, these ruins are some of the best preserved Greek ruins outside Greece proper. Roman and Gothic buildings are also present, but the town`s main attraction remains its Greek heritage. Alberobello Alberobello Alberobello looks like a picture from a fairytale. The historical center has a great concentration of "trulli" and has been declared an international monument. Trulli are beehive-shaped houses that were built in the 13th century. Their whitewashed limestone walls and conical fieldstone roofs utilize the materials in such a way that mortar isn't needed to keep the pieces together. Here you will see people making ceramics according to the way it used to be done some 500 years ago. Amalfi Amalfi Situated on the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula, the Amalfi coast is probably Italy's most beautiful stretch of coast. The town of Amalfi is a seaside resort since Edwardian times, when the British upper class spent their winters here. It still keeps some remnants of its past glories such as the Duomo and the Amalfi's cathedral built in the 9th century. Some of its original ancient features remain, such as the bell tower, the bronze posts on the main door and the Chapel of the Crucifix. Arezzo Arezzo Located at equal distances from Florence, Perugia and Siena, Arezzo is a beautiful town that dominates the valleys of the Arno and Tevere rivers. Its medieval historic centre is rich in traces of earlier Etruscan and Roman cultures. The main attractions are: the Palace of the Lay Fraternity, the Vasari Loggia, the Episcopal Palace and the Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari and also the artistic masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, and the stained-glass marvels by Guillaume de Marcillat. Assisi Assisi Assisi is one of Italy's top sights, competing with the Colosseum, Pompeii, and Venice's canals. It boasts some of Italy's finest early Renaissance art. One of the top attractions is the remarkably preserved portico of a Roman temple on its main square. The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St Francis) is a World Heritage Site that well worths a visit. The town is dominated by two medieval castles. The larger, called Rocca Maggiore, was built by Cardinal Albornoz (1367). Bassano del Grappa Bassano del Grappa Situated on the Brenta River, Bassano del Grappais a picturesque town, famous especially for its centuries-old production of handcrafted ceramics and of grappa, Italy's national firewater of choice. The main attraction is the historic center with its medieval buildings, baroque palazzi and with the Duomo built around the year 1000. The wooden covered Bridge or Ponte degli Alpini on the Brenta River, designed in 1569 by the architect Andrea Palladio is the highlight of Bassano's historic center. Bergamo Bergamo Bergamo is a lovely little town divided in two distinct parts: "Città alta", a hilltop medieval town, surrounded by 17th century defensive walls, and "Città bassa", the modern center. The main attractions of Bergamo Alta are the Piazza Vecchia with its Renaissance buildings such as the Biblioteca Civica and the Palazzo della Ragione and the Piazza del Duomo. In Città Bassa, of artistic relevance are the Pinacoteca dell'Accademia Carrara and the nearby Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. Bologna Bologna Bologna is one of the most overlooked gems in Italy, one of the most architecturally unified in Europe - a panorama of sienna-colored buildings, marbled sidewalks, and porticos. Located at the crossroads between Venice and Florence and surrounded by hills, Bologna provides the best of several worlds; it has beautiful piazzas, churches and museums, as well as being a thriving university town, filled with cafes, bars and nightlife. The bars, cafes, and squares fill up with students, and an eclectic mix of concerts, art exhibits, and avant-garde ballet and theater performances always marks the calendar. Bolzano Bolzano Once belonging to Austria, Bolzano has only been part of Italy since the end of World War I. It is a fascinating city at crossroads between Italian and Austrian cultures. The city's Austrian character, enhanced by the narrow cobblestone streets, Austrian-style churches give Bolzano an unique charm. The main attractions are: the Gothic Cathedral dating from 1184, Walther von der Vogelweide Platz, the Archeological Museum, which hosts the Ötzi mummy and various beautiful castles. Capri Capri The island of Capri is one of the loveliest resorts in Italy, a beautiful island off the coast from Naples. The centre of activity and the soul of Capri town is the Piazzetta, meaning "little square", usually fully packed with people. The domes, the staircases, tiny