Travel guide to Italy map, weather

The country of Italy, is located in Southern Europe and forms the Italian Peninsula, consisting of two major Islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Italy, today is a democratic country and is a proud member of the famous G8. It also has the seventh highest GDP ranking in the world. Italy is also, one of the founding members of the now, European council. Italy, also means “the land of the cattle”. Italy, is also home to one of the most successful and historically prominent civilization in the world – The roman civilization and nothing in Italy, reeks more of it, than the Colosseum in Rome.

The Italian climate may be influenced by the Mediterranean, but is a far cry from a Mediterranean climate and can be extremely diverse. The northern most regions of the country like Bologna, experience a continental climate, where as the south peninsular regions like Florence, experience the complete Mediterranean climate. The coastal regions around the Italian peninsula, again differ, having much more of an oceanic climate, which can be felt in the strong winter seasons.

Rome, being the capital and the current papal seat; the country is high a Roman Catholic one. Italy is also known to be the home of race car manufacturers like, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati. Italy has the greatest number of world heritage sites, a title shared with Spain. In terms of culture and art, Italy has added a lot to the world’s palette. Italy’s culture, has been roughly the same throughout the renaissance. The country is also the birthplace of world renowned artists like Donatello, Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and the likes. Italy is also home to the famous Dante Alighieri, who authored the famous Divine Comedy. Italy has had a strong scientific base, with the help of the likes of Galileo Galilei and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Italy is also the birth place of the modern Opera, signifying the importance of Music and folklore in the Italian culture. The country has provided many foundations of today’s classical music culture.

Italy’s history is raveled in the Italian Renaissance and major events like the Black Death, which have chiseled Italy, to what it is today. After the First World War, Italy’s economy fell, giving rise to Fascism, led by Mussolini, and thus gaining support by Nazi Germany. Today, the Italian government, is a stable one, and supports democracy.

Tourists and visitors should not miss the cities of Rome, Florence, Vienna, Naples, Bari, Catania, Messina, Milan and Augusta.

Photos from Flickr