Regions of Italy, Map of Italy Regions, Regions in Italy 7 581 In the time of Ancient Rome, this capital city of Italy was the center of the entire Roman Empire. Today Italy, a founding member of the eurozone and the European Union, is also one of the largest economies in the world, and a major regional power in Europe. Rich Catholic culture has shaped the country's religious base, even though Judaism has been the longest established religious faith in the country. Home to a number of UNESCO's heritage sites, Italy is also a great center of culture, literature, and art. Italy is also known for giving the world the theatrical extravaganza called opera, and its traditional cuisine - pastas and pizzas. Italy's Political Timeline Constitution was approved Location of Italy Located in southern Europe, Italy is comprised of the Italian Peninsula and a number of islands. Italy shares borders with four countries: Switzerland, France, Austria, and Slovenia. It also surrounds two landlocked countries, San Marino and Vatican City. Italy spans a total area of 116,347 square miles and has a coastline of 4,722 miles.

Economy and Agriculture Economically, Italy can be divided into two parts - the developed industrial north, which is dominated by private companies, and the less developed agricultural south. Prior to World War II, Italy had an agriculture-based economy, and after the Second World War, Italy rapidly transformed to an industrialized nation. Today, Italy is one of the most developed nations of the world, with a high standard of living. The country has high GDP, but also has a high unemployment rate. Italy's economy is supported by many small and medium-sized enterprises, which mainly produce high quality consumer goods. Italy's GDP is about $2.05 trillion (2010 United Nations), which is the eighth largest in the world. Italy's main agricultural products are wheat, rice, citrus fruits, beef, potatoes, and soybeans. Its main industries are textile industry, tourism industry, and consumer goods manufacturing enterprises. The eurozone crisis has left an indelible mark on the country, though, and unemployment is a major concern. Political History and Divisions Prior to June 1946, monarchy was prevalent in Italy, but the monarchy was abolished in June 1946, and Italy became a parliamentary democratic nation.

Italy's parliament is divided in two houses: the Senate of the Republic (315 seats) and the Chamber of Deputies (630 seats). Italy's prime minister shares authority with the president of Italy. Fifteen regions of Italy have centralized governments, with the head of the regions reporting to the central government. The twenty regions of Italy have about 110 provinces, each with its its own locally elected representatives. One unique feature of Italy's parliament is that representation is given to permanently non-residing citizens. Major Cities of Italy Venice: Located northeastern Italy, Venice is the capital of the Veneto region. Venice is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its beautiful views, works of art, and unique landscapes and architecture. This city attracts many tourists every year. Milan: Milan is the commercial, industrial, and business center of Italy. This second largest city of Italy also is the capital of the Lombardy region and can be called the capital of Italian fashion. Florence: This famous historical city is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. Florence has many monuments and museums that attract visitors to this city on regular basis.

Rome: The capital of Italy as well as the the Lazio region, Rome became part of unified Italy in 1870. In ancient times, Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, which was a powerful empire that spanned the Mediterranean. Rome is also listed as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Italy - from the Etruscans to the present day Italy is a peninsular country bounded by the Mediterranean, with the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Italy is a beautiful country with lofty mountains like the Apennine and green valleys like in Lombardy. The Po is the longest river in Italy. Italy is home to two great civilizations, namely the Roman and the Etruscan civilizations. Italy has a population of about 60 million people (2011 estimate) and is known for its culture and tradition. Italy is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. The official language of Italy is Italian, but German and French are also spoken by a minority of the population in certain regions. Various dialects are spoken within regions of Italy.

Last Updated on:August 20, 2016 “Florence” photo gallery: Florence (Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany.… Photo index Description Map Cortona Tuscany Garden of Tarot Overview Florence (Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany . Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the … [Read more] Thanks for your visit. If you experience any problem viewing my site or have some feedback, suggestions, please contact me under ✉ feedback@raoul-kieffer.net . Thanks in advance, this will help me to improve my site. Photo index Enlarge all photos on this page Click the pictures to view them in full screen Florence (1) Size of original pictures: 4,992 x 3,328 pixels or 5,616 x 3,744 pixels Description Florence (Firenze) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany . Florence is famous for its history.

A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the Birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy . The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, amongst others, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics. Main Sights Florence is known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance” (la Culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches and buildings. Santa Maria del Fiore: The domed cathedral of the city with the nearby Campanile (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery. Arno River: With the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). Palazzo Pitti: The Medici residence.