piazzas, the narrow walkways, and the terraced gardens will fascinate you. The Faraglioni beach, renowned for its beauty, is a 20 minutes' walk from Capri town. Other sights include the Blue Grotto, and the Natural Arch. Catania Catania Situated at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna, Catania is the second largest city of Sicily. Much of the ancient monuments of the Roman city have been destroyed by the numerous earthquakes, but there are still several interesting places to visit: the Theater (2nd century), The Amphitheater (2nd century), The Odeon (3rd century CE). The so-called Liotru, symbol of the city, a manufact in lava stone portraying an elephant and surmounted by an obelisk, is probably from Roman times. Cortina d`Ampezzo Cortina d`Ampezzo Cortina d'Ampezzo is Italy's best-known resort and probably among the three most exclusive mountain locations in Europe, renowned for its first-class hotels and shops. Surrounded by the Dolomite peaks, of which eighteen rise more than 10,000 ft, it has stunning views. The most famous peaks in the city's neighbourhood include Le Tofane, Il Cristallo and Le Cinque Torri. Cortina appeals to the vistors with 90 miles of ski runs and 50 cable cars and chairlifts that make the slopes easily accessible. Cortona Cortona Looking over the Chiana Valley, Cortona is a medieval city rich in art and history. One of its great attractions is the Museo Diocesano, home to a superb collection of paintings, including "Annunciation" and "Madonna and Saints" by Fra Angelico. Another important site is the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca with items from Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations and also art and artifacts from the Medieval and Renaissance eras on display. | Cremona Cremona Eversince the 16th century, Cremona was renowned as a centre of musical instrument manufacture, beginning with the violins of the Amati family, and later included the products of the Guarneri and Stradivari shops. The main attractions of the city are: the medieval historical centre, the beautiful paintings and frescoes of the Campi, a Renaissance family of painters, and the violinmaking tradition, superbly represented by the workshop of Antonio Stradivari who lived between the XVI and XVII Century. Ferrara Ferrara Situated on the banks of the river Po, Ferrara is a beautiful renaissance city with much of its legacy intact. Among the historic treasures are sumptuous palazzos dating from the 14th century and the narrow Medieval streets. Don't miss the great exhibitions staged at the Palazzo dei Diamanti, where the works of Dalì, Mirò, Monet, Chagall have been hosted. Other sights include the façade of cathedral, the renaissance frescos of Palazzo Schiafanoia and the stately of the Este Castle. Florence Florence Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval center that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Art treasures Michelangelo's David Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Raphael's La Velata draw millions of visitors every year. Throw into the mix fabulous architecture (the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's campanile, Santa Croce), fine restaurants and earthy trattorie, plus leading designer boutiques and bustling outdoor markets, and the city of the Renaissance becomes quite simply one of the world's must-see sights. Foggia Foggia Foggia is a city in Apulia's northernmost province of Capitanata, also known as the granary of Italy. Due to its tragic history marked by both an earthquake in the 1700's as well as extensive allied bombing during WWII, Foggia has little to offer in terms of the historic attractions one would expect of an Italian city. Nonetheless, Foggia makes for a good base for exploring the nearby attractions of Lucera and Troia or the Gargano Peninsula. Genoa Genoa Genoa is one of the oldest and well preserved cities in Italy, offering to visitors many ancient Renaissance buildings, famous museums and very good restaurants. The main sights are: St. Lawrence Cathedral, the Old Harbor, transformed into a mall by architect Renzo Piano, and the famous cemetery of Staglieno renowned for its monuments and statues. The Museo d'Arte Orientale has one of the largest collections of Oriental art in Europe. Genoa also has the second largest aquarium in the world. Ischia Ischia Ischia is the largest volcanic island at the northern end of the Golf of Naples. Ischia is also the name of the principal city of the island and one of the most important spa destination since the 16th century. Treatment centers and parks constitute half of the island's tourism services. The popular treatments include thermal baths, mud