GUIDE TO THE REGIONS OF ITALY - ENIT · Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa or Naples are only a few of the...

GUIDE TO THE REGIONS OF

ITALY

Map of Italy, © pop_jop - DigitalVision Vectors - Getty Images

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ENIT for Italy throughout the world ……………………………………………………………………………… 3

Italy, the land of art and history. ………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Italy, the land of wellness …………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Italy, the land of excellence ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Italy, the land of culture ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Italy, the land of the Spirit …………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Italy the land of lakes ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Italy, the land of the Riviera ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Italy, the land of mountain peaks ……………………………………………………………………………… 7

Italy, the land of flavour ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

Italian wines ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

Food-and-wine itineraries ………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Italy, the land of nature ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Italy, the land of sport and adventure ……………………………………………………………………… 8

Italian hospitality, © ViewApart - iStock - Getty Images

Burano, Venice, © adisa - iStock - Getty Images

CONTENTS

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REGIONS

Valle d’Aosta ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Piedmont ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16

Liguria …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

Lombardy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28

Trentino ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34

Alto Adige - South Tyrol ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 38

Veneto …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42

Friuli Venezia Giulia ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48

Emilia Romagna …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54

Tuscany ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 59

Umbria …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 68

The Marches ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 76

Latium …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 82

Abruzzo ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90

Molise …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 94

Campania ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 91

Basilicata ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 106

Apulia ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………110

Calabria …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………116

Sicily …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 122

Sardinia………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 128

PLACES OF CULTURE

Museums and permanent exhibition areas ……………………………………………………………… 134

Theatres and auditoriums ………………………………………………………………………………………… 136

UNESCO sites …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 138

NATURE AND ADVENTURE

National parks …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 150

USEFUL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………………………………………… 155

Capri Island, © Janoka82 - iStock - Getty Images

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ENIT FOR ITALY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

In 1919, when ENIT got started, about 180 thousand foreigners were coming to Italy as tourists. Nowadays more than 50 million visitors cross our borders (source ISTAT), and they also are driven by a desire to be educated at our excep-tional academy of culture and art, to bathe in our seas, to enjoy every aspect of our environment and the flavours and scents of our land. Foreign tourism con-tributed to and increased the business of the tourism industry, for which it now supplies more than 40% of the custom-ers and ensures high employment rates.Thousands of Tour Operators do busi-ness with our country. New markets are aiming at our products for outgoing tourism.This is a great source of satisfaction for Italy. The National Tourism Agency is working every day at improving its image, convinced that a country that is admired for its past can continue to exert the same intense magnetism in times of global competition, thanks to three factors: a good quality-price ratio, a sus-tainable environment, excellent hospi-tality and, above all, the Italian lifestyle.

Italy, the land of art and history.Italy is synonymous with art and history. There is beautiful art everywhere and there are countless and marvellous sur-prises in every part of the country. We have one of the greatest artistic- cultural heritages in the world. Italy has the largest number of artistic and docu-mentary properties declared World Her-itage sites by UNESCO. Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa or Naples are only a few of the most famous art cities in the country and there are absolutely lovely ancient towns and villages to be found everywhere. This is confirmed by the statistics: 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 fortresses and castles, 30,000 historic residences with 4,000 gardens, 36,000 archives and li-braries, 20,000 ancient towns and villag-es, 5600 museums and archaeological areas, 1,500 monasteries and convents. You can travel to discover the private residences of old and noble families, to visit world famous museums like the U*zi Gallery in Florence, the Capitoline Museums in Rome, and the Brera Art Gallery in Milan, and to see exceptional

Rome, St. Peter‘s Cathedral and Tiber River, © sborisov - iStock - Getty Images

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archaeological sites, like Pompeii and Herculaneum, where you can breathe in the history of a thrilling and magnificent past. And that is not all: many cultural, artistic and musical events brighten up Italian life. Italy constitutes a close-knit web of structures that live in natural communion between scenery and cul-ture, history and art, architecture and town planning: a thrilling journey from the times of ancient Rome and Greece until our own days, just as rich in artistic and cultural impressions.

Italy, the land of wellness.It is easy to be well in Italy. There are many health and wellness facilities, dating back thousands of years, which can treat both body and soul. Every-where, from the North to the South, you can have a di/erent kind of holiday, dedicated to general well-being, at natural hot springs, famed for their ex-cellent healing properties and for beauty care. There are ancient spa areas that have remained unchanged for centuries and preserve their original attraction in-tact: natural saunas, caves hidden among the vegetation, with very hot steam and a pleasantly irony scent, excellent for restoring the body and treating the skin. A holiday at a spa is always regenerating, thanks to the e/ectiveness of the treat-ments given and to the many services available but, especially, the charm of the scenic setting of the facilities. Italy has a number of spa destinations, well known and famous throughout the world: Saturnia, Montecatini, San Gimig-nano, Abano, Salsomaggiore, Ischia, to mention just a few. A journey dedicated to health, beauty and fitness in peaceful places that o/er every comfort. The wide o/er of wellbeing and wellness centres in Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria and Tuscany is worth remembering. Specialised structures that make use of the most up to date techniques and in-novative equipment, with avantgarde treatments, to give you a holiday dedi-cated to fitness and relaxation.

Italy, the land of excellenceItaly is the ideal destination for the tour-ism business. The many international air-ports located throughout the peninsula, the adequate infrastructures and the breath-taking scenery make our “Bel Paese” (beautiful country) a perfect ven-ue for congress tourism. Italy guarantees beauty and o/ers a wide range of choic-es at any time of the year: both big cities and small towns o/er new, very high quality, facilities for organising national and international fairs and guarantee not only the purely business aspects but also the pleasure of a holiday in Italy.Italy is an excellent venue for a congress, a meeting or a convention. There are many facilities and congress centres scattered all over the country, suited for hosting any kind of event. Prestigious and modern centres, with all the services needed for a successful meeting: Italy proudly o/ers a selection of hotels, structures and specialised services that ensure high quality service. There are very many settings for a big meeting in Italy: ranging from art cities and Rome, the Capital City, to thrilling Milan, with-out forgetting other places like Turin and Rimini, to mention but a few. There is no end to the choices because congresses and meetings can be held in the splendid locations of the Italian lakes, on the Rivi-era or in the mountains. The fact is that Italy is simply the best choice.Italy o/ers prestigious and modern cen-tres and events all the year round, throughout the whole peninsula. The artistic, cultural and natural treasures make the ideal background for incentive travel, because they guarantee beauty and comfortable facilities. Industrial archaeology attracts many visitors, who travel in search of economic, produc-tion, technical and scientific features. In Italy there is an exceptional treasure trove of resources that charm tourists and help them to understand the historic evolution of a given area. The big indus-trial centres, in both the North and South, bear tangible witness to the economic history of the country and of the Medi-terranean area: from the big industries to

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the typical food production centres in operation until not long ago, tourism dedicated to industrial archaeology is on a decidedly upward trend and Italy is the ideal venue and a treasure waiting to be explored.Among the destinations that o/er study holidays, Italy certainly stands out for the great variety of options and the quality of stays. There are many university centres, which every year attract thousands of students from all over the world, organ-ising courses at various levels, for learn-ing the language or for discovering the depth and fascination of our culture and art. The typically Italian sense of hospi-tality is a great help to foreigners who want to learn Italian, including the most colloquial and commonly used expres-sions. Italy is the ideal place for a holiday dedicated to study and amusement and it can o/er an experience of cultural, and above all human, enrichment.

Italy, the land of culture.For twelve months of the year Italy is the cradle of unique, spectacular and inter-nationally important events. There are

countless opportunities for entertain-ment and for experiencing intense thrills. Art exhibitions inspired by a millenary heritage, and design and contemporary art events, like the Venice Biennale, al-ternate with theatrical and dance perfor-mances. For lovers of classical music, there is an unparalleled choice of festi-vals and opera seasons, like La Scala in Milan or the Arena in Verona. Italy means music and art in every form, but also more than that. A full calendar of tradi-tional and modern cultural events, like the many Carnivals, particularly the Ven-ice one, and the thousands of historic and religious events, endow Italy with fantasy and liveliness all year round.Italy is also a natural film set. The beauty of the scenery makes it an ideal back-ground for any kind of production of the “seventh art”. From big cities to Renais-sance buildings, passing through incred-ible natural scenery, Italy is an inexhaust-ible network of art, culture and scenery, of traditions and magic, of diversity. A country, where thousands of events take place every day.

Cathedral of Palermo, Italian Capital of Culture 2018, © Xantana - iStock - Getty Images

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Italy, the land of the Spirit.The heart of one of the most important centres of world spirituality, for centuries Italy has been the destination for people for whom faith is the reason of life and who want to get to know the roots of a world that was able to create art, archi-tecture and priceless objects. Some of the most important pilgrimage destina-tions in the world, places of devotion and worship are scattered throughout the country: from San Giovanni Roton-do, where Padre Pio lived and worked, to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, with its wonderful Basilica and the Sacro Con-vento, to the sanctuary of Loreto, one of the most important and famous spiritual and cultural centres in Europe. But, of course, the favourite destination for reli-gious pilgrimages is Rome, capital of Christianity, seat of the Papacy, where Saint Peter’s Basilica, the biggest Church in Christianity, is located. Another of the numerous destinations is Turin, where the Holy Shroud is kept, a relic with the indelible image of Christ after the cruci-fixion, which can be visited during the Ostension.

Italy is a unique and favourite destina-tion for people that want to travel along the historic paths of faith, like the Via Francigena, discover the many places of worship found in every region, or just make a spiritual journey in search of the country’s artistic, cultural and religious heritage.

Italy the land of lakes.Italy has many lakes: in fact, there are more than a thousand incomparably beautiful ones, each with di/erent char-acteristics. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, now famous through-out the world, have become ideal desti-nations for passing time close to the sun and to nature. The main lakes are per-fectly equipped and o/er ample accom-modation facilities. People can bathe from the beaches along their banks, which have every facility. In addition to relaxing, you can enjoy practising many open-air activities: there are plenty of water sports, like water-skiing, canoeing, windsurf, sailing and diving, and also sport fishing with international competi-tions. Sports like golf, horseback riding

Torbole, Lake Garda, © xbrchx - iStock - Getty Images

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and mountain bike can be found almost everywhere. A holiday at the lake gives you the chance to get to know the sur-rounding area also, rich in history and traditions.The Italian lakes form delightful scenery, thanks to the exceptional richness of the ecosystems that have formed them over thousands of years and to the great de-velopment of many animal and vegeta-ble species. The small Alpine lakes, quite common at high altitudes, are destina-tions for thrilling excursions in search of incomparable scenery. A microcosm of thrills to be explored, following your in-stinct and your interests and enjoying the scents and flavours.

Italy, the land of the Riviera.Italy is the ideal destination for a seaside holiday. Seven thousand five hundred kilometres of coastline are washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhe-nian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Ligurian Sea and the Sea of Sardinia. From the North to the South, stretches of sandy beach alternate with rugged coastlines drop-ping straight into the sea. A landscape with many picturesque and charming

seaside resorts, and islands with won-derful natural views. The variety of the scenery o/ers a wide choice of holidays that combine relaxation and amuse-ment, privacy and recreation. The wide, sandy and well equipped beaches of the Tyrrhenian coast are ideal for families, while the rocky coasts and little coves of the Ionian and Sardinian coasts are fine for people that seek a more secluded and wilder atmosphere. The calm Adriat-ic Sea, with its big sandy beaches sloping gently into the sea, is the perfect place

Atrani, Amalfi Coast, © bluejayphoto - iStock Getty Images Plus - Getty Images

Parmigiano Reggiano, a high quality product of Italian

gastronomy, © Marc_Espolet - iStock - Getty Images

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for families: children can play and enjoy themselves in safety. There are plenty of accommodation facilities everywhere: from luxury resorts to clubs that o/er entertainment, amusement and every kind of sport, to family hotels that com-bine comfort and friendliness, along lovely coasts, in romantic fishing villages, in villages perched on the cli/s with wonderful panoramic views of gulfs and coves. A holiday for experiencing intense and magical sensations, not forgetting amusements for young people, with dis-cos and nightclubs in every Italian Rivi-era.