San Lorenzo: Contains the Medici Chapel, the mausoleum of the Medici family - the most powerful family in Florence from the 15th to the 18th century. Uffizi: One of the finest art museums in the world - founded on a large bequest from the last member of the Medici family. Piazza della Signoria: The location of a number of statues by other sculptors such as Donatello, Giambologna, Ammannati and Cellini. Michelangelo’s David: A replica, since the original was moved indoors to the Accademia dell’Arte del Disegno), installed in front of the Palazzo della Signoria. Google Maps Javascript must be on to view the Google Map Related links Florence, Italy - YouTube Florence, Italy Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.

Published on May 7, 2013 Recorded April 18-20, 2013 Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. Florence is famous for its history. A center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. Toscana (Tuscany) Region, Italy Follow us on Facebook: The Territory The territory is characterized by mountains in the East and North, among them the Alpi Apuane, rich of the renowned white marble, and wide hilly areas throughout the central part, covered with olive plantations, vineyards and sunflowers. The plains along the coast, Versilia and Maremma, once unhealthy and marshy, were reclaimed in the early 20th century and offer now landscapes of great natural beauty.

The very large plain called Valdarno, going from Florence to the mouth of the Arno river, is among the richest art areas of Italy. Ancient History Inhabited in prehistoric times mostly around the lakes and rivers, far from the marshes of the coast, the region was occupied in the 11th century BC by the Etruscans, people of Eastern origin, who originally occupied a great part of central Italy including Tuscany, Umbria and Marche. The Etruscans were artisans and merchants, and established an organized civilization in the region, founding cities like Chiusi, Volterra, Cortona, Arezzo, Fiesole. Like the Greeks, their political organization was based on federations of independent cities, united by national and religious identity and, though the source of their rich culture, this was also the reason of their defeat by less civilized but better militarily organized peoples like the Romans, who finally in the 3rd century BC occupied the region, which was first still called Etruria (and included also Umbria) but later, as the Septima Regio of the Empire, came to be called Tuscia and its capital city became Florentia.

Medieval History After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was occupied by the Lombards who established the Tuscia Dukedom in the early 7th century AD, then by the Franks who founded the marquisdom of Toscana with capital Lucca. In 1115 Countess Matilde left all her possessions to the Church, which was at the origin of the conflicts with the Empire and the rise of the two parties Guelphs (followers of the Pope) and Ghibellines (followers of the Emperor), and wars were fought between the Tuscan cities, until the Guelphs, at whose head was Florence, finally prevailed. In Florence at that time a model capitalistic economy developed, based on the financial power and banks on the one side, and on the textile industry on the other. Wealth and independence gave rise to culture and art, to the supremacy of the Tuscan dialect which became centuries later the model of the Italian language and therefore to strong feelings of national identity for Italy that, though would remain politically divided until 1860 and beyond.

From the Renaissance Tuscany was the starting point of the Revival of Learning and the Renaissance, long before the conventional date of the end of the Middle Ages in 1492. The Tuscan cities, that had enjoyed for century independence, economic wealth and freedom, were gradually suppressed first under the Medici rule and then in 1569 when Cosimo I Medici was appointed by the Pope as Granduke of Tuscany. Modern History When finally the Medici dynasty died out, the region passed to first in 1718 to the Spaniards, and then in 1737 under the Habsburgs of Austria. Apart from the Napoleonic period, the restoration of Grand-Duke Leopoldo II marked a period of liberalism and tolerance, and Tuscany became a center of reforms, though the movement in favor of Italian unity under the Savoy prevailed, and Tuscany was united to the Italian Kingdom through a referendum in 1860. The Economy Modern agriculture systems make Tuscany among the first producers in Italy of sunflowers, tobacco, potatoes, vegetables and olives.