baths, irrigation, inhalation, hydro-massage, mass-therapy, physiotherapy and beauty treatments. The most visited monument of the island is the Aragonese Castle. Lake Como Lake Como Situated less than an hour by train or car from Milan, Como is a remarkable destination, not only for being used as a backdrop for one of the Star Wars movies, but also more importantly for its beauty. The dramatic backdrop of the azure lake makes this little town a romantic destination rivaling Venice. All romance aside, Como is a serene place to escape from the madness of the modern life, where visitors can savor every moment. Lake Garda Lake Garda Formed by glaciers, Lake Garda, the largest and easternmost of the lakes, is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Its exotic landscape has attracted the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, whose villa near Gardone is one of the area's major attractions. Visitors come here to swim, windsurf, and enjoy the relaxing ambience of Garda's many pleasant lakeside resorts. The ancient fortified town of Sirmione, located on the south of the lake is one particularly popular destination. Lake Maggiore-Baveno Lake Maggiore-Baveno Since the early 19th century, Baveno has been a well-known tourist resort, as witnessed by the precious examples of architecture, the beautiful villas of the surroundings among which, villa Henfrey (now Branca), where Queen Victoria stayed, and villa Fedora, which belonged to the composer Umberto Giordano. Baveno is also famous for quarrying of the precious pink granite, still carried out today. The main sight is the church, dedicated to Saint Jervis and Saint Protasio, with a 12th century facade. Lake Maggiore-Belgitare Lake Maggiore-Belgitare Lake Maggiore is a popular tourist area with many international renowned destinations such as Arona, Belgirate, Stresa, Baveno, Verbano. Overlooking the area of Verbano, Belgirate has a characteristic town centre with loggia and portico houses. The main attraction is the Gothic church of St. Martha, with its 15th century frescoes and Romanic bell tower. Another important sight is the Villa Carlotta where Guido Gozzano, Rosmini and Manzoni stayed and that has been transformed nowadays in a hotel. Lake Maggiore-Stresa Lake Maggiore-Stresa Stresa is a small town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where relaxing is the main activity for tourists and locals alike. The lakeside promenade will give everyone a chance to admire both the lake scenery and the grand lakeside hotels. The Borromean Islands, where Hemingway set his famed A Farewell to Arms, are a short boat trip away, and it would be pity to miss them. Lecce Lecce Also known as the 'Florence of the South', Lecce is situated in Southern Italy, region of Apulia, Lecce province. Geographically, Lecces lies in the middle of the Salento Peninsula and is best known for its unique style of baroque architecture, which bears its name - barocco leccese. Although its history goes back to pre-Roman times, Lecce's fine-grained yellow limestone buildings set the city apart from its neighbors. | Lucca Lucca The birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca is a beautiful medieval walled city. The wide walls lost their military importance and became a pedestrian promenade ringing the old town. If you are interested in religious art, enter the 14th-century cathedral Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent from the Cross or have a look at the multi-patterned columns at "San Michele", the church of the archangel. Take some time to enjoy Lucca's tranquil atmosphere and its many fine restaurants.
Manfredonia Manfredonia Manfredonia is situated on the coast, facing the south of Monte Gargano. The best time to visit is autumn, when you can enjoy the colors of the Umbra Forest. At Lesina and Varano, you'll find salt lakes where you can enjoy swimming and watersports in the mild climate and calm waters. The main sights are historic monuments - Byzantine, Romanesque, Norman, and medieval. In the church of San Domenico, the chapel of the Maddalena contains old paintings of the 14th century. Mantova (Mantua) Mantova (Mantua) Having a charming location, on the meandering river Mincio, Mantua is one of Lombardy's finest cities that reached its peak on both the administrative and artistic level under the rule of the Gonzaga family. It still keeps the mark of the Renaissance period in its monuments and art collections. The old historic city centre has small medieval streets, many piazzas, churches or palaces, the most renowned one being the Palazzo Ducale with its many rooms, numerous courtyards and impressive frescoes. Martina Franca Martina Franca Martina Franca is a charming, ancient city on the hills of Puglia, with Moorish flavor. This town is still part of the trulli district. Trulli are beehive-shaped houses that were built in the 13th century. The main attraction of the city is the splendid historical center built in Baroque style with monumental churches and beautiful squares. The core of the city from the Middle Ages makes the visiting trip worthwhile.