Italy, the land of mountain peaks. Immense valleys covered with greenery, lovely mountain peaks emerging from the clouds into the blue sky, clean water: this means the Italian mountains. A per-fect holiday setting all the year round. There are numerous tourist resorts and destinations where you can enjoy the wonderful experience of being in con-tact with the beautiful heritage of nature. From the Dolomites of Trentino Al-to-Adige, to the Alps of Piedmont, from the Valle d’Aosta and Lombardy to the Alps of Veneto and of Friuli Venezia Gi-ulia, and so on, going down along the Apennine ridge as far as the imposing profile of Mount Etna in Sicily. A holiday in the mountains is certainly an unfor-gettable experience.Italy o/ers excellent accommodation fa-cilities, ideal for a family holiday but also for activities and excursions by nature lovers. The o/er is very varied and can suit all tastes: hotels of various catego-ries, hotels with wellness centres, Alpine huts, flats and apartment hotels, everything needed to spend a mountain holiday with complete freedom, sur-rounded by wonderful scenery.

Italy, the land of flavour.Italy has always been synonymous with good eating: the most famous cuisine in the world means a unique explosion of tastes, flavours and fragrances and, more than any other, o/ers an incredible vari-ety of di/erent dishes and recipes in

every municipality, province and region.Nobody should miss the taste routes, a journey through Italian gastronomic cul-ture, in search of ancient flavours, wholesome products and simple food that are true to classic cooking or o/er innovative dishes inspired by tradition. The famous parmesan cheese Parmi-giano Reggiano, Parma or San Daniele ham, Modena balsamic vinegar, Ligurian pesto, Campania bu/alo mozzarella cheese, Alba tru=es and cold cooked meats are just some of the products that make the “Bel Paese” the land of taste. And how could we forget pasta or pizza, which are synonymous with Italy all over the world?Wine is the ambassador of Italian quality. There is nothing like the pleasure of tast-ing, surrounded by its natural setting, a glass of Chianti or Brunello di Montalci-no in Tuscany, of Barbera or Barolo in Piedmont, of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene in Veneto, or of Lambrusco in Emilia Ro-magna, and then there are the Sicilian wines and the white wines of Friuli and Trentino-Alto Adige, the great red wines of Valtellina, just to mention a few fa-mous examples. A world of flavours to try, for the pleasure of the palate, the eyes and the heart!

Italian wines.The ancient Greeks called Italy “Enotria” (land of wine) because even in those far-o/ times the peninsula was known for its exceptional wines. It would be impossi-ble to enumerate all the di/erent typical productions that have made Italian wine renowned all over the world for its varie-ty and quality.

Food-and-wine itineraries.Some of the most important elements of the Mediterranean diet, the beneficial ef-fects of which are known everywhere, are bread and oil. Italian scenery, from north to south, is characterised by wheat fields, which become loaves of bread of various types and flavours. and olive groves, with their changing green, from sea level to the hills and to the lakes, which produce quality oil.

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Italy, the land of nature.Natural parks of pristine beauty are the ideal setting for people that decide to spend a holiday in Italy in close touch with nature.Italy has unusually varied vegetation, which is an unforgettable experience for the tourist. There are many natural parks to visit: Gran Paradiso, Circeo, Stelvio, Dolomiti Bellunesi, Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga, Cilento and Vallo di Di-ano, the Gargano, the Parks of Calabria and Aspromonte, not forgetting the Maddelena Archipelago and the Tuscan Archipelago, Vesuvius, and the Cinque Terre. And there are still many other pro-tected narural areas, reserves and marine parks.Without a doubt, the richness and variety of the Italian environment are the perfect setting for a holiday in touch with the energy of nature, staying in friendly farmhouse accommodation in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere, enjoying whole-some food, in touch with the history and the environment and breathing in at-mospheres bathed in tradition. A holiday to discover, at any time of the year, an Italy that is di/erent and, in many ways, still secret. Italy, the land of sport and adventure. There are exceptional opportunities in Italy for people that like a holiday dedi-cated to sport and movement: there are endless opportunities to practise activi-ties in contact with nature, whether in summer or in winter, surrounded by unique scenery and landscapes and

backed by suitable and equipped struc-tures that can meet every requirement. You can enjoy the sea in all its aspects: windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming, sailing and water-skiing, backed up by operational services in the many ports, and marinas and nautical tourism servic-es.There are infinite choices for people that like the mountains: in summer, trekking and walking or horseback riding, rafting and canoeing along streams and rapids, fishing in rivers and lakes with rich crys-tal-clear water; paragliding and hang gliding to admire the lovely scenery. In winter the mountains are transformed into a paradise for people that want to practise winter sports. There are also many options for cyclists.From mountain bike to downhill cycling, not forgetting road cycling through real-ly lovely scenery and climbing mythical slopes. There are many itineraries for cy-cle touring, with various levels of di*-culty, and you can stay at comfortable and practical bike hotels, equipped for accommodating cycling enthusiasts. Ita-ly is the ideal place for cycling, rafting, mountain biking, trekking and all the ac-tive and nature-contact sports, and even horse trekking along wonderful horse trails.At any time of the year, no matter what your preference is, you can have an in-comparable holiday dedicated to sport in Italy.

Skiers going down the slope in Val di Fassa Ski resort in

Trentino, © naumoid - iStock - Getty Images

10Courmayeur, Mont Blanc alpine landscape meadow and pinnacles,

© agustavop - iStock - Getty Images

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VALLE D’AOSTA

This is Italy’s smallest Region, located in the north-western end, at the border with France and Switzerland. There are striking majestic peaks in this mainly mountainous area, and especially the highest peaks of the Alps, like the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and “his majesty” Mont Blanc which, with its 4810 metres, is the highest in Europe: it is the roof of the old conti-nent. Situated in the panorama of its im-posing mountains and variegated valleys is the oldest National Park in Italy, the Gran Paradiso, where ibexes, chamois, eagles and marmots live in their natural habitat, surrounded by typical Alpine vegetation.Historically, the Val d’Aosta is regarded as a land of contact and fusion between Italy and France, a characteristic reflect-ed in its o*cial bilingualism and its spe-cial status as an autonomous region. The Mont Blanc tunnel and the Great Saint Bernard tunnel, which connect it with France and Switzerland respective-ly, confirm its role as a crossroads of Europe, historically based on the Small and Great Saint Bernard passes (open to vehicular traf- fic during the summer), a true “North-West passage”, which for centuries has allowed people and pilgrims travelling from the Mediterrane-an to the heart of the continent to pass through. The administrative centre of the Region is Aosta, the ancient Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, founded by the Romans in 25 B.C. The Valle d’Aosta is a true winter sports paradise, with many international customers; the Matterhorn, Courmayeur, Pila, La Thuile, Champoluc and Gressoney are the best known re-sorts, popular with skiers and snow-boarders who, from November till April, can have a great time with the various sports, both on track and o/ track, amidst breath-taking scenery. 800 kilo-metres of downhill tracks and interna-tional connections “on skis”, 300 kilo-metres of cross-country tracks, with rings for every ability and for various lev-els of sport commitment, and many ski

mountaineering itineraries will satisfy even the most demanding skiers, allow-ing them to enjoy the highest peaks in Europe to the full. On the other hand, for people that prefer activities more in harmony with the slow rhythms of na-ture there is a wide choice of itineraries for travelling with snow shoes. In sum-mer the Valle o/ers countless options for everybody that loves open-air sports: mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, rafting, gliding, hang gliding and golf. Its splendid natural attractions and the treasures of its culture and folk tradi-tion, together with good quality accom-modation facilities and delicious wine and food, make Valle d’Aosta a tourist destination for all seasons. A symbolic entry point for people coming from the south is the Municipality of Pont Saint Martin, from which the road leading into the lovely Valle del Lys starts. The 1st century B.C. Roman bridge over which the old consular road to Aosta used to pass, is an impressive example of the Roman influence in the area. A journey in Valle d’Aosta immediately brings you face to face with the mighty Forte di Bard, a strategic Savoy garrison which controlled the road into the bot-tom of the valley; it is now the splendid seat of the Museum of the Alps and many successful exhibitions are held there. Along the valley leading from Pont Saint Martin to Courmayeur there are as many as 82 buildings, ancient fortifica-tions, military fortresses, residences and watchtowers, bearing witness to the region’s rich feudal history, and other archaeological treasures that character-ise the area: the Roman road of the Gauls, old in years but modern in technique, which still characterises several stretches of the bottom of the valley, making them unique, scenic and charming; the bridge-aqueduct of Pont d’Aël, at the mouth of the Cogne valley, a masterpiece of the finest hydraulic engineering of the 1st century B.C., has recently been restored to the public with important innovations.

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Not forgetting the great charm of the ar-chaeological areas located at the Little Saint Bernard and Great Saint Bernard passes: backgrounds that are very spe-cial but also fragile and delicate, where only the discerning eye can discover all the beauty and importance of these age-old places of transit and exchange. You will also see many castles, most of them standing on rocky heights overlooking the bottom of the valley. From the well-known Fénis Castle, with its crenelated walls, towers and lovely central court-yard, to the elegant Castle of Issogne, with its frescoes and charming pome-granate fountain. From the mighty for-tress of Verras, a true war machine where epic exploits took place, to the mysteri-ous Cly Manor, with its crenelated walls, enigmatic tower and lovely Romanesque chapel. The greatest Alpine peaks, which embrace the area and outline its borders, are a unique and unrepeatablesight at any time of the year: whether practising your favourite sport or just walking along the paths that wind along the bottom of the valley and up to the heights, you are always surrounded by spectacular scenery, which, like in a ka-leidoscope, alternates plays of light, shadows and colours reappearing in

many shades, always di/erent at di/er-ent times of the day. Every valley stretch-ing out from the bottom of the valley towards the bordering peaks is a world unto itself, with its own scenic features and its own traditions; each one is nevertheless capable of meeting the many demands of customers, thanks to the existence of a vast range of accom-modation facilities of various types and of sports tourism infrastructures that can host events and competitions, even at the international level. An ample network of paths connects with the adjacent valleys and makes it possible to reach the many Alpine lakes, the summer pastures and the Alpine huts and allows you to enjoy an unforgettable experience in close contact with nature and the Alpine environment. The Alte Vie (high routes) of the Valle d’Aosta circle the whole perimeter of the region for more than 300 kilometres, running along beautiful paths at the foot of the most important 4,000 m peaks of the Alps and through the Gran Paradiso national park and the Mont Avic regional park; the ath-letes of the Tor des Géants (an endur-ance trail competition held every year in September) run on them but the routes can be a unique experience for anybody,

Fénis Castle, © x-drew - iStock - Getty Images

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and each person can take them at his or her own pace and maybe even on a mountain bike. Anybody can have a close view of the mighty Alpine circle and the beauty of the glaciers without any exertion: a daring cableway takes you up to the heart of the massif of Mont Blanc (it is not surprising that the experi-ence is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World), reaching 3,462 metres at Punta Helbronner. On some days the sky is so clear that you feel you can touch the peak with your hand; the view is of jagged pinnacles and granite pillars in pastel shades. On the horizon Europe’s famous 4,000 metre peaks: the Matter-horn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. Along the way from the “Pavillon” inter-mediate station to Mont Fréty, you can get into and walk in the Nature Oasis, where the Saussurea Alpine garden is lo-cated. Among the highest in Europe, the garden has over 900 vegetable species of the spontaneous flora of Mont Blanc as well as from other mountain areas all over the world. The ascent with the “Mont Blanc Sky Way” is simply not to be missed: this is the name of the new in-stallation, which has come into opera-tion in 2015 and has exhibition areas and

a visitors’ centre: an absolutely world-class feat of engineering, a new techno-logical wonder on the mountains of the Valle d’Aosta.Another unbeatable experience, acces-sible to everybody, is to fly over the 4,000 m peaks in a hot-air balloon, like Phileas Fogg and Passepartout in “Round the world in 80 days”. For wine connois-seurs the Valle d’Aosta o/ers the “Route des vins” (wine route), which takes the tourist through vineyards and wine-cellars to learn about the grapes that grow under what are sometimes ex-treme climatic and environmental con-ditions, at an altitude of up to 1,200 me-tres.The particular climatic conditions of the Valle d’Aosta

- combined with the characteristics of the soils and their exposure, position and slope

- certainly have not made life easy for vine growers.