As far as industry is concerned, the region has a variety of well-managed, small and medium sized industries in the most different sectors. Thanks to the presence of the many art cities and medieval boroughs (Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo..), the well-developed seaside resorts in Versilia, the intelligent promotion, tourism is also a primary resource all over the year. Florence Travel Guide and Tourist Information: Florence, Tuscany, Italy Florence Tourist Information and Tourism (Florence, Tuscany, Italy) Florence, Italy is the capital city of the Tuscany region and is one of the country's most important and historic cities. Full of beautiful, Renaissance-style buildings, including wonderful churches and enormous palaces, Florence is steeped in culture and atmosphere, and has not changed greatly since the 16th century. Standing alongside the banks of the River Arno, Florence lies amongst spreading olive groves and Italian vineyards, and continues to overwhelm tourists by its sheer beauty, particularly when you reach sights such as the Basilica di Santa Croce and the famous Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo).

Tourist information is readily available in Florence, with official tourism outlets being located on the Borgo Santa Croce, the Piazza della Stazione, the Via Cavour, and at the nearby Amerigo Vespucci Airport. As a general rule, visitors to the city will find that Florence hotels can be expensive, although there are often some great hotel bargains to be found. Florence hotels, as with all Italian hotels, are rated on a star grading system, with the highest rated hotels offering the ultimate in luxury. At the more inexpensive end of Florence accommodation are the basic rooms of the hostel (ostello) and guest house (casa di ospite), as well as several campsites (campeggio). Finding accommodation is difficult, problems being heightened at the top of the tourist season (July to August) and therefore booking your Florence hotel reservation in advance is advisable and virtually compulsory in high season. As with innumerable great cities, Florence is built around a large river, the River Arno. This can be crossed at many points, but without doubt the most grand of all the bridges is Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which was built in 1345.

This three-arched bridge is the oldest bridge in Florence and is lined with many shops, mostly jewellers and goldsmiths. High above the shops is a secret passageway that links the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, and this is now open to the public. The powerful Medici family, who came into power in the 1430s and became rulers of Florence for several hundred years, greatly influenced the appearance of this city. They commissioned some particularly grand buildings, town squares and gardens that are still standing today, exuding opulence and character. Many of Italy's most famous artists have also had a hand in designing and creating some of the majestic artwork and interiors to be found in Florence, including the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Amongst the many Florence attractions not to be missed are the Duomo (the fourth largest cathedral in the world), the Bargello (one of the first national museums in Italy), the Uffizi (the world's oldest gallery), Palazzo Vecchio (the city's town hall since 1322), Santa Maria Novella (probably the most important Gothic church in Tuscany) and the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze (if only to view Michelangelo's 'David'). State-run museums give a discount to EU citizens under 25 and those over 65, whilst anyone younger than 20 automatically receives a discount at city-run museums. More information about Florence Tourist Attractions . The city centre of Florence is quite compact, with many of its chief attractions being consolidated in a few areas, resulting in the main highlights being accessible by foot. In fact, it is possible for pedestrians to traverse the city centre in approximately half an hour. Visitors choosing to make use of the Italian public transport here will find the orange buses of the ATAF service dependable and reasonably priced. Alternatively, the white taxis that may be hired from official taxi ranks are expensive, although very convenient.

The city is served by two large nearby airports, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) and Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci), both within each reach of the city centre. More Florence Information / Fast Facts and Orientation Country: Italy (Italia) Status: city, regional and provincial capital of Tuscany (Toscana) Population: 400,000 Time zone: GMT + 1 hour Country dialling code: +39 Florence in Europe Florence is a city of Italy, capital of the region of Tuscany and capital of province. Located at the foot of the Apennines north, it is crossed by the river Arno. Cradle of the Renaissance in Italy, capital of the Kingdom of Italy between 1865 and 1870, listed as World Heritage of Unesco, Florence has a very rich artistic (churches, museums, palaces). Capital of Tuscany, the powerful city of the Medici hidden art treasures of the Renaissance behind the fence of his fortified palaces or churches, which plays the brilliant light of Italy. florence The city is then dominated by different clans vying for power.

In 1434, it was the Medici who become masters of the city. In 1569, Florence became the capital of Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The city keeps this time many monuments, including the church of San Miniato al Monte (1018), the church Santa Maria Novella, the church Santa Croce, the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (il Duomo, whose dome is carried by the architect Brunelleschi), home to works by Giotto, Donatello or Michelangelo (see the references on all these monuments by genre). Florence was the capital of the Arno, French department created on 25 May 1808, following the annexation of the kingdom of Etruria to the French Empire by Napoleonic troops. The city then known a period of slow decline until 1865, when it became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. It lost this status in 1870, in favor of Rome. florence streets The Regions of Italy Home » All Articles » Travel tips » The Regions of Italy, From A to Z The Regions of Italy, From A to Z The villages of Limosano and S.