Merano Merano Located inside a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to 3,335 m, Merano is a nice place to visit for a day or two of relaxation or hiking to its surrounding mountainous wilderness. It is best known for its spa resorts, for its mild climate and clear air. Among the town's landmarks are the Museum of Tourism, which was opened in the spring of 2003 and shows the historical development of tourism in the South Tyrol, and the botanic garden. Both sites are located in the Chateaux Trauttmansdorff. Milan Milan Milan is Italy's window on Europe, its most sophisticated and high-tech metropolis. La Scala, its landmark, is one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. In addition, it's the site of several world-renowned annual trade fairs. Milan is one of Europe's top shopping cities, with an incredible concentration of sophisticated, high style boutiques - and that's only fitting because Milan is the dynamo of the Italian fashion industry. Dolce & Gabbana, Ferré, Krizia, Moschino, Prada, Armani, and Versace have all catapulted to international stardom from design studios based here. Inevitably, shopping is of almost religious significance. Modena Modena Mòdena is an important industrial town surnamed "the capital of engines" because of its automobiles factories: Ferrari, Maserati, and De Tomaso. It is also known for producing Lambrusco wine and balsamic vinegar. The old city in the centre is truly monumental, with one of Italy's finest Romanesque cathedrals. Mòdena is also a city of culture housing an university founded in 1683 with traditional strengths in medicine and law. It also famous as the birthplace of the tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Monte Sant `Angelo Monte Sant `Angelo In the beautiful Umbra Forest, 10 miles north of Manfredonia, the site of Monte Sant`Angelo, standing on a spur, offers panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. The most important sight of Monte Sant`Angelo is the Sanctuary of Monte Sant`Angelo, built in the 13th century by Charles I of Anjou. Another attraction is the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (11th-12th centuries) has a façade with blind arcades and a baldachin portal with sculpted frames. The walls have Byzantine-style frescoes. Montecatini Terme Montecatini Terme Montecatini Terme is a heaven for those who love spa treatments. The curative powers of the hot springs and steaming vaporous caverns of the Valdinevole west of Pistoia have been renowned for centuries. Wrapped in mud packs, drinking mineral-laden waters, getting radioactive vapors steamed into your face you will forget all about the stress. The Parco dei Termi, a long park of neoclassical temples expanding over the sources of various underground hot springs is the ideal place for relaxation. Naples Naples The proximity of the city of Naples (Napoli) to the Vesuvius gives its inhabitants a certain edge. Its reputation as the most vibrant city in Italy can be a double-edged sword, explaining why some tourists like it and some hate it outright. Nonetheless, the charm of Naples resides in its narrow streets with numerous ancient churches, street markets, cafés, bars and restaurants, all leading to a cacophony of sounds and images embodying the spirit of the Italian South. Orvieto Orvieto Situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tufa, Orvieto is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy's region named Umbria. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tufa cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone. The main attraction of the town is the spectacular Duomo, one of Italy's finest Gothic buildings dating from 1290. Its glittering mosaic facade is visible for miles around. Padua (Padova) Padua (Padova) A former Roman settlement, Padua's importance grew during the 13th and 16th centuries when it had become the second biggest university city in Europe. Dante and Copernicus studied here, Petrarch and Galileo taught here. It has a picturesque atmosphere. "Basilica di Sant'Antonio" with the grave of "Sant'Antonio" is the most important attraction. Here one can also admire works by medieval and renaissance artists, such as Giotto. The Prato della Valle, the biggest square in Europe is worth a visit. Palermo Palermo Palermo is the capital of Sicily, notorious