Nevertheless the restoration and ex-ploitation of vine growing in Valle d’Aos-ta has created a wide and excellent range of fine mountain wines, grouped under a single Valle d’Aosta - Vallée d’Aoste DOC (controlled designation of origin) label,

Typical Fondue from Valle d‘Aosta, © margouillatphotos - iStock - Getty Images

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divided into 7 area sub-designations and 15 vine sub-designations, which consti-tute a rich panorama of vine growing and wine producing and have won im-portant international awards. Among the many, we mention Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Enfer d’Arvier, Torrette, Don-nas, Chambave Muscat and Nus Mal-voisie. The “Cantine aperte” (open cel-lars) event, held every year on the last Sunday in May, can be an excellent op-portunity for tasting the best of the local production and discovering its secrets.Valle d’Aosta is an area where every as-pect is still linked with farming and tradi-tion and its products are the result of the work of generations of “montagnards” (mountain people). Four PDO products are made here: Fontina, Fromadzo, Jam-bon de Bosses and Lard d’Arnad. Fontina is a fatty cheese made with full-cream milk and its sweet flavour improves with ripening. Fromadzo cheese is made of cow’s milk and small quantities of goat’s milk, semi-sweet when fresh it is strong-er if ripened. Jambon de Bosses, fine cured ham made in the Great Saint Ber-nard valley, originated in the 14th centu-ry. Lardo di Arnad fat pork is flavoured by the herbs used in preparing its brine. Moreover there are many other spe-cialties worth tasting, like Toma di Gres-soney and Bleu d’Aoste cheese, goat cheeses, cured raw meats or cooked meats (Motsetta, Saucesses, Teteun, Jambon à la braise di Saint-Oyen) and also apples, honey and liqueurs, like the wonderful “Genépy” also used for fla-vouring Val d’Aosta style co/ee, served “à la ronde” (passed around the table) in a traditional “friendship cup” in carved wood.

AostaThe strategic importance of the city, which gained ground over the centuries, originates from the rich and varied histo-ry of the region, which has always been a place of transit and of meetings and fu-sion between peoples, languages and cultures. A land both closed and open at the same time; a land that is small and narrow, but also big because it has no

rigid and unmistakable border but rather something like a “passing through line”. A region greatly influenced by the harsh laws of the mountains yet instinctively inclined towards contact with “others”. Aosta can o/er strong and unexpected thrills and it is no wonder it was known as “The Rome of the Alps”, founded by Emperor Octavian Augustus in the year 25 B.C.The ancient Augusta Praetoria Salas-sorum, a Roman outpost at the foot of the Alpine passes leading to Gaul and the Helvetic provinces, still proudly bears the monumental traces of its illustrious past: the arch in honour of Augustus, symbol-ising the victory over the local Celtic Sal-assi tribes, the mighty Porta Praetoria, the main gate into the city, with its dou-ble curtain wall and central courtyard, the magnificent 1st century A.D. Theatre and the lovely cryptoporticus, an unusu-al and rare monument, which originally encircled the sacred terrace of the twin temples overlooking the forum. It is a city where the impressive monuments of ancient Rome match the plain severity of the mediaeval towers and buildings and the basic sacredness of its churches. The Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Ursus dates back to the 5th century A.D., when it was erected over a previous late-Roman necropolis. The church was rebuilt in the 9th and 11th centuries, mix-ing Romanesque tradition with early Gothic influence. The cloister is a real jewel of Romanesque art, with its histori-ated capitals, each one di/erent: real pieces of Sacred Scripture carved into stone. Beside the church stands the magnificent priory built by Giorgio di Challant, patron of the arts and human-ist, between the 15th and 16th centuries: a refined building inspired by the stately homes of the Piedmont and Lombardy area, but with elegant transalpine touch-es. The city’s main place of worship is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built over the remains of a domus overlook-ing the forum, which then became the site of an early Christian community in the 4th century A.D. Rebuilt in magnifi-cent style in the 11th century, it was in its

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heyday between the 14th and 15th centuries. It has an impressive façade decorated with painted terracotta stat-ues in Lombard style and an elegant cloister on the northern side. Many transformations continued until the 19th century, when the present neo-clas-sical counter-façade and the neo-Goth-ic chapel of the Holy Rosary were built. In mediaeval times the former Roman towers were converted into fortified noble residences: the Torre dei Signori di Porta Sant’Orso, the Torre dei Balivi, the Tour Fromage or the Torre del Lebbroso.The Fair of Saint Ursus is held every year in the old town centre on 30 and 31 January, a great opportunity for en-

joying the city, attracting thousands of tourists even from beyond the Alps; the streets of the old town are decorated and display the most ancient Valdostan crafts, from wood carving to work in wrought iron, soapstone or leather, from wickerwork to weaving wool and hemp, and “dentelles”, lace made on a pillow typical of Cogne where that tradition, dating back to the 16th century, is still handed down from generation to gener-ation.

For more information visit the following website: www.lovevda.it

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Aymavilles Castle, © antonioscarpi - iStock - Getty Images

16Barolo Vineyards, © LaraBelova- E+ - Getty Images

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PIEDMONT

This is a region in the north-west of Italy, bordering with Switzerland and France.As its name implies, Piedmont is the land of the mountains, surrounded on three sides by the Alpine chain, which includes the highest peaks and biggest glaciers in Italy.Monviso, the Piedmont side of Monte Rosa, and the other spectacular heights, o/er singularly beautiful views; there are also many ski resorts, including Via Lattea and Sestriere, with extremely up-to-date equipment, which attract lovers of winter sports.Against the background of the Alps there are big, picturesque valleys, including Val di Susa, Valsesia and Val d’Ossolo.Quite di/erent but just as lovely, is the view of the Langhe and Monferrato: a series of hills planted with vineyards and dotted with villages and castles.Instead, stretches of water and rice fields, long rows of poplars and ancient farmsteads make up the typical scenery of the plains that stretch out into the Novara and Vercelli areas.The tourist destination par excellence is Lake Maggiore, with Stresa and the Borromeic Islands, enchanting land-scapes and old villas surrounded by English gardens.But nature is only one of Piedmont’s many attractions.The region has many other features: from Turin – the automobile capital of Italy – with its history and its important artistic heritage, to the other cities and the various old towns including Cheras-co, Alba and Ivrea.And there are also charming mediaeval castles, especially the majestic Ivrea castle, and fine architecture, including the famous Savoy Residences and the Sacri Monti.Acqui Terme and Vinadio are historic spas, which provide care and treatment for a wellness and relaxation sojourn.Discoveries and surprises of every kind await visitors, including a wide range of food and wine to suit all tastes.The provinces are: Turin (administrative

centre), Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Ver-celli. The first stop on a visit to the region is Turin, with the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world; the Holy Shroud, one of the most precious relics of Christianity; and the famous Mole Antonelliana, which dominates the city landscape and houses the National Cinema Museum; and the Automobile Museum.The Reggia di Venaria Reale palace is a splendid and fascinating architectural complex, recognized by UNESCO, together with the other Royal Residenc-es of the Savoy family, as a World Herit-age Site. From the Royal Palace and the Carignano Palace in Turin to the Hunting Lodge in Stupinigi, from the Royal Castle in Racconigi to Palazzo Madama in Turin: the visit to the Royal Residences of the Savoy family starts in Turin and ends in the surrounding area.The Sacri Monti are masterpieces of reli-gious architecture, richly decorated places of devotion, scattered over the whole region: in Varallo Sesia, Serralun-ga di Crea and Ponzano Monferrato, in Orta San Giulio, Ghi/a and in Domodos-sola.Some of the must-see historic towns are Cherasco “the town of the starry walls”, Savigliano with its many monuments, Alba and Ivrea. Outstanding among the famous abbeys are Sta/arda, a lovely ex-ample of Gothic architecture, and Novalesa Abbey, near Susa.Also noteworthy is the Sacra di San Michele, a very ancient sanctuary in which religious aspects blend charming-ly with architectural and naturalistic ones.There are many famous resorts on the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore, like An-cona with the colossal seventeenth cen-tury statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, Stresa and the Borromeic Islands, which have hotels, villas and parks.The ski resort of Sestriere and Via Lattea is one of the most important systems of winter sports trails in Europe.

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There are also many nature reserves and natural parks, including the Gran Paradi-so Natural Park, which has glaciers, nat-ural lakes and protected flora and fauna. Piedmont, with its wealth of natural re-sources and scenery, is ideal for a holi-day dedicated to sport, relaxation and amusement and to alternating recrea-tion and visits to the artistic heritage.Set in the exceptional scenery of the Alps, internationally famous resorts like Sestriere, Val di Susa and other resorts also o/er a wide network of trails for many kinds of sport: from steep downhill skiing to cross-country, from ice skating to snowboarding, while more adventur-ous spirits can do rock climbing or go rafting in rushing streams. In summer the mountains and valleys o/er trekking itin-eraries of various levels and some stretches of the Via Alpina with paths and equipped huts, from Monviso to the mountains around Verbania.There are many other open-air sports: cycling itineraries along the river Po and in the Vercelli area, mountain biking along the banks of the Sesia, golf in vari-ous places throughout the area and also sailing, windsurf and canoeing on Lake Maggiore.

Nature also o/ers journeys in search of the local culture and other aspects of the region: for example, guided tours of the talc mines, which influenced the history of the area, are organized in Val Germa-nasca, while the Sacri Monti o/er pil-grimage routes through wonderful pro-tected areas. Piedmont is an excellent place for vine growing, from Monferrato to the Langhe, to Astigiano, to the Colli Tortonese: the many wine routes lead to lovely scenery with stops at wineries and cellars to taste wines and local products like the fragrant Alba tru=e.If you want a holiday dedicated to health and wellness you can choose one of the region’s famous spas, such as Acqui

Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, © xenotar- E+ - Getty Images

Orta Lake, San Giulio Island, © LucaLorenzelli - iStock -

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Terme, set among the lovely ruins of a Roman aqueduct.Lastly, there are not-to-be-missed cul-tural events and important fairs, even international ones, like the Book Fair and “Cioccolatò”, the famous chocolate festival, held in Turin every year, but also local culture fairs and festivals, like the famous Carnival of Ivrea, the Asti horse race, and many others.The most typical specialties of regional cooking are fondue and “bagna cauda”, dips that make generous use of Alba truf-fles and raw vegetables. Also exceptional are the “gran fritto misto” (mixed fry), “brasato al Barolo” (meat stewed in Baro-lo wine) “lepre in civet” (civet of hare), and the wide range of cheeses: toma, robiola, bruss delle Langhe, Novara gor-gonzola and Biella sernium.Typical sweets can be found in every city: in Turin chocolates (unforgettable delicious gianduiotti, made with hazel-nuts from the Langhe and Monferrato), in Novara biscuits, in Vercelli bicciolani (spiced biscuits), in Casale “crumiri” cornmeal biscuits, in Cuneo cuneesi al rhum (rum chocolates) and marrons glacés, in Alba nougat, baci di dama bis-

cuits in Alessandria and Asti, and maca-roons in Novi.Lastly, two world-famous products from Turin: grissini (breadsticks) and ver-mouth. Piedmont produces some of the finest Italian wines for roasts: Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara, Ghemme, Nebbi-olo, Freisa, Grignolino, Barbera, and Dol-cetto.

