Italy, Republic in Southern Europe
Italy is a state in Southern Europe that stretches out into the Mediterranean on a long peninsula, with the Alps in the north and islands like Sicily and Sardinia to the south. Coasts, plains, and volcanic areas alternate to form a highly varied landscape.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, the territory remained divided into many separate regions for centuries. Unification under King Victor Emmanuel II in 1861 created a single state, which became a republic by referendum in 1946.
Local kitchens vary by region, with bread styles, cheese, cured meats, and wines changing from valley to valley and coast to coast. Olive groves shape the southern countryside, while vineyards and rice fields define northern farming areas.
High-speed trains connect the largest cities from north to south, while international airports offer access from abroad. Spring and autumn work best for travel, when the weather is milder and many places are more accessible.
Two sovereign microstates, San Marino and Vatican City, lie entirely within the borders. The former Venetian Republic territory was incorporated after the Third War of Independence in 1866.
Inception: June 18, 1946
Capital city: Rome
Part of: Europe, European Union, European Economic Area
Shares border with: San Marino, Vatican City, France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Malta, Adriatic Sea, Algeria
Address: Italy
Website: https://italia.it
GPS coordinates: 42.63843,12.67430
Latest update: December 4, 2025 17:20
Italian historic fountains demonstrate five centuries of craftsmanship in sculpture, hydraulic engineering, and urban design. From the 15th to the 19th century, Italian artisans shaped marble, bronze, and stone to create works combining practicality and artistic expression. These fountains tell...
Southern Italy contains a wide range of historical sites, religious structures and natural areas that take visitors through more than two millennia of cultural history. The region holds Greek temples such as the Temple of Hera at Metaponto, medieval fortresses including Castello Aragonese in Taranto...
Italy holds archaeological sites spanning several millennia, offering insights into Etruscan, Greek and Roman civilizations. These locations include necropolises with thousands of tombs, well-preserved Roman villas and ancient settlements along the Mediterranean coast. Many of these sites lie beyond...
Italy holds some of Europe's most remarkable underground and seaside dwellings formed by nature over thousands of years. These homes exist in caves carved from limestone, hidden within cliffs overlooking the sea, and tucked into ancient rock shelters where people once sought protection and safety....
Italy preserves numerous historical sites away from standard tourist routes, ranging from medieval hill towns to Etruscan burial grounds. These locations document different periods of Italian history through architecture, art and natural settings. The collection includes Roman archaeological sites...
Italy preserves architectural evidence from two thousand years of history. In Rome, Roman temples stand beside Renaissance palaces, while Florence houses museums and cathedrals from the 15th century. Venice developed its canal system over centuries as a response to its lagoon environment. In the...
Italy's coastline offers a wide range of beaches spread across multiple regions, from the Ligurian coast to Sicily. Each beach has its own character: some feature soft sand, others have pebbles or rocky coves. The Mediterranean water is inviting and clear in most places. Some beaches are easy to...
Italy features golf courses set within varied landscapes that span from the Alps to the Mediterranean coastline. In the north, facilities such as the Villa d'Este Golf Club on Lake Como, the Franciacorta Golf Club near Brescia, and the Dolomiti Golf Club in Trentino are located in mountain settings....
Italy offers many locations where one can swim in nature. From rock-carved basins to mountain lakes, hot springs, and secluded coves, the country is full of accessible water spots for those who enjoy swimming away from managed beaches. They can be found all over: in the Dolomite valleys, in the...
Colosseum
84.6 km
Leaning Tower of Pisa
220.8 km
The Last Supper
421.4 km
David
171 km
Pantheon
83.9 km
Mount Vesuvius
249.2 km
Mont Blanc
583.8 km
Cinque Terre
291.5 km
Amalfi Coast
274.7 km
Trevi Fountain
83.6 km
Mount Etna
578.6 km
Florence Cathedral
170.8 km
Matterhorn
545.4 km
Lake Garda
369.9 km
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
424.9 km
Milan Cathedral
420.2 km
Roman Forum
84.5 km
Palace of Caserta
221.9 km
Herculaneum
246.8 km
Spanish Steps
83 km
Altare della Patria
84.3 km
Lake Maggiore
497.5 km
Castel Sant'Angelo
83.6 km
Uffizi Gallery
170.5 km
Juventus Stadium
488.5 km
Circus Maximus
85.2 km
St Mark's Basilica
312.4 km
Castel del Monte
344.7 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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