for its mafia glamour. All organized crime aside, Palermo has plenty to offer to the intrepid visitor. Palermo`s Arab-Norman buildings are unique on Earth. There are also plenty of treasures to uncover in its rather forgotten museums. Arabic and North African influences are still visible in outdoors markets such as Vuccirria, and an interesting mélange of Arab, Byzantine, Norman and baroque architectural styles are visible to the trained eye. Parma Parma Parma is a medieval city, famous for its architectures and the beautiful countryside around it. The boulevards are stylish, there are many important sights like: the Romanesque Cathedral, the church of Saint John, the Monastery of Saint Paul, the Museo Lombardi that exhibits a collection of art and historical items regarding Maria Luigia of Habsburg and her first husband Napoleon Bonaparte. Around Parma you can visit many castles that belonged to the Duc of Parma and Piacenza. | Perugia Perugia Perugia is the capital city of Umbria, central Italy, claiming to be one of the most cosmopolitan medieval cities in the world. It hosts numerous Gothic palaces and jazz cafes, as well as some one of Italy's largest state universities. It is also the place to learn Italian and Italian customs, as it is home to Universita per Stranieri, the country's most prestigious of its kind. Perugina, a fine Italian chocolatier, is based here, and this is also a place to enjoy a famous European jazz festival in the summer. Pisa Pisa Pisa does not need an introduction, as testified by the millions of tourists offloading each year for their mandatory photo of the Leaning Tower. In the rush of the moment, few bother to find out that Pisa was founded circa 1000 b.c. and became an important maritime republic alongside Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa. Birthplace of the famed Galileo Galilei, Pisa is also home to one of Italy?s top universities. For those choosing to stay longer, there are plenty of architectural splendors around the Tower. Portofino Portofino Portofino is one of the most beautiful resorts of the Italian Riviera southeast of Genoa. Mountains with beautiful sceneries, clear bays, thick evergreen forests, a National Park, all make Portofino an ideal place for a relaxing vacation. One of the most scenic walks takes you uphill for about 10 minutes along a signposted path from the west side of town just behind the harbor to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, built on the site of a sanctuary Roman soldiers dedicated to the Persian god Mithras. Positano Positano Positano is a romantic sea-side resort town built into the side of a mountain. Since 1800, the charm of the town has fascinated writers and artists from all over the world, such as Goethe, Steinbeck, Picasso and Diaghilev. Rome's legendary movie Dolce Vita found its home right here in Positano. The main sight is the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, that dates back to the 1200s and features a dome made of majolica tiles. Here, you can admire the wonderful Byzantine icon called "Madonna di Positano". Pozzuoli Pozzuoli Puzzuoli is a pleasant, colorful maritime town. The main attraction is the Anfiteatro Flavio, built in the last part of the 1st century and the third biggest in Italy. One of the finest surviving ancient arenas, it's particularly famous for its large underground cavers where exotic beasts from Africa were caged before being turned loose in the ring to test their jungle skill against a gladiator. In the immediate vicinity is the Solfatara - the most impressive volcanic phenomenon known.
Prato Prato Prato is a small town only 17km away from Florence. There is an old, walled city with palaces, a good art gallery, a great cathedral and an imperial castle, dating back to the 13th century. Prato has many interesting museums and cultural monuments, including the Filippo Lippi frescoes in the Cathedral of St. Stephano, currently under restoration. Another major attraction of the city is the Centro per l'arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci a museum and education centre concerned with contemporary arts. Rapallo Rapallo Rapallo is a beautiful old seaside resort known especially for its pleasant climate that made it over the years the winter residence for most of the Italians. The symbol of Rapallo is its old castle surrounded by the sea that once had to defend the city from pirate invasions and where nowadays original art exhibitions are held. Take the funicular up to the Holy Virgin of Montallegro hill and admire the most breathtaking view. The walls inside the 7th century shrine still preserve many precious "ex-voto". Ravenna Ravenna Located on the Adriatic midway between Venice and Florence, Ravenna is a city with a great history. It has been the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoth Empire, and the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. Today, it is best known for the Byzantine mosaic decoration of its churches and tombs that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city itself is very charming, with many good restaurants and a lively nightlife. Riva de Garda Riva de Garda The northernmost town on the Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is one of the most spectacular spots. A prosperous Italian town, with medieval towers, churches and palazzi from the Renaissance period, Riva del Garda is best known as Europe's windsurfing capital. One of the most amazing sights in the area, Cascata Verone is located just out of town. Other fascinating sights in this region are the Dolomites, a section of the Alps, with amazing viewing locations at the top of the various peaks.
Rome Rome Rome is Italy's treasure, packed with masterpieces from more than two millennia of artistic achievement. Modern Rome has one foot in the past, one in the present. Find a cafe at summer twilight and watch the shades of pink turn to gold and copper before night finally falls. That's when another Rome comes alive; restaurants and cafes grow more animated and after dinner you can have a gelato (or an espresso in winter) or stroll by the fountains or through Piazza Navona, and the night is yours. San Gimignano San Gimignano Surnamed "city of the beautiful towers," San Gimignano is one of the most charming hill towns in Tuscany. Its 13 medieval towers dominate the town in the way that skyscrapers dominate modern cities. Walk through the wonderfully Piazza della Cisterna, visit the 13th-century town hall the Palazzo del Popolo and enjoy the views from the Rocca citadel. San Gimignano is also famous for its Torture museum, with a display of instruments and devices for torture in various times and places. San Remo San Remo Founded in Roman times, San Remo has become nowadays the most cosmopolitan resort on the Italian Riviera, catering mostly to sun-seeking families with a wonderful climate all year round. Shaped like an amphitheatre between Cape Verde eastwards and Cape Nero westwards, it offers visitors a long stretch of beach and a hilltop Old Town known as La Pigna and also, for cosmopolitan pleasures, a casino. San Remo hosts several cultural events such as the Sanremo Music Festival. Santa Margherita Ligure Santa Margherita Ligure Not as famous as its neighbor Portofino, only 15 minutes away, Santa Margherita Ligure is a fashionable Mediterranean resort, and makes a pleasant base to explore the Cinque Terre villages which are about 60 minutes by a train that leaves every hour. One can also catch day trip cruises to the villages. Santa Margarita has a pleasant promenade and an attractive small old town. To the west the rocky coast is interrupted by little inlets, among which there is Paraggi, with a strip of sandy beach ideal for sunbathing. | Siena Siena Siena is a city of brick, where urban development all but ceased after the great plague of the 14th century, busy as it was defending itself. Today, Siena is one of the largest Tuscan cities to maintain a distinctively medieval atmosphere and a great place to discover Tuscany at its medieval best, with numerous gothic palaces, pastry shops, and unequaled altarpieces. Siracusa (Syracuse) Siracusa (Syracuse) Syracuse (Siracusa, in Italian), is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and was once considered one of the most impressive cities in the Greek World, competing for supremacy with Athens and even taking on the rising powers of Rome and Carthage. The multi-millennia decline is rather visible, and the Old City probably the only worth visiting on the small island of Ortygia, abundant in ancient ruins, as well as medieval and baroque buildings. Sorrento Sorrento Overlooking the bays of Naples and Salerno, Sorrento is a popular tourist destination and an important gateway for day trips to Capri, Pompei, Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Ischia and many other appealing places. Sorrento features natural beauty, many viewpoints that allow sight of Naples itself (visible across the bay) and Vesuvius, history, but also great restaurants, shopping, and friendly people. The city's cobbled alleyways and flower-ringed piazzas encourage strolls. Spoleto Spoleto Spoleto is located in the region of Umbria, Perugia province and hosts numerous Roman ruins and medieval buildings terraced from the valley up on the hill. Among the sites worth visiting are the Roman theather, the Roman amphiteater, Ponte del Torri, a 13th century aqueduct possibly built on a Roman foundation, the Duomo, and many other palazzi, churches, and other ancient structures. Taormina Taormina Taormina dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was a Greek colony. Dimmed the most beautiful town in Sicily for its location on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna in the background, it achieved international fame in the early 20th century when it became a huge magnet for expatriate writers and intellectuals. Countless stores and cafes, along with numerous piazzas and palazzi dating as far back as the 15th century will give you plenty to do and see while visiting. Taranto Taranto Taranto is an important military and commercial port in Apulia, Southern Italy, thought to be founded by the ancient Spartans, who used to call it Taras. Seafood is this town's claim for fame, as its strategic location, on a peninsula bordering the seas of Piccolo and Grande make it easy to be awash in the region's (some say even Italy's) best shellfish. Todi Todi Overlooking the east bank of the Tiber, Todi is one of the most enchanting hill towns, a maze of narrow medieval streets, with many alleys whose graceful sets of stairs flow down the center. One of the top attractions is the 11th century gothic Cathedral, said to be erected over an ancient Roman building, probably a temple dedicated to Apollo. Other medieval sights include: the Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo del Popolo that are worth visiting. Trento Trento Founded by the Romans, Trento is a beautiful city on the banks of the Adige River surrounded by mountains. Although it spent most of its history, from the 10th century though 1813, as a German-Austrian bishopric ruled by powerful princely bishops, Trento is essentially Italian with broad piazze and ocher-colored palaces, unlike other towns in the north, which tend to lean heavily on their Austrian heritage. Walk around the historic centre and admire the outdoor fresco's on historic buildings. Treviso Treviso Treviso is a prosperous small city in the northern Veneto. The charm of Treviso does not just lie in its heritage of churches and buildings, but much more in the intimate atmosphere of the city. The main attractions are the medieval palazzi and houses with painted facades, churches frescoed by Tomaso da Modena, and the medieval streets cut across by pretty canals. The most charming corners of the city are: Isola della Pescheria, Canale dei Buranelli, Ponte San Francesco with the windmill. Trieste Trieste Idyllically placed where the Mediterranean touches the heart of Europe, Trieste is a beautiful city with medieval, neoclassical, and modern buildings. Its sights include numerous examples of Art Nouveau and neoclassical architecture from its Austrian past, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, International School for Advanced Studies, Trieste University, and a beautiful coastline outside the city. Don't miss the Cathedral of S. Giusto, and the castle with some baroque extensions. Venice Venice With sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways, Venice is straight out of an 18th-century Canaletto masterpiece. No matter how many times you have seen it in movies or TV commercials, the real thing is more surreal and dreamlike than you ever imagined. Its landmarks, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale are exotic mélanges of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It is full of secrets, ineffably romantic, and - at times - given over entirely to pleasure. You must walk everywhere in Venice and where you cannot walk, you go by water. Verona Verona The city of Verona in the province of Veneto, Northern Italy, rivals Venice in terms of magic and romance. Visitors turn here in numbers, making this town the most visited of the province after Venice. Aside from Romeo and Juliet's strong pull, Verona is a charming medieval and Renaissance city, with numerous medieval palazzi, churches, towers, and centuries-old piazzas. Among other objectives of interest are the Roman amphitheatre (the third largest in Italy), Arco dei Gavi, Basilica of San Zeno. Vicenza Vicenza Situated 60 km west from Venice, Vicenza is a town with a great history. Surrnamed "the City of Palladio" due to its great Palladian architectural treasures considered of exceptional interest and value, Vicenza has been included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1994. Don't miss the Villa Capra (also known as "La Rotonda"), centrally located in Vicenza's Piazza dei Signori, of which Palladio himself said that it might stand comparison with any similar work of antiquity the Teatro Olimpico.
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