Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world and ranks fourth place for highest tourist earner according the World Tourism Organization UNWTO. Italy is a constantly popular destination for tourists and it’s easy to see why.
For centuries people have flocked to Italy to admire its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and enjoy its rich art and history. Not to mention sample the delicious culinary delights. Italy offers something to suit everyone’s tastes and interests.
History of Italy
Italy is home to some of the most famous monuments in the world and full of sights of historical importance.
Since the Roman Empire, Rome has always attracted visitors. They were drawn by its power and influence but even after the fall of the Empire, when Rome was no longer the epicenter of the political and cultural world, religion ensured that Rome remained amongst the most visited places. Base of the papacy, Rome is Europe’s greatest religious center and continues to draw pilgrims from all over the world.
People have come here for years to admire the architecture of the Coliseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the canals of Venice and many more important and beautiful early structures throughout the country.
Art in Italy
Birth place to some of the worlds most distinguished artists, Italy offers an enormous assortment of paintings, statues and other fine masterpieces.
Greats like Michelangelo have contributed to numerous structures across the country with their talent displayed in museums, fountains, churches and other buildings.
Gastronomy in Italy
Italy’s culinary expertise is known and praised world wide. The richness of Italian cuisine lies in its diversity. Each region has its own specialities and gastronomic traditions. So whether you try the Pizza in Naples or Spaghetti all’ Amatriciana in Rome or get spicy with chilli-peppers in Calabria, Italy offers you an unforgettable treat for your taste buds. Don’t forget to sample the Chianti wine zones of Tuscany.
Italian Fashion
Boasting stylists of international fame like Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Versace to name a few, Italy offers a treat for the fashion enthusiast.
Fashion is almost a national passion. The major fashion shows take place in Milan and Milan Fashion Week is attended by celebrities and fashion lovers from all over the world in search of the latest trends.
Tourists are also draw to the big name designers that can be found on famous streets like Via Condotti in Rome.
The Country
The landscape alone draws thousands of tourists to Italy every year. It’s blessed with one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe but also breathtaking mountains and countryside. Not to mention the volcanoes in Naples and Sicily.
Cultural artefacts are scattered throughout the country thanks to historically important periods like the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Northern cities can use the Alps as an attraction for winter sports while coastal southern cities have the Mediterranean sea to draw tourists looking for sun. Italy is also home to an impressive 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why so many tourists continue to visit Italy year after year.