Angelo Limosano, in the region of Molise Tuscany might be Italy’s most famous region—but it’s hardly the only beautiful region in Italy! Do you know Italy… by region? It might seem like a lot to ask, but if you’re planning a trip to Italy, knowing Italy’s regions is a great place to start! The country is broken up into 20 official regions, which you can think of as districts—similar to states or provinces. What are the different regions, what are they known for, and which ones should you travel to? Here’s help! (How many of the 20 regions have you heard of, or been to? Tell us in the comments!). Abruzzo Abruzzo’s Campo Imperatore, just one gorgeous part of the region’s countryside The rural region of Abruzzo, located near the center of Italy, often gets ignored by international travelers. And that’s a shame: With beautiful countryside, mountains, and beaches, it’s the perfect place to “get away from it all.” It’s an especially great place to hike, ski, camp, or bike, and while Italians certainly travel here, it’s hardly a touristy region.

That’s partly because, for many years, rural Abruzzo was dogged by poverty. This has turned around recently, although Abruzzo’s comeback hit a serious road bump in 2009, thanks to the devastating earthquake in L’Aquila, the region’s capital. Visit Abruzzo if: You love the outdoors; you want to experience the “authentic Italy”; you’re planning on driving (public transport isn’t great); you’d like an active vacation; you’d like to get off the beaten path; you want to travel on a budget (it tends to be pretty cheap to stay and eat in Abruzzo, especially compared to other regions!). Aosta Valley Arpy Lake in the Valle d’Aosta Tucked in between France, Switzerland, and Piedmont, Aosta Valley is all the way up in the northwest corner of Italy. As you might expect, that means this area is mountainous! The Alps run right through this tiny region, including Mont Blanc (here called “Monte Bianco”), shared with France, and the Matterhorn (the Italian resort is called “Cervinia”), shared with Switzerland. The region’s mixed heritage makes it culturally (and culinarily) fascinating.

There’s enough here for history buffs, too: The capital, Aosta, has some fantastic ancient Roman ruins , and other towns boast medieval castles. Aosta Valley is also politically interesting, since it’s an autonomous region. And despite its agricultural background, it’s one of the wealthiest regions in Italy. (Find out more about the Valle d’Aosta and other winter wonderlands in Italy!). Visit Aosta Valley if: You’re a fan of winter sports, especially skiing or snowboarding; if it’s summer, you’d love to hike or do other outdoor activities; you have a soft spot for picturesque Alpine villages; you want to get out of the heat (because of the mountains, even the summer can be chilly here); you want a taste of a multicultural side of Italy; you like castles and ruins. Basilicata The southern region of Basilicata is located in the “instep” of Italy’s boot. Large and rural, it has a very low population density and lots of countryside, not to mention mountains—the Apennines run right through here.

People have lived in Basilicata since the Palaeolithic times, and you can still see Neolithic cave dwellings in Matera, the number-one city in Basilicata to visit (and a World Heritage site). One of Italy’s poorer regions, Basilicata is also one of its most starkly beautiful, filled with forests, lakes, and tiny villages. (Check out the short and stunning video, above, for a glimpse of what Basilicata is really like!). Visit Basilicata if: You’re driving (public transport isn’t great here); you want to really go off the beaten path and explore areas of Italy that tourists hardly ever visit; you like the outdoors; you want an active holiday; you’re traveling on a budget; you’re as fascinated by Matera as we are . Calabria The countryside of Calabria Another quintessential southern region, Calabria sits in the “toe” of Italy’s boot. As you might expect, that means it has lots of beautiful beaches! Like Basilicata, it’s mountainous, so it’s great for hiking. And like the rest of Italy’s south, Calabria historically has been fairly poor.

So despite its natural gems (and long stretches of lovely coastline!), it’s pretty underdeveloped compared to other seaside destinations in Europe. Visit Calabria if: You want to hit the beach—but still be away from the crowds; you’d like to go off the beaten path; you’re traveling on a budget; you want a taste of quintessential southern Italy, from the food to the small towns. Campania Salerno, in the southern Italian region of Campania The southern region of Campania has a lot to recommend it, from fascinating, chaotic Naples (here are 9 reasons not to miss Naples !), to the spectacular islands of Capri and Ischia, to the world-renowned ruins of Pompeii, to the famed Amalfi coast. But Campania, Italy’s second most populous region and one that has, like much of Italy’s south, struggled with poverty in the past, has lots of off-the-beaten-path destinations, too. We especially like Paestum , the best ancient Greek ruins on Italy’s mainland, and Salerno , a bustling, un-touristy town on the Amalfi coast.

Visit Campania if: You’re looking for a taste of Italy’s sun-soaked south, but don’t have time for more than a day or weekend trip from Rome or Florence; you’re as in love with Naples as we are; you want to visit Italy’s most famous coastline (here are 5 reasons we love the Amalfi coast , in photos!); you won’t necessarily have your own car (you can get around the most popular parts of Campania easily by public transport); you want to taste real mozzarella di bufala and proper pizza napolitana! Emilia-Romagna Castell’Arquato, one of the many beautiful castles of Emilia-Romagna Stretching across northern Italy, Emilia-Romagna is a wealthy region with the third-highest GDP per capita in Italy. It’s also a joy to visit! The region includes Renaissance cities like Bologna, Ferrara, and Modena, beautiful stretches of coastline, and, arguably, some of the best regional cuisine in Italy (prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar of Modena all come from here).

The area also is home to Ravenna, a World Heritage-listed city for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. (Here are 8 reasons to head to Emilia-Romagna !). Visit Emilia-Romagna if: You want to visit beautiful cities that have some must-see sights, but aren’t quite as crowded or touristy as Florence or Venice; you have a weakness for Italian sports cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, De Tomaso and Ducati all are based here); you want to try some of Italy’s most famous foods, in the place where they come from! Friuli-Venezia Giulia Cabia and Monte Sernio in Friuli-Venezia Giulia This tiny region, all the way in Italy’s northeastern corner, borders Austria and Slovenia. Like the Aosta Valley, it’s an autonomous region, accounting for its unique cultural heritage. Despite its small size, Friuli has both seaside and mountains, since it’s home to the last section of the Alps. From its food to language, this is a region that’s markedly different than the rest of Italy—and rightly proud of it!

Visit Friuli-Venezia Giulia if: You’re a fan of outdoor activities and winter sports; you want a taste of a unique region of Italy, one with a multicultural background; you like both the sea and the mountains. Lazio More to Lazio than Rome: Civita di Bagnoregio is just one hidden gem in the region Lazio is a pretty well-known region since, after all, it’s home to Rome! (It’s also the third most populous region in Italy). But there’s much more to this central region than Italy’s capital. Lazio, which gets its name from “Latium,” has sandy beaches along the coast and hills and small mountains further inland. It’s home to famous lakes, like Bracciano and Albano; the lovely Castelli Romani hills; medieval towns and Renaissance gardens; and great archaeological sites, like Ostia Antica. (Don’t miss our post on the hidden gems of the Lazio region !). Visit Lazio if: You’re keen to see Italy’s famous capital; you’d like to mix up your city sightseeing with ancient ruins, small towns and lush countryside; you’re a history buff.

Le Marche The Ducal Palace in Urbino, a beautiful city in Le Marche This relatively little-known region in central Italy is hilly and mountainous, and has long stretch of coastline along the Adriatic. Historically agricultural and poor, today, it’s known for its specialized industries, like furniture and textiles. Tourism is popular here, too—although there are far fewer tourists than in many of Italy’s other regions!—with travelers attracted to the region’s lovely beaches, mountains, and small towns. Visit Le Marche if: You’d like to get off the beaten path; you want to hit the beach (the beaches around Rimini are especially popular in summer); you want to hike or enjoy other outdoor activities; you’re on a budget. Liguria Lerici, a lovely resort town in Liguria A narrow strip along the coast in northwestern Italy, Liguria is bordered by France, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Famous for its seaside (although not necessarily for its beaches—the coast tends to be cliffy and rocky), Liguria has a proud maritime history.

In fact, its capital, Genoa, was one of the most important maritime states in the Middle Ages and Renaissance; it was also the hometown of Christopher Columbus. Most tourists know Liguria because of its famous resort towns, including the Cinque Terre and Portofino. Visit Liguria if: You’d like to see one of Italy’s most spectacular stretches of coastline; you’re a fan of pesto alla genovese and want to try the real stuff; you want to take a day or weekend trip to the seaside from Milan or Florence. Lombardy Milan, the capital of the region of Lombardy Lombardy is located all the way in the north of Italy, bordering Switzerland. Italy’s wealthiest region (Lombardy is especially strong in the sectors of industry, service, and agriculture), it’s also the most populous. Milan, its capital, is the second-largest city in Italy. But there’s plenty of nature here, too, with Lombardy the location of Italy’s so-called “lake district,” with destinations including Lake Como, Maggiore, and Garda. (Don’t miss our blog post on choosing between Lake Como and Lake Garda !).

Visit Lombardy if: You’d like to experience a city known for its nightlife and fashion; you want to explore Italy’s most famous lakes; you want to day-trip to Switzerland. Molise The villages of Limosano and S. Angelo Limosano, in the region of Molise Italy’s newest region (until 1963, Molise was lumped in with Abruzzo), Molise is also Italy’s second-smallest region. Mainly agricultural (it produces wine, olive oil, dairy, fruit and vegetables, and cereals like faro), hilly Molise has some lovely small towns, countryside, and castles. Tourism isn’t particularly developed here, so it’s also a definitely off-the-beaten path destination—and a good place to find meals and accommodation on a budget! Visit Molise if: You’d like to do some outdoor activities; you want to get off the beaten path; you want to visit some of Italy’s most authentic small towns; you’re traveling on a budget; you have your own car (public transportation is a little tough here).

Piedmont The village of Barolo, home to the famed wine, in Piedmont The northern region of Piedmont is surrounded by the Alps on three sides, but it’s not all mountainous; in fact, much of Piedmont is a flat plain. That’s where many of its farms are, producing food like rice and wine—some of Italy’s most well-renowned wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, come from here. The Slow Food movement is based here in the region, making it a must-visit for foodies. Piedmont is also industrial, with the Fiat automobile company based in Turin, the region’s capital. With lovely small towns, the bustling baroque city of Turin, and its mountains, Piedmont has something for everyone. Visit Piedmont if: You enjoy winter sports; you’re a wine-lover; you love food (and the principles behind Slow Food); you want to get somewhat off the beaten path. Puglia The town beach at Polignano a Mare, Puglia The “heel” of the boot of Italy, for a long time, Puglia experienced much of the same poverty as the rest of the south.

While still poorer than northern Italian regions, though, Puglia today has a good deal of industry, and its agricultural sector—especially its olive oil industry—is one of the most important in the country. Puglia has also gotten very hot lately, finally getting attention in the foreign press and travel magazines for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous countryside, excellent food, and unique towns and architecture (like its cone-shaped trulli). A favorite destination for Italians in the summer, this is hardly an “undiscovered” region… but there are definitely parts of it that remain to be discovered! (Don’t miss our post on Puglia in pictures !). Visit Puglia if: You want to see some of Italy’s most beautiful sandy beaches; you’d like a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle; you’ve always wanted to see (or stay in) a trullo; you want to go slightly off the beaten path (especially if you’re traveling outside of summer); you’re traveling on a budget. Sardinia A secluded beach near Iglesias, in the southwestern part of Sardinia This island, located in the Mediterranean to Italy’s west and just south of Corsica, is a long-time favorite summer destination of Italians… with reason!

The beaches are stunning, and the resort towns of Costa Smerelda, in the island’s north, buzz with nightlife. Visit the interior of Sardinia, though, and it’s a different picture, a rural, agricultural area with lots of tiny towns. And by visiting even Sardinia’s most popular coastal areas outside of July or August, you’ll find it’s surprisingly tranquil. Visit Sardinia if: You want to experience some of Italy’s most spectacular coastlines and beaches; you’re going in August, and want to be where all of the Italians are; you want to visit a part of Italy that has a very different history from, and culture than, the mainland. Sicily The ancient theater in Taormina, a must-see site in Sicily The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a place—and culture—all its own. (Some Italians joke that it’s not even Italy!). That’s because of its unique, and ancient, history. Settled by the ancient Greeks and Romans (in fact, Sicily boasts some of the best ancient sites in Italy ), Sicily later was conquered by the Arabs, Norman French, and Spanish.

That mixed-heritage background makes for not fantastic art and architecture, but cuisine, as well (don’t miss our post on the best food to eat in Sicily ). For these reasons, along with its sunny climate, miles of beautiful coastline, and natural beauty, Sicily is a top destination for tourists—although you’ll still find plenty of towns and areas untouched by tourism, and outside of high season, even the beaches and resort towns are relatively quiet. Visit Sicily if: You’re looking for a beach holiday; you’re interested in seeing some of the best ancient Greek and Roman ruins in Italy; you’re curious about a culture that’s Italian… but with a special stamp that’s all its own; you’re attracted to sunny, warm, dry weather; you want to try real cannoli or arancini (or pasta alla norma, or granita, or…). Trentino-Alto Aldige The Falzarego Pass in the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige Also known as Trentino-South Tyrol, this naturally-stunning, autonomous region in northern Italy used to be part of Austria-Hungary. It was only annexed by Italy in 1919.

As you might expect, that means it has a very different—and Austrian-flavored—culture than the rest of the peninsula! In South Tyrol, German, not Italian, is spoken by the majority of the population. Trentino-Alto Aldige also includes a large part of two of Italy’s most major mountain ranges, the Dolomites and the eastern Alps, making it a favorite destination for skiers and trekkers. (Lake Garda is located here, too). Visit Trentino-Alto Aldige if: You want to practice your German, as well as your Italian; you’d like an active holiday; you’re into mountain sports; you like nature; you want to visit small, picturesque Alpine villages. Tuscany A typical scene in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia Who hasn’t heard of Tuscany? The region has it all—seaside and countryside, food and wine, cities and small towns—and the tourism to match. The region’s stunning cities (including not only Florence, but Siena, Lucca, and Pisa) are considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

The beautiful countryside is quintessentially Italian, with rolling hills, cypress trees, and lovely vineyards (in fact, the landscape of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia was named a World Heritage Site in 2004). Tuscany is also famous for its food and wine, as the region produces Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, among others. While Tuscany is touristy, and while some of its towns and cities can be pricey and crowded, there are still plenty of undiscovered corners of this large, central region. (For ideas on where to go, don’t miss our post on the top 10 towns of Tuscany !). Visit Tuscany if: You want to feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard of the Italian countryside; you’re excited to see some of Italy’s most stunning, and important, art and architecture; you’re a fan of the Renaissance; you’re interested in wine tastings or vineyard visits; you feel like you can’t miss Florence—or the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Umbria Assisi, Umbria Often referred to as the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria is smack-dab in the center of the boot—and right next to Tuscany, to whom it’s always compared. Like Tuscany, Umbria boasts dozens of medieval hilltop towns (like Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto), beautiful countryside, and olive and wine vineyards. (Find out about 6 spots we love in Umbria here!). And, like Tuscany, it has stunning art and architecture and a fascinating history that dates back to the ancient Etruscans. However, Umbria feels a little “wilder” and more off the beaten path than its famous neighbor. It’s also much less touristy (although it’s far from an undiscovered region!) and less expensive. (Here’s help if you’re trying to decide between Umbria and Tuscany for your trip).

Visit Umbria if: You like the sound of Tuscany—or you’ve visited Tuscany, and liked it—but you want an alternative destination that’s a little less well-known, touristy, and expensive; you’re looking for a day or weekend trip from Rome (Umbria is closer than Tuscany); you want to get off the beaten path. Veneto Verona, a gem of the Veneto region One of the wealthiest, most developed regions in Italy, the Veneto’s also the best-known to tourists—thanks, of course, to its capital, Venice. (No fewer than 60 million tourists visit the Veneto every year!). Historically poor and agricultural, the Veneto has boomed ever since the 1970s; in fact, after Lombardy and Lazio, it’s Italy’s third-richest region. Although tourism and industry are important here, agriculture still plays a part, and it produces some of Italy’s most famous wines, including Prosecco, Valpolicella, and Soave. Top towns to visit here for their beauty, art and architecture include Venice, Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, and Padua.

Visit the Veneto if: You’re keen to see Venice or Verona; you want to visit a region as well-known for its mountains as its seaside; you’re intrigued by a region of Italy that has a different, but just as renowned, of tradition of art and architecture as regions like Tuscany; you want to try some of Italy’s finest wines; you’d like to combine sightseeing with outdoor activities. Share this:

Question: Florence is the capital of what Italian region?
Answer: Tuscany