TurinThe itinerary for exploring the area starts in Turin, an unusual city where moderni-ty blends with tradition, recreation with productiveness, and historical heritage with the present day.There are countless tour itineraries: from the route through the historic cafés and elegant shops in Piazza San Carlo and via Roma, to the Egyptian Museum, con-taining precious relics of the ancient civ-ilisation of the Nile, to the Automobile Museum, symbol of modernity, and the National Cinema Museum, located in the nineteenth century Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic monument.Exceptional examples of religious archi-tecture are the Renaissance cathedral and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud,

Turin, Skyline, © fabio lamanna- iStock - Getty Images

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which is one of the finest baroque crea-tions but also a very popular place of pil-grimage.Notable civil buildings are Palazzo Carig-nano, Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Re-ale, extremely valuable Savoy residenc-es.Turin has countless treasures like the priceless works of art in the Pinacoteca Agnelli, housed in the modern Lingotto structure, the works in the Galleria Sa-bauda or the singular collection of arms displayed in the Armeria Reale. The mighty Porta Palatina is one of the city’s few structures that date back to Roman times, while the Parco del Valentino has a charming, but artificial, mediaeval vil-lage, built for the world exhibition at the end of the nineteenth century.On the hills around Turin stands the eighteenth century Basilica of Superga, an important Marian sanctuary, which also contains the tombs of the Savoy Family. Among the examples of religious art set in magnificent landscapes it is

worth visiting Saint Michael’s Abbey (Sa-cra di San Michele), a fine example of Romanesque architecture, the lovely mediaeval abbey in Novalese, the Ro-manesque-Gothic complex of Sant’An-tonio di Ranverso, and the Abbey of Santa Fede in Cavagnolo, a Romanesque treasure in Turin’s Monferrato.The Sacro Monte in Belmonte, a UNES-CO World Heritage Site, is a complex of exceptional, naturalistic, artistic and reli-gious importance.The province o/ers a full calendar of events: from cultural events, like the In-ternational Book Fair in Turin, to the feasts of patron saints, including the feast of Saint John in Turin, accompa-nied by a historic parade. Turin is also the capital of shopping in the elegant shops under the porticoes of via Roma, among splendid baroque buildings.

For more information visit the following website:www.piemonteitalia.eu

Hospitality, © Regione Piemonte

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Tru=e market, © LangheRoero

22Vernazza , Cinque Terre, © LeeYiuTung - iStock - Getty Images

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LIGURIA

In north-western Italy, on the border with France, lies Liguria, land of sea and mountains, where the green of the Medi-terranean maquis alternates with the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea and sandy beaches alternate with stretches of high, jagged coastline. The region o/ers countless opportunities to whoever chooses this land for their holidays: nature, sea, moun-tains and culture, as well as fun and social life; you are just spoilt for choice. Liguria is synonymous with the sea, with rocky coasts and little inlets with lovely fine sand beaches. The Cinque Terre and the Golfo dei Poeti, the Gulf of Tigullio, Genoa and the Golfo Paradiso, the Rivi-era of Palm Trees and the Riviera of Flow-ers, constitute the famous Ligurian Rivi-era which stretches for more than 300 km. Liguria’s most famous tourist resorts are located along this route, where the land and sea views are spectacularly beautiful: Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Sestri Levante with its lovely Baia del Silenzio, and Chiavari. A succession of wide beaches, little har-bours and scenery, all wait to be explored and o/er opportunities for recreation in the evening. Sanremo, the town of the flowers, with the Italian Song Festival and the Casino, elegant Bordighera, and Alas-sio with its fine beach, Varigotti and Lai-gueglia are just some of the “gems” set into the Riviera di Ponente. And also Por-to Venere, with Palmaria island opposite it, and Lerici with the mighty mediaeval castle overlooking the sea, the villas and their English gardens. The sea is so lovely that it even attracts many sperm whales, rorquals and dolphins, which find their natural habitat, where they can live in complete safety, in this area known as the “Cetacean Sanctuary”. The great stretch-es of woods of Liguria, with centuries-old trees, are a true naturalistic heritage and an alternative to traditional tourism. An immersion in nature to get to know and enjoy the inland places, just as lovely as the coast. The Provinces are: Genoa (administrative centre), Imperia, Savona, and La Spezia.

Liguria has many attractions, each with its own charm, and some of them have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO because of their historic-natu-ralistic value. One of the UNESCO sites is Genoa, a versatile city where ancient blends with modern, history with the contemporary, colours with shadows. It is a city closely linked with the sea, on which its economy has always depend-ed, where the culture, the places, the cuisine and the buildings still remind us of the ancient Maritime Republic. An at-mosphere that you can still feel as you stroll through the “carruggi”, the narrow alleys of Genoa’s old town, the biggest in Europe. There is Via Garibaldi (Strada Nuova) and the Palazzi dei Rolli com-plex, an exceptional 16th century town planning project, once used for hospital-ity for accommodating nobles visiting Genoa. The “rolli” were the public regis-ters from which lots were drawn to de-cide which noble dwelling had to host the State visits. Palazzo Spinola di Pellic-ceria, with the precious paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Bernardo Strozzi, Palazzo Lercari Parodi, Palazzo Cam-panella, and Palazzo Podestà are just a few of the beautiful Renaissance build-ings you can see when you visit this unique place. A tour of Genoa must defi-nitely include a visit to the Aquarium, one of the most complete and avant-garde structures in Europe. The Aquarium was designed by the Genovese architect Renzo Piano and is a sight not to be missed. Inside in enormous tanks, there are dolphins, seals, sharks, and mul-ti-coloured fish from all over the world: a breath-taking sight for both adults and children. The Cinque Terre, with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, is another of Liguria’s UNESCO sites.If you visit these places you will never forget the charm and atmosphere of the five maritime villages of Manarola, Rio-maggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Mon-terosso. Eighteen kilometres of coastline enclosing and preserving a little garden

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of Eden: unpolluted sea, rocks over-hanging the water, rolling hills with ter-races planted with vines, typical colour-ed hillside houses: all make up a really unique landscape. And then there are the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto located opposite Porto Venere, an an-cient fishing village with its multi-colour-ed houses, nestling together and min-gling their colours with the deep blue of the sea. When you think of the Riviera you think of Liguria: three hundred kilo-metres of coastline bathed by a splendid sea, which has always been this land’s primary re- source. It is, in fact, the sea that o/ers you thousands of di/erent ways of spending a holiday in Liguria, which can boast some of Italy’s most beautiful protected areas: the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Bergeggi, Isola Galli-nara, and it also has the famous Ceta-cean Sanctuary. This is where the highest concentration of cetaceans in the Medi-terranean lives, and whale watchers can enjoy a wonderful experience by taking part in one of the many excursions that leave from the coastal localities. A biolo-

gist on board of the boat gives informa-tion and news about the life of the ceta-ceans and explains the rules to be kept for preserving their natural habitat. The seabeds and treasures of the Ligurian Sea are well worth a “stroll” under water to see an unusually beautiful scene.Even if you are not an expert diver you can enjoy this wonderful experience by contacting one of the many specialised diving centres that exist in all Liguria’s main seaside places.If you do not want to go into the depths of the sea, snorkelling is ideal and is suit-ed for all age groups. Accompanied by specialised instructors and fitted out with flippers, mask and wetsuit, you can swim on the surface and see the beauty of these splendid seabeds, with their va-riety of colourful flora and many species of fish. If, on the other hand, you prepare to stick to dry land, Liguria is a real open-air gymnasium. The mountains around the Riviera are ideal for people that like trekking. Rocks, valleys, streams and lakes, everything surrounded by the typ-ical colours and scents of the Mediterra-

Pesto and its ingredients, © lorenna512 - iStock - Getty Images

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nean maquis, combine to form the beautiful natural landscape of the Liguri-an hinterland. There is no shortage of events, exhibi-tions and fairs in Liguria. The many hap-penings include the Sanremo Song Fes-tival, in which the big names of Italian music and new talents participate. Dur-ing the song festival the Sanremo Mu-nicipality organises a great number of cultural and touristic events, to provide amusement and entertainment for the thousands of people that flock to the City of Flowers every year. Genoa has been holding the International Boat Show since 1962, which attracts the most important exhibitors in the sector and many visitors from abroad also. When you think of Ligurian cuisine you immediately think of the famous pesto, a tasty cold sauce made of basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil; pesto goes well with trenette (narrow flat pasta strips) or trofie, twisted pasta shaped something like wood shavings. Another cold seasoning is walnut sauce, used to sea-son the stu/ed fresh pasta known as pansotti. Ravioli, filled with meat or bor-age, are seasoned with “tocco” a meat sauce made according to a traditional recipe. And of course there is the sea-food: first and foremost capon magro, a very elaborate dish containing fish and vegetables; anchovies, marinated or fried; mussels (called “muscoli” in Ligu-ria); fish soups like ciuppin and buridda made from dried cod; and Baddalucco dried cod and brandacujon dried cod, both typical of the Imperia area. Meat dishes include cima alla Genovese (stu/ed breast of veal) or Ligurian style rabbit, made with the famous Taggiasca olives, pine nuts and rosemary. The queen of pies is torta pasqualina, filled with artichokes or chard, cheese and eggs.Lastly we must not forget the focaccia, simple flat bread known as “fugassa” in Liguria, always delicious with olives or onions, and the farinata, flat bread made from chickpea flour. Genovese pan-dolce, fruit and nut cake, macaroons and

canestrelli biscuits are typical traditional cakes.But Liguria is also a land of vineyards and of olive groves, the fruit of which gives excellent Riviera Ligure PDO extra-virgin olive oil and excellent wines like Ormeas-co and Rossese di Dolceacqua, Vermen-tino, Ciliegiolo, Albanolo and Pigato and also Sciaccherà, an excellent passito wine from Cinque Terre.

GenoaIt is not surprising that Petrarch called her the “Lady of the Sea”. Considering that her history is linked to the sea, we shall start getting to know Genoa from its main entrance: the port, one of the Mediterranean’s main ports. Visible from far o/ and from any direction, with its tall height, is the Lantern, Genoa’s light-house.Inside it you can visit the museum that tells its story and gives guided tours: 720 steps lead to the top of the tower, from which there is a wonderful view. The fa-mous Genovese architect, Renzo Piano, handled the restructuring of the area of the Old Port of Genoa, once used as a goods yard and now a tourist attraction on the Genovese waterfront, which houses the Aquarium, the Galata Muse-um of the Sea, the National Museum of the Antarctic, the Bigo panoramic lift, the Biosphere, the Luzzati Museum and many other structures of touristic inter-est. After passing through the “gate” to the city we enter the heart of “the Super-ba” (the “proud one” - a nickname for Genoa), which contains many of its treasures in ma nificent stately buildings. In the middle of the old town, in Via Gar-ibaldi (Strada Nuova), a UNESCO Site since 2006, are the “Palazzi dei Rolli”, striking for their architectural beauty and the treasures in the museums located in them.They include Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bi-anco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, which to-gether form an extremely interesting museum centre. Works by Caravaggio, Veronese, Guercino, Van Dyck and Canova are exhibited in these three plac-es, where elegance and architectural

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quality combine with the magnificent works of art to o/er an excellent artistic tour.Let us not forget that Genoa was the European Capital of Culture in 2004.Near Genoa’s Piazza Principe railway station you can visit the Palazzo Reale, the magnificence of which is striking: frescoes, sculptures, paintings and stuc-cowork adorn the sumptuous rooms, elegantly furnished with very fine furni-ture. The Palazzo houses the National Gallery, which, with a route through 23 rooms, exhibits precious paintings by Luca Giordano, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piola, Vassallo, Jan Roos, Borgognone, Grechetto, Strozzi, Carlo Bonomi, Guercino and Van Dyck. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is situated on the square of the same name; its original nucleus dates back to the 9th century; it has been altered over the centuries down to our time and is a magnificent sight: the façade, decorated in typical Ligurian artistic style, with horizontal lines in white (Carrara marble) and black (slate from Val Fontanbuona in the Genovese hinterland), has windows with two lights and several lights at the top and three entrances, with a big rose window above the middle one.

In the interior, divided into a nave and two aisles, there are valuable paintings and sculptures and the Museo del Teso-ro, interesting both because of its loca-tion and the value of the artistic and cul-tural heritage exhibited. We find the same two-tone decoration on the façade of Sant’Agostino, a deconsecrat-ed church now seat of the Museum of the same name, with a rich collection that shows the relationship between Genoa and art between the 10th and 18th centuries.There is an interesting belfry made with multi-coloured majolica. Leaving the old town and heading east we come to Ner-vi, the last part of Genoa. Take a walk along the Anita Garibaldi pedestrian pathway, winding along the coast above the sea and over the rocks, from which wonderful sunsets can be seen, even in winter, and from which you have a view of the Gulf of Tigullio. The big gardens and flowery fields of Nervi alternate with elegant villas that house famous muse-ums: the Gallery of Modern Art in Villa Saluzzo Serra, the Frugone Collections in Villa Gramaldi Fassio, and the Luxoro Museum in the villa of the same name. In the west, in the Pegli district, you can visit the Museo Navale in Villa Doria, a

Port of Genoa, © Garsya - iStock - Getty Images

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stately residence surrounded by enor-mous grounds, and Villa Durazzo Pallav-icini, which has two great attractions: the Botanic Garden, laid out in its grounds, full of rare plants, and the Municipal Mu-seum of Ligurian Archaeology.The villa is surrounded by magnificent grounds, famous for the water features created by lakes, caves, streams and wa-terfalls, skilfully inserted among the lux-uriant vegetation. The architecture of the Riviera di Levante is famous for the typi-cal buildings clinging to the rocks, with their façades painted in pastel colours reflected in the sea, especially Camogli and Portofino. Visit Rapallo, Santa Mar-gherita Ligure and Sestri Levante, charm-ing places located along the coastline, surrounded by the greenery of the Med-iterranean maquis, beautiful seen from

the land but wonderful when viewed from the sea. Paths, bays, little beaches, cli/s, sea and seabeds: nature has drawn one of its best masterpieces here. In Golfo Paradiso, another little pearl of the Riviera: Camogli, an old fishing village remaining unchanged over the centu-ries, with tall houses, close together and coloured.The little harbour is very picturesque: with the colours of the boats reflected in the crystal sea, enlivened by the vivacity of social and holiday life.The Genovese hinterland also o/ers in-teresting itineraries, with its natural parks: the Beigua Park (UNESCO Beigua Geopark), the largest protected area in the region, is like a spectacular balcony overlooking the sea; and, continuing to-wards the Savona area, the Avero Park, one of the most beautiful in the Ligurian Apennine area; the Antola Park, contain-ing environmental treasures; and the Portofino Park, famous all over the world for its beauty.

For more information visit the following website: www.lamialiguria.it

Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari, © dade80 - iStock - Getty Images

Portofino, © Freeartist - iStock - Getty Images

2804 Limone - Lake Garda - © www.gardalombardia.com

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LOMBARDY

This is one of the vastest Italian regions and it is situated at the northern end of the peninsula, bordering with Switzer-land.Its territory stretches from the Alps to the low Pianura Padana (Po plain) and cre-ates a wide range of landscapes. The scenery of the Alpine chain is particularly fascinating, with Valchiavenna, Valtellina and Val Camonica.Lombardy has modern installations and equipment for lovers of winter sports in the areas of Tonale, Bormio, Livigno and Madesimo, always very popular. Another landscape typical of the region is the stretch of hills, in particular the Francia-corta area, famous for its vineyards and its wine.And then there is the loveliness of the great lakes. The western side of Lake Garda, with Sirmione and other famous places, is a very popular tourist resort; Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are ex-tremely beautiful, surrounded by stately villas, parks, and charming villages.The region is known for the big stretches of plain in the low Pianura Padana, with stretches of water where rice is grown: this is the typical Lomellina landscape, the land of the “mondine” (rice-weeding girls), with all its folklore.This region has thousands of other typi-cal features. Favoured by its particular geographic situation and the resources of its soil, Lombardy is a particularly rich land, where nature, history, art and cul-ture blend harmoniously with innova-tion, technology, fashion, design, enter-tainment and modernity.The provinces are: Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantua, Milan (administrative centre), Monza and Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio, and Varese.The region’s natural, artistic and archi-tectural panorama is extremely varied. The UNESCO sites are: the cities of Man-tua, Gonzago, and Sabbioneta the “ideal town” of the Italian Renaissance; the Sacri Monti, a pilgrimage route in the Va-rese and Ossuccio area; the prehistoric rock paintings in Val Camonica; the

Rhaetian railway that crosses the moun-tain landscapes of Albula and Bernina: the nineteenth century industrial settle-ment in Crespi d’Adda; Monte San Gior-gio, with layers of Middle-Triassic fossils; the pile-dwellings around the Alps; the Centres of Power and Worship in Lon-gobardic Italy; and, lastly, in Milan, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with the fresco of the Last Supper by Leonar-do da Vinci on the refectory wall of the monastery. Also in the city, an important piece of architecture is the alla Scala theatre, a famous opera house. The magnificent, white marble Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary nascent) is really wonderful.Then, in Monza, there is the natural park that contains the extremely modern mo-tordrome and the Villa Reale. Lastly, the Cathedral, which holds the ancient “iron crown”, which contains one of the nails of the Crucifixion. Particularly interest-ing, in Brescia, is the San Salvatore mon-astery; the tradition of lute and violin making, of which Stradivarius was the epitome, still lives on in Cremona.Pavia is the city of the hundred Towers, of the Visconteo Castle and the Universi-ty. Varese is the “garden province”. The mountains, plains and great lakes of Lombardy are the ideal setting for a hol-iday in touch with nature, practising sport, resting and touring the country-side.The Alpine peaks welcome ski and snowboard enthusiasts in internationally renowned skiing areas like Valcamonica and Valtellina, with the very popular re-sorts of Livigno, Bormio and Aprica and hundreds of kilometres of tracks of every level. In summer the mountains o/er the thrill of climbing on the Adamello and other peaks, rafting, trekking and moun-tain bike routes, while the Stelvio glacier o/ers skiers daring downhill runs even during the hottest months.You can have a relaxing holiday in the hills of Lombardy, thanks to the various spas with their healing waters, like the hot springs in Boario or Bormio, sur-

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rounded by magnificent grounds. Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Iseo ensure restful and fun holidays, with the possi-bility of practising sailing, windsurf, water skiing, canoeing, cycling, trekking, ex-cursions in the vicinity and boat trips.There are many itineraries to take you to see the most typical aspects of Lom-bardy: the Sacri Monti o/er exceptional spiritual and nature routes; in Valchia-venna you can find the traditions of a place that was the point of contact be-tween Italy and Northern Europe for centuries; the natural parks of the Navig-li area have many di/erent types of scen-ery, all lovely, from the hills of Brianza to the green banks of the Adda river.Gourmands can travel the many wine routes, from Valtellina to Lodigiano, from

Oltrepo Pavese to the Mantua area, fin-ishing up in the area of Franciacorta, fa-mous all over the world for its sparkling wine. This is an unusual journey through terraces and hills covered with vineyards, with halts at cellars and wineries to taste the famous local specialties.The gastronomic specialties range from the great sa/ron risotto, to the Milan-ese-style breaded cutlet, to zuppa pavese (egg soup), to cassoeula (casse-role) with pork and cabbage, from Valtellina pizzoccheri (short strips of buckwheat and wheat pasta) and bresaola (dried salted beef), to Varzi raw salami, to freshwater fish, the famous lavarets, dried and grilled. The most famous and tasty cheeses are gorgonzo-la (from the name of the town), mascar-pone (creamy), lodigiano (semi-fat, hard), grana (hard, similar to parmesan). robiola (soft, white), and bel paese (semi-soft). The Milanese panettone (sweet Christmas bread) is world famous, but so are the amaretti di Saronno (macaroons), the Mantua torta sbrisolona (crumbly cake) and the Cremona nougat.The Grumello, Inferno, and Sassella della Valtellina wines are very famous, as are the wines and sparkling wines made in Franciacorta, and the Bonarda and Bar-bera of Oltrepo Pavese.

Bergamo, © michelangeloop - iStock - Getty Images

Pizzocheri from Valtellina, © milla1974- iStock -

Getty Images

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MilanMilan is Italy’s economic engine, the capital of design and the city of fashion. The magnificent cathedral stands in the downtown Piazza del Duomo, a Gothic sculpture of spires and statues started at the desire of Gian Galeazzo Visconti in 1386 and finished nearly 500 years later. The most original angle for viewing it is through the windows of the Museo del ‘900 (twentieth century museum) in the Arengario building, which houses the 20th century artistic masterpieces. The northern side of the square is bordered by porticoes, interrupted in the middle by the entrance archway to Galleria Vit-torio Emanuele II, a very elegant arcade with exclusive shops. When you go through the Galleria you come out in pi-azza della Scala, where the alla Scala theatre, the international temple of op-era, is located. Along the central via Dante you reach the Sforzesco Castle, a military citadel suspended between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, which is now a museum centre, which over-looks the Sempione Park, the city’s green area. This where, in the Palazzo dell’Arte, the Milan Triennale exhibition is held with its exclusive installations, like the Design Museum. At the end opposite the castle are the Arco della Pace and Corso

Sempione, with places where Milanese night life gets o/ to a start with the ha-bitual aperitif and then continues in the Navigli area (the old network of canals built for defence, for supplying the city with water and for river transport), the hub of night life. There is an import an-tiques market in the Navigli area every third Sunday, with displays of furniture, silverware, modern antiques and collec-tors’ items. The city’s silent and ancient face unveils itself along the elegant Cor-so Garibaldi, passing through Brera, the district of artists and bistros, and its pic-ture gallery, which holds one of the most important art collections in Italy. Art and culture are present in many parts of the city, too many to compile into a list. Suf-fice it to mention the Loggia dei Mercan-ti and its ancient square, once the hub of civil life, and the clever architectural ar-rangements by Bramante in the San Sat-iro presbytery (a wall on which the archi-tect simulates the hollow of the apse) and the square tribune in Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the refectory of which one of the absolute masterpieces of the Renaissance is frescoed: the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Milan is also the city for high-class shopping, with the stylists’ ateliers in via Tortona and the boutiques of what is known as the “fash-

Milan, Cathedral, © Xantana - iStock - Getty Images

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ion quadrilateral”, between Via Monte-napoleone and Via della Spiga. Lastly, for a well-earned rest, we come to the Pub-lic Gardens with the Natural History Mu-seum and the Planetarium. However all these richnesses should not distract us from the provincial centres, which also have art treasures: castles, exceptional villas, abbeys and palaces. Among the main ones are, in Monza, the Villa Reale with its grounds and the Ca-thedral. In Corbetta. the casa Corbellino, or Castelletto, is an example of a building constructed over the remains of a castle and later restored and enlarged. In No-vate Milanese, the Casa de’ Busti and the Oratory of Santi Nazaro and Celso (Gesiò) are examples of a 16th century stately home and an oratory. There is a very interesting monument in Abbiate-grasso, the church of Santa Maria Nuova, the façade of which is beside the big pronaos designed by Bramante, while a few kilometres away, on a hill overlook-ing the Ticino valley, there is another in-teresting example of 12th century Cister-cian architecture, the Abbey of Morimondo. The mediaeval Abbeys in the Milanese area are very interesting. Chiaravalle and Morimondo, of the Cis-tercian order; Viboldone and Mirasole belonging to the order of the Humiliati. To the north of the chief city, the Ville di Delizie have incomparably beautiful grounds and nymphaea; to the east of

the city, on the river Adda, art meets na-ture and displays wonderful examples of industrial architecture set in the natu-ral scenery that surrounds it: the Taccani hydroelectric station in Trezzo Sull’Adda is an example. The castles are another treasure of the area: on the banks of the Muzza at Cassano d’Adda stands the Borromeo d’Adda castle with a history dating back to the 9th century, where restoration work has revealed frescoes of the Giotto school; in Legnano, the San Giorgio castle was built in the 13th cen-tury over a preexisting Augustinian mon-astery; in Cusago, the Visconteo castle is looked on as one of the region’s best ex-amples of castle architecture. If we take a look at the southern Milanese area we may mention San Colombano al Lambro and the Belgioioso castle and Casalpus-terlengo with the crenelated tower of the Pusterla with two overlapping bod-ies. Then there is the green, arcadian Mil-anese province, with winding rivers like the Adda, which forms rapids and can-yons in the area north of Trezzo, the Tici-no, which flows through richly wooded land and past islets, protected by per-haps the biggest river natural park in Eu-rope. Diked and often underground wa-tercourses flow through the whole area, first thanks to the Mediaeval monks, who worked on and reclaimed the Po plain and then Leonardo da Vinci himself, who lived here under the rule of the Sforza

Bellagio, Como Lake © zodebala - E+ - Getty Images

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family and invented the system for regu-lating the level of water in the canals, the famous Milanese Navigli, so as to make them navigable.

For more information visit the following website: www.in-lombardia.it

Violin maker in Cremona, © zodebala - iStock - Getty Images

Mantua, © deimagine - E+ - Getty Images

34The Pala Group, a mountain range in the Dolomites, © Trentino Marketing S.p.a., Photo by Pio Geminiani

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TRENTINO

Trentino is synonymous with mountains and an unpolluted environment. The Dolomites, the woods and the lakes are the real protagonists of this land, which stretches from Mount Adamello to Mount Marmolada, as far as Lake Garda, encompassing some of the most impor-tant peaks of the Alpine chain and a vari-ety of really impressive landscapes.Environment. With more than 17% of the province’s area protected by the three Parks, we can well say that Trentino is nature’s ideal place. An area that has 300 lakes, starting with Garda, a Mediterrane-an enclave set in the Alpine chain.The woods are a distinguishing feature of this land, covering a large part of the province with a total of 500,000,000 trees, about 1,000 per inhabitant, which supply more than 40% of the country’s wood production. The real protagonists of Trentino’s ecosystem are the moun-tains: from the glaciers of Adamello-Pre-sanella, Cevedale and Marmolada, to the gentle slopes of Val di Non, they are the distinguishing feature of this land and the engine of all its socio-economic dy-namics.Some of the most beautiful views of the whole Alpine range can be seen here: from Campanile Basso to Paganella, from Cima Brenta to Sass Pordoi, from Catinaccio to Torri del Vajolet, many names that have made the history of mountaineering and every year attract many enthusiasts who just cannot resist the charm of these landscapes. It is not surprising that the Dolomites were de-clared a Wold Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2009.Quality of life. Trentino is an area with about half a million inhabitants in an area of 6,202 square kilometres, with a popu-lation density of 83 persons per square kilometre, one of the lowest in Europe, with more than 75% of the territory situ-ated at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres. The quality of life of this area is well known. Dozens of classifications, studies and opinion polls confirm this, with Trentino taking first place among It-

aly’s provinces for environmental quality, education, livableness and public servic-es.A strategic growth factor is also the par-ticular administrative set-up - the only one of its kind in Italy - as an autono-mous province with important legislative powers that have given rise to a positive and deep-seated culture of self-govern-ment and attention to the area’s needs.Culture. The first stage of an itinerary through the area is Trento, the city fa-mous for having hosted the Council of Trent, which started o/ the Catholic Counter-reformation, in the sixteenth century.The city is dominated by the majestic Buonconsiglio castle and the old town shows great. Renaissance influence, with the Piazza del Duomo, the 18th century Neptune fountain, the Palazzo Pretorio and the Cathedral of Saint Virgil, where the historic Council was held, while Rov-ereto, a city with considerable Mid-dle-European influence, has the charm of a cradle of culture, where Fortunato Depero, a protagonist of futurism, was born.But the entire Trentino area o/ers an overall cultural proposition that is aston-ishing for its variety and complexity and makes the most of the particular features of each place.The network of castles stretches out from Buonconsiglio to all the valleys; likewise, the barycentres of the museum network are the MUSE-Museo delle Sci-enze science museum in Trento and the MART-museum of modern and contem-porary art in Rovereto, and the network stretches out from these two cultural centres to many structures.Sport. Trentino is known to be a great open-air gymnasium and it o/ers many options for lovers of active holidays, in both summer and winter. In the valleys outdoor sports enthusiasts can find routes for mountain bikes, with three big “rings” with tracks and woods, for hun-dreds of kilometres; for trekking, with three other signposted and georefer-

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enced routes, suited for all types of form; for cycling, with over 400 kilometres of cycling tracks; and for bouldering and climbing.Lovers of water sports will find everything they need for sailing and windsurfing on the lakes of Trentino, also thanks to the steady winds of Lake Garda, and for raft-ing and canyoning on the rivers and streams. In winter Trentino o/ers more than 800 kilometres of tracks, divided between the two big skiing areas of Skirama and Domiti Superski. Thanks to the avant-garde infrastructures and ski lifts and to an extensive artificial snow- making system, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the nearly 500 tracks distribut-ed among the many winter resorts, of which Madonna di Campiglio, Val de Fassa, Val di Fiemme, San Martino di Castrozza are the most famous. Not for-getting the possibility of cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering, slow ways of enjoying nature clothed in white.Food and wine. Trentino o/ers “poor” but lively cooking, characterised by many cultural influences. The leading role is played by typical mountain farm-ing products. Starting with Trentodoc, the classic sparkling technique of this area, to wines like Mazemino, Teroldego, Müller-Thürgau, Nosiolo, and the fa-mous Trentino Grappa. Marked flavours with clear identity, ideal for tasting along with other “highlights” of local products, such as lucanica sausage, cheeses like

Trentingrana, Casolet, Puzzone di Moena and Vezzena, mountain trout and char, apples from Val di Non. We must not overlook a pearl like the mul-ti-prize-winning extra-virgin oil made from the olives of Trentino’s Garda area; the lake’s mild climate makes it possible to produce his most northerly nectar in Europe. You can get to know authentic and important places thanks to the wine-and-food and cultural routes organised by the three Trentino Wine and Flavour Routes, which lead visitors to discover-ing these excellent products. Accommodation and hospitality. This area has always received tourists and visitors in avantgarde structures and with traditional hospitality. It is not surprising that, at the beginning of the 20th centu-ry, the aristocracy of the Austro-Hungar-ian Empire had already chosen this area as a favourite place for gaining new strength and being in touch with nature. This fact has had a positive influence on the hospitality of the local people for several generations. Today Trentino has more than 1,500 accommodation facilities, of which 87% are 3 to 5 star ho-tels, more than 400 farmhouse holiday facilities and high quality additional services, to suit every kind of holiday requirement. There are many product clubs, o/ering a wide range of proposals to meet the demands and expectations of di/erent guest targets. The 146 moun-tain huts, on the other hand, are an

Sassolungo Mountain, Fassa Valley, © Trentino Marketing

S.p.a., Photo by Alessandro Gruzza

Canale di Tenno, © Trentino Marketing S.p.a., Photo by

Tommaso Prugnola

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outpost near the most beautiful peaks, combining Alpine scenery with a taste of Italian lifestyle.

For more information visit the following website: www.visittrentino.info

Lake Garda, © Trentino Marketing S.p.a., Photo by Daniele Lira

Trento seen from Buonconsiglio Castle, © Trentino Marketing S.p.a., Photo by Carlo Baroni

38Alpe di Siusi, © IDM Südtirol-Clemens Zahn

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ALTO ADIGE – SOUTH TYROL

Alto Adige/South Tyrol - The most north-erly province of Italy, the land of three cultures (German, Italian and Ladin), land-scapes with striking contrasts (mountains, Dolomites and lakes with vineyards), a place of castles and farmsteads. Alto Adi-ge/South Tyrol has a fascinating variety of landscapes and places but also a very un-usual lifestyle, half- way between Alpine and Mediterranean. History has left its mark heavily on this area down through the centuries until the present day. There is no doubt that what makes Alto Adige so special and di/erent is the people. In fact, three cultures, three languages and three lifestyles live side by side here: 70% of the more than 500,000 inhabitants are of German mother tongue, 25% Italian mother tongue and 5% Ladin. Because of its Special Status the Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol Region has divided its juris-diction between the two autonomous provinces of Bolzano (Alto Adige/South Tyrol) and Trento (Trentino). The area is quite small (only 7,400 square kilometres) but full of contrasts from the point of view of landscape, and also of culture and nature: valleys covered by wide expanses of orchards, slopes planted with vine-yards and, higher up, meadows and sum-mer pastures until you come to the rocks, to the peaks of the Dolomites - UNESCO Heritage Site - and the eternal snows of the glaciers, contrasting with the natural beauties of the cities and the typical towns. The biggest cities are Bolzano/Bo-zen, the administrative centre, and Mera-no/Meran, the city of the hot springs. The smallest town is Gorenza/Glurns, with it mediaeval boundary walls. The province is rich in history (nearly 800 castles and manor houses, countless monasteries and churches from every period) but ori-ented towards the future, thanks to inter-nationally famous architects (Matteo Thun) and to territorial management concepts in harmony with environmental protection (ClimateHouse).For lovers of sport Alto Adige/South Tyrol is like a unique openair gymnasium: walk-ing, cycling, horseback riding, trekking

and mountain biking, climbing, but also walking with snowshoes, cross- country skiing, snowboarding and tobog-ganing.The tourism o/er reflects the variety of the area: hotels for families, for hikers, for people in search of wellness or of sports, or farmhouse holidays to live in close contact with the South Tyrolean peasants. Wine and food reflect the three cultures. Mountain land, border land, land of transit, of alliances, of meetings between di/erent cultures, of traditions and innovations, of intense flavours, of typical and unique products. As soon as he or she has crossed the historic “bor-ders” of the county of Tyrol, the alert traveller notices some characteristics and peculiarities not commonly found in the rest of Italy: bilingual signposts (Ger-man and Italian, or Italian and German depending on the component of the population, and trilingual with Ladin also in the valleys of the Dolomites), houses and farmsteads with typical northern ar-chitecture, meticulously tidy and well-kept landscapes (sometimes the moun-tain meadows look like carpets). If you pause and satisfy your curiosity you will realise that Alto Adige is a very varied land, sometimes contradictory in many ways, but with an innate harmony that can be felt in many places and situations and in the people. High mountains, where snow is eternal, contrasting with the gentle slopes, where excellent wine grows, and with the big valleys, which are the biggest orchard in Europe. Villag-es with ancient churches and fountains, farmsteads with flowered balconies, Al-pine pastures where the animals graze in summer, but also towns where, along-side the old town centres, modern archi-tecture creates a link with the future.Centuries-old peasant traditions carried on by the people naturally and sincerely, which coexist with thrilling cultural and sports events “catapulted” all over the world by the television. The gastronomy is a perfect example of coexistence be-tween north and south, between Austri-

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an, Italian and Ladin culture, between tradition and modernity, with dishes and foods that reflect the whole delicious va-riety of Alto Adige. In Alpine huts at 2,000 metres the flavours express the altitude and the commitment of people that live in close touch with nature. This is the reign of freshly milked milk, of cheese and yoghurt, of hay soup, of omelettes flavoured with cranberry jam. Whole-some and simple dishes with a typical mountain flavour. The Dolomites are an “enclave” of high quality celebrated cui-sine linked with the area’s typical prod-ucts, processed and innovated accord-ing to the inspiration and modern inventiveness of chefs and restaurateurs whose roots are Tyrolean but whose mentality is open to the world. In cities like Bolzano/Bozen and Merano/Meran the variety of the food fully reflects the coexistence of di/erent cultures. The ta-ble becomes a meeting place. In a typi-cal inn, bank clerks sit beside peasants from the valley and perhaps they both order a mixed dish of dumplings and spaghetti. Nearby, the restaurant o/ers very fresh fish cooked Roman style. Traditional gastronomy, wholesome, with strong true flavours, ancient skills handed down with grandmother’s reci-pes, can be enjoyed in farmhouse estab-lishments all over Alto Adige. Every sea-son and every valley reflects the variety and freshness of the moment: fresh white asparagus from April to May; speck (cured ham) which has just matured in May; early vegetables in “Schlutzkrap-fen”, big ravioli filled with spinach, in

June; sweet dumplings with strawber-ries, apricots and plums in July; herbs from the fields with little nettle dump-lings in August; dishes with wild mush-rooms (edible boletus and chanterelles) in September; October is harvest time with plenty of wine and chestnuts; in November the typical dishes of meat and charcuterie with pickled cabbage. Alto Adige is also the land of castles. This is where you find the highest density in all Europe of castles, stately homes and historic sites. Elegant places, full of romanticism and history, are the back-ground for dishes that you can enjoy in one of the many castles converted into restaurants or hotels. Noble dishes, fit for a king, which once again reflect the vari-ety of Alto Adige. Variety also exists in the vineyards of Alto Adige and is a very typ-ical feature, which distinguishes Alto Adige from many other vine-growing ar-eas. You will not find Tyrolean vineyards in the bottom of the valleys, but along the gentle sunny slopes of the valleys of Alto Adige and Isarco. The vineyards of Lagrein are an exception because they are planted on the Bolzano plain, in allu-vial soil, where the particular microcli-mate (cool at night and hot in the day) ripens the grapes which then become one of the most esteemed wines of re-cent years. Lagrein was recently “redis-covered” together with other native spe-cies of vine, like Gewürztraminer and Schieva, by winemaking experts all over the world. Very special and unique fla-vours and tastes make these wines win-ners over other “international” varieties

Winter holiday in the Dolomites, © IDM Südtirol-Frieder

Blickle

Seceda mountain, Val Gardena, © Oleh_Slobodeniuk - E+

- Getty Images

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of grape (Chardonnay or Müller Thurgau, among the whites, Merlot and Cabernet, among the reds). Exploiting small pro-ductions (e.g. Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero) and keeping “ancient” vines (e.g. Kerner, Veltliner, pink Muscatel), is an attitude of respect also adopted in Alto Adige/South Tyrol towards the typi-calness and uniqueness of the area’s products.It is just a coincidence that the national and international markets have almost made them into a “fashion”.

For more information visit the following website: www.suedtirol.info

Lake of Caldaro, © IDM Südtirol-Clemens Zahn

Bolzano, Christmas Market, © IDM Südtirol-Alex Filz

42Grand Canal in Venice, with Santa Maria della Salute Basilica in the background, © RudyBalasko - iStock - Getty Images

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VENETO

Located in north-eastern Italy, Veneto stretches from the Dolomites to the Adri-atic Sea, across a wide belt of hills and a plain crossed by rivers, canals and the Po Delta.The lagoon landscape is typical of the Venetian coast and it is precisely on the lagoon that Venice, the most unique city in the world, visited by thousands of Ital-ian and foreign tourists every year, stands.But Veneto is a region with many facets and even on the mainland it contains treasures of nature, art and tradition.The variety of landscapes is amazing: the Dolomites embellished by the pink shades of sunset, and the eastern shore of Lake Garda, from Peschiera del Garda to Malcesine through dozens of big and small tourist resorts. And then there are the long sandy beaches, alternating with historic seaside resorts like Bibione, Caorle, Jesolo, Cavallino, Lido di Venezia, Sottomarina and Rosolina.Set in this spectacular natural framework there is a rich wealth of culture, which makes Veneto extremely attractive, from art cities to magnificent “Palladian villas”, scattered along the Brenta Riviera, to lit-tle villages like Arquà Petrarca, Asolo, Borghetto and Portobu/olè, and walled towns like Bassano del Grappa, Marosti-ca, Soave, Cittadella, Este and Montagna-na, expressing the most typical aspects of this multiform region.Veneto is also the ideal destination for a holiday dedicated to wellness and relaxa-tion, thanks to its hot springs with cura-tive properties: on the soft hills of the Colli Euganei there are well equipped Terme Euganee centres such as Abano Terme, Montegrotto Terme, Galzignano Terme, Battaglia Terme and Teolo, where treatment can be combined with pleas-ant excursions in the environs.The provinces are: Venice (administrative centre), Belluno, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Verona and Vicenza.Veneto is a most attractive area and of-fers countless natural and artistic ameni-ties with some absolutely must-see high-lights.

The first stage of a tour of the region is, of course, Venice, a UNESCO World Herit-age Site, with its lagoon, its islands and its Grand Canal bordered by antique, richly decorated buildings recalling the splen-dour of the ancient Maritime Republic.Venice is also famous for its historic Car-nival, for Murano glass and for Burano lace and you can tour it on foot, along the narrow streets known as “calli” and across the many bridges, or else by boat, either vaporetto (water bus) or gondola, carried over the water to admire unique scenes and views. You will never forget Piazza San Marco, with the Basilica and its mosaics and domes, the Doge’s Place, the labyrinth of little streets with their shops and craft workshops, the churches decorated with paintings, sculptures and frescoes, the museums and even the most out-of-the-way squares.Another site on the UNESCO list is the old town of Verona, an exceptional ex-ample of integration between Renais-sance, mediaeval and Roman architec-ture.The city’s iconic monuments are the ro-mantic Juliet’s Balcony, immortalised by Shakespeare’s tragedy, and the arena amphitheatre, which becomes an open-air opera house in the summer. In Veneto even nature is superb: the Dolomites were recently included among the Herit-age Sites because of their special confor-mation and the lovely plays of light among their rocks.This is an ideal place for skiers: an im-mense area with kilometres of tracks and well equipped resorts, especially exclu-sive and elegant Cortina, the “pearl” of the Dolomites and one of the world’s most famous mountain resorts.There are many well equipped mountain resorts, where you can enjoy a holiday in the high mountains in either summer or winter.Padua, a cultural city par excellence, has many attractions, from the Basilica of Saint Anthony, a place of pilgrimage, to the magnificent Scrovegni chapel, a timeless masterpiece, completely fres-

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coed by Giotto. Its 16th century Botanic Garden, with many medicinal plants, is also a Heritage Site.The old town centre of Vicenza, charac-terised by the classic style of the architect Andrea Palladio, has been recognised by UNESCO, together with the wonderful stately homes built by him, outstanding among which are Villa Capra Valmarana and Villa Poiana, surrounded by large grounds.The region has many other surprises for visitors, in Belluno, Treviso and Rovigo. Even the small villages are rich in history and culture and form part of the regional landscape.In the mountains, by the sea, or on the hills, Veneto o/ers fascinating holidays close to nature, with sport, relaxation and pleasant surprises.From the Dolomites to Lessinia, across the Altopiano di Asiago and Mount Baldo, resorts that o/er unique experiences to winter sports lovers: awesome downhill tracks for skis, snowboards or snowrafts; climbing; trekking at any level; cross- country tracks; excursions on snow-shoes; and thrilling sled dog runs.The golden coastline stretching from Bibione to Rosolina is ideal for a seaside holiday with physical exercise: beach volley, boating, surfing, water skiing, and

cycling through cool pine woods and unpolluted environments. And then there is the night life in the trendy clubs and discoes of the holiday resorts.For golfers there are 43 excellent greens, not far from one another, with compe-tent sta/s, in 8 golfing districts. Nature lovers can go on excursions or itineraries in Veneto’s protected areas. From the mountains to the sea, Veneto has six pro-tected natural areas. Not so well known as more popular tourist destinations, these environments still have wilderness-es; places where you can experience landscapes and almost forgotten tradi-tions at any time of the year, a world of genuine flavours and warm hospitality where you can enjoy the majestic spec-tacle of nature.Veneto has a great variety of scenery and is a paradise for people that love sports and active holidays: mountain biking, trekking or Nordic walking; marathons or regattas…there is a wealth of choices!The attractive Po Delta and the other la-goon areas, dominated by the reflections of the sky in the water and populated by hundreds of species of birds, are a real paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers; an oasis of natural beau-ty where tradition, culture and art merge and o/er visitors a unique and surprising

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landscape; while the banks of Lake Gar-da, surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation, still o/er many architectural and artistic treasures. The land is per-fumed by the greenery of the olive trees and the yellow of the lemons. But this beautiful region also has other small stretches of water and places where na-ture and history co-exist and they are all lovely: the lakes of Santa Croce, Cadore, Agordino, Revine, Corlo and Mis. There is a really wide range of options for people that would like a holiday combining re-laxation with even unbridled amusement. In the many spas, including the famous Terme Euganee, or the spas of Bibione Thermae, Recoaro or Caldero, you can spend relaxing holidays, with cures and beauty treatments, to restore the right balance between body and soul. The belt of hills at the foot of the mountains is the heart of the Veneto Region. The area has delightful scenery, lovely old villages and famous Venetian Villas, a reminder of the love the aristocrats once had for this area, where they chose to relax and enjoy country life. Deciding to spend a holiday in the heart of Veneto can give you unique experiences. The Veneto con-gress system can o/er structures, now

completely catalogued and registered, that can host any kind of meeting and congress and meet specific require-ments. One of the reasons for Veneto’s great appeal to the congress system is the exceptional mix of resources, which makes the o/er abundant and high level. The great choice of destinations is an at-tractive feature, appreciated all over the world and closely linked with the con-gress o/er.There is a full calendar of not-to-be-missed events, some famous all over the world, like the Art Exhibition and the Ar-chitecture Exhibition, which alternate and guarantee a number of really notable encounters and internationally famous guests; the Carnival of Venice; art exhibi-tions and shows; and numerous religious feasts, folk festivals and fairs, even in the small villages. Veneto is always beautiful, but it is also tasty. The wine and food her-itage is based on 28 DOC, 14 DOCG and 10 TGI wines, part of a pyramid of quality that ranges from wines with worldwide success, like Prosecco, Amarone and Soave, to everyday table wines, exports of which account for more than 30 per cent of total national wine exports. There are 35 PDO and PGI products and there

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are others in the process of obtaining the important EEC recognition: a real gold-mine of genuine flavours, consisting of more than 370 traditional food products. This wealth of products makes tastes, fla-vours and raw materials available for a cuisine with hundreds of years of history, capable of reconciling territory, tradition and innovation.

VeniceElegant, precious, inimitable, fun, ro-mantic: this is Venice, the pearl of the Italian tourist scene, where churches, palaces, ancient bridges, monuments and squares express the artistic and cultural vivacity that characterised, and still characterises, the history of this city. The heart of Venice is the splendid Piazza San Marco, the most elegant sa-lon in Europe, surrounded by priceless works of architecture: the imposing Campanile and the Basilica with its five portals and its marble and mosaic deco-rations - a foretaste of the splendour and richness of the interior; the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the heyday of the “Serenissima” (most serene Republic of Venice); the Torre dei Mori, better known as the Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower) after the masterpiece of engineering that has been telling the time in Venice for centuries; and the Napoleonic Wing where the Correr Museum is located. Nearby is Campo Santo Stefano and the church of the same name, one of the biggest in Venice. From the square you can see the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and the tall campanile rising from the monumental complex of the former Benedictine monastery, a mas-terpiece by the great architects of the period, including the famous Andrea Palladio. This is a real open-air museum, which you can also visit by boat or gon-dola along the Grand Canal, the city’s “main street”; it starts at Punta della Dogana, the ancient port of “the Serenis-sima”, with its distinctive triangular shape, now - like Palazzo Grassi - used as a Centre of Modern Art. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, on view in Palazzo Venier de’ Leoni, the most

prestigious art collection of the 20th century, is a must-see. As you go on, you come to other impor-tant museums: the Gallerie dell’Acca-demia, located in the imposing Scuola Grande de la Carità complex, which in-cludes the church of the same name and the monastery; and Ca’ Rezzonico, one of the most beautiful Renaissance build-ings, which houses the Museum of 18th Century Venice. On the right-hand side of the Grand Canal, which you can also reach by crossing the Rialto Bridge, you come to the area of the sestieri (districts) of San Polo, Santa Croce and Dorsoduro, where there are some of Venice’s most famous “campi” (fields), surrounded by splendid religious buildings and man-sions: San Rocco with one of Venice’s ancient Grandi Scuole (confraternities) and a church named after the saint; the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of the most important Franciscan complexes; San Polo; San Gi-acomo dall’Orio with the church of the same name in the centre, decorated with wonderful Venetian Renaissance works of art; San Sebastiano, masterfully deco-rated by Paolo Veronese; San Pantalon; San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, with one of the oldest churches in the city; and Santa Maria della Salute. From Piazza San Mar-co, crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, from where you have a lovely view of the lagoon, you come to the Castello district with its many architectural and artistic masterpieces. It is well known that Ven-ice’s “campi” are historic squares, often embellished by beautiful monuments at

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their centre and by imposing and splen-did religious buildings from which they take their names. There are many inter-esting ones in this district: the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, where State fu-nerals are held; the church of Santa Ma-ria dei Miracoli, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture; the church of San Zaccaria; the church of San Giovanni in Bragora, thought by many to be one of the most beautiful in the city; and the church of Santa Maria Formosa designed by Codussi. If you continue walking along the calli you should not miss a vis-it to the biggest Arsenal in the world, built during the 12th century and later enlarged thanks to Venice’s great politi-cal-commercial expansion, and to the Scuola San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, which has some of Carpaccio’s most beautiful paintings. In Cannaregio there is the Campo della Madonna dell’Orto, one of the few remaining examples of ancient herringbone paving, overlooked by the church of the same name, deco-rated by the Great Tintoretto, and the Scuola dei Mercanti. Another magnifi-cent example of Renaissance architec-ture is the church of San Giovanni Crisostomo, Mauro Codussi’s last work. A precious art collection with paintings by the Venetian school is on display in the old Ca’ d’Oro mansion. And a circle of islands: Burano famous for lacemak-

ing, Murano for glassmaking, Pellestrina with its sand dunes and tall cane thick-ets, and Torcello, one of the oldest hu-man settlements in the area. There are many ways of learning about the glori-ous past of “the Serenissima”. One of these, certainly the most frivolous and carefree, is to go shopping in the typical craft workshops and the elegant bou-tiques. The famous Murano glass, the beautiful necklaces of multi-coloured beads, the terracotta or ceramic masks, and the typical Venetian sweetmeats, are just some of the many ideas for gifts you can buy for yourself and for your loved ones, as mementoes of these unforget-table places.

For more information visit the following website: www.veneto.eu

Borghetto, Valeggio sul Mincio (Province of Verona), © Photogilio - iStock - Getty Images

Valdobbiadene (Province of Treviso), Prosecco Vineyards, ©

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FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

This region in North-East Italy, bordering with Slovenia and Austria, nestles be-tween the Alps and the Adriatic Sea and these two contrasting elements have shaped a varied and exciting landscape, where the Italian, Slavic and German cul-tures meet in this thrilling melting pot of traditions, languages and faiths.Pristine mountaintops, rolling hills and blue seas are the framework for this unique European landscape, which has always been the crossroads of di/erent cultures and peoples. A landscape to dis-cover which will amaze tourists at every turn.Elegant yet discreet, proudly beautiful, but never flashy, the cities of Friuli Vene-zia Giulia are a surprisingly eclectic blend of languages, cultures and religions. This can be clearly glimpsed by looking out onto the Molo Audace pier from Piazza dell’Unita’ d’Italia in Trieste (where on the third day of November of 1918, the first Italian ship docked, as a symbol of the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, al-though the city had to wait until 1954 to become truly Italian), or by taking a short stroll with one foot in Italy and one in Slovenia, in Piazza Stazione Ferroviaria Transalpina in Gorizia.In these lands, the Celts, Romans, Huns, Lombards, Venetians and Austro-Hun-garians have all roamed, leaving behind their mark, which has taken root with the local traditions.And so Trieste wore the colours of Habsburg, Udine became the home of Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepo-lo, Gorizia was nicknamed “the Austrian Nice”, Pordenone is a blend of Roman, Baroque and Gothic influences, and nearby Sacile is known as the “Garden of the Serenissima”.Discovering the region’s artistic and cul-tural treasures is made all the more easy and convenient with the FVG Card, which allows you full access to all the main mu-seums, historical and archaeological sites and to take part in TurismoFVG’s guided tours of Trieste, Aquilea, Cividale del Friuli, Palmanova and Spilimbergo. Sur-

rounded by some of the most breathtak-ing scenery in this world, with karstic whites and the intense blue of the North-ern Adriatic Sea, Trieste has always been an important crossroads between the Eastern and Western worlds, thanks to the important role played by its port.For centuries a city that belonged con-temporaneously to nobody and every-body, to this very day this cosmopolitan city survives and thrives in an environ-ment where di/erent cultures, languag-es, religions and traditions meet. Udine, an elegant and sociable city, where refined architecture is dotted by the rustic charm of the local taverns. This is the city that hosts the majestic works of Giambattista Tiepolo, the last great Vene-tian painter. The artist left behind several masterpieces, most of which can be seen at the Palazzo Arcivescovile, but some even at the Cathedral and at the Galleria d’Arte Antica, located in the castle over-looking the old town centre. For those who want to discover this city’s marvels on their own, audio-guides and bicycle rentals are available. While Trieste is the region’s trade nexus, Gorizia is the real melting pot of Central Europe. This is the crossroads for three main European cultures (Latin, Slavic and Germanic), and it is here where, in 2004, the last wall between Eastern and West-ern Europe was finally torn down. Habsburg’s bourgeoisie loved Gorizia and its mild weather: which is how the city earned its nickname “The Nice of the Adriatic coast”, thanks to its beautiful parks around the bottom of the hill upon which the ancient hamlet and mediaeval castle stand. Pordenone is an elegant city with a charming old town centre that is brimming with XVI century Palazzi, Ro-manesque churches, arcades, frescoed façades, Gothic and baroque buildings.A stroll down the Corso’s exquisite arcades, or a tour of the museums or temporary exhibitions, are the perfect way to im-merse yourself in the local culture.Down by the sea, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s coastline is host to many treasures.

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It is the perfect tourist destination for families, thanks to a certification system for its tourist facilities and a special pro-gramme designed to accommodate the needs of younger guests and their par-ents.The summer in FVG follows the beat of the exciting rhythm and glamour of Lig-nano Sabbiadoro, takes its naps in the peace and quiet of the Grado lagoon, and breathes the same fresh breeze as the fishermen in Marano Lagunare. Heming-way called Lignano Sabbiadoro “Italy’s lit-tle Florida”, and it is certainly the coun-try’s summer capital in the North-East.Lignano’s nightlife is characteristically ex-citing, and its wide range of stores and chic boutiques make Lignano the ideal destination for shopping and youthful tourism. Synonymous with liveliness, Sabbiadoro is, together with Lignano Pin-eta and Lignano Riviera, a potpourri of sports and wellness options.With an array of entertainment activities and the ubiquitous WI-FI, its beaches are home to various windsurfing, canoeing, water-gym and parasailing schools as well as low-impact aerobics lessons. The range of tourist facilities specifically designed for families, the many fun activities, including six theme parks and the coastline’s own features (8 kilometres

of sandy beaches, shallow and calm wa-ters) all make Lignano the perfect desti-nation for family tourism.Famous for being the favourite spa desti-nation of Austro-Hungarian emperors, the city of Grado is known not only for the beauty of its lagoon and its uniquely sunny microclimate (which has earned it the nickname “city of the sun”), but also for its sandy beaches, iodine-rich breeze and for boasting Italy’s record number of Blue Flag beaches.Family tourism destination “par excel-lence”, the city is most visited for its ther-mal baths and water park, which includes an 85 metre long ergonomic pool with hydro-massage, small waterfalls, thermal pools, trampolines and games.Strolling down the elegant streets of the old town centre is a must: its Venetian- style architectural heritage, with many narrow alleyways and myriad opportuni-ties to try the local cuisine, which focuses on fresh fish.Explorers and those who love wild nature can hike along the rocky limestone coastline. The coast road that leads to Trieste is chockfull of breath-taking scen-ery and thrilling views of the sea. During summer, the whole coastline is stirring with activity, with all the resorts in full swing. There is the fascinating Sistiana

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bay with a view of Duino castle, and the historic Pedocin, right downtown: the only beach in Europe to still have sepa-rate sections for men and women, a relic of the Austro-Hungarian era.On the other hand, to experience Friuli Venezia Giulia’s mountains is to experi-ence a pristine and protected environ-ment, where a variety of sports activities can be enjoyed in both summer and win-ter.Options range from the majestic Dolo-mites of Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage, and the Julian and Carnic Alps, with beautiful green valleys. The region’s nat-ural border,the Alps, are home to exqui-sitely beautiful mediaeval villages: like Sauris, a famous traditional food and wine destination of Friuli, or Valle di Resia, where the language and traditions of an ancient Slavic population have survived since the seventh century, amidst a pris-tine natural environment.Then there is the Tarvisio area, crossroads of three di/erent cultures and natural landscapes, surrounded by some of the most sought-after peaks among Europe-an climbers.The mountains roll down towards the sea and the Grado and Marano lagoon, an

area rich in biodiversity that spans 16 thousand hectares of land and sea, where tourists can still see the old casoni: hum-ble shelters that were once used by the fishermen of the lagoon.Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with Friuli Venezia Giulia’s three Natural Parks, 13 natural reserves and over twenty biot-opes.Whether it’s in the form of white-water rapids of a mountain stream to the slow thrill of rock climbing, excitement is the keyword here. In Friuli Venezia Giulia na-ture and sport always go hand in hand. Thrill seekers and sports enthusiasts have a vast number of choices available to them: rock climbing, trekking, mountain-eering, paragliding, gliding, MTB, horse-back riding. There are a number of tourist facilities with their own stables, which are the perfect spot to go on a horseback rid-ing tour along some of the most gor-geous trails in the whole region. For those who prefer to do their riding on two wheels, TurismoFVG o/ers a large port-folio of MTB and road opportunities. Friu-li Venezia Giulia is also known for its ex-quisite cuisine, and every platter is enhanced by the authenticity and quality of the local products. Friuli Venezia Giulia

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is a promised land for gourmet and culi-nary tourists, crisscrossed by food and wine itineraries that span from the moun-tain to the sea, by way of the rolling hills of Collio.This is a land of famous white wines, with eight DOC areas, three DOCG areas and two interregional DOC labels, 1,500 farms that produce 80 million bottles per

year on a surface area of almost 20,000 hectares, with prestigious labels sold worldwide and two crown jewels, the Ra-mandolo and the Picolit; of course, let’s not forget the Friulano, the region’s flag-ship wine.

For more information visit the following website: www.turismofvg.it

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Prosciutto San Daniele, © PromoTurismoFVG, Foto by Alessandro Castiglioni

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EMILIA ROMAGNA

With its wonderful territory and artistic, cultural and food-and-wine treasures Emilia Romagna can o/er holidays to suit every need. Its central location is very convenient for people arriving in It-aly and makes it one of the pilot regions of national tourism. Sun, beaches, sea, mountains spas, art, culture, active and food-and-wine holidays in Emilia Ro-magna all have the same aim: to o/er the tourist maximum comfort, relaxa-tion, entertainment and cultural enrich-ment. From Piacenza to Rimini there are thousands of places to visit, art and cul-ture that should not be missed, the fla-vours and aromas of really unique cui-sine, and countless opportunities for sports: on the beach, by bicycle along roads and tracks, on horseback or on golf courses.

Art Cities, a special kind of holiday through history.Lovers of beauty just cannot miss a stroll through and a visit to the big Museums of Emilia Romagna’s Art Cities: Bologna, with its 40 kilometres of porticoes and the oldest University in the world; Ferrara with its mediaeval centre, the castle, and the Palazzo dei Diamanti (where interna-tional exhibitions are held); Byzantine Ra-venna and its mosaics; the castles of Par-ma and Piacenza; the churches of Reggio Emilia; Modena and its Cathedral; the Malatesta fortresses in Forlì and in Cese-na, and Rimini, which also has great Ro-man monuments, from the Bridge of Ti-berius to the Arch of Augustus. In addition to the monuments and works of art, visi-tors are always impressed by the big fairs, the crafts, the gastronomy, the theatre seasons and events to please the keenest music lovers.All this wealth has also been acknowl-edged by UNESCO. Three cities are listed as Heritage Sites: Ferrara, a Renaissance city with its Po Delta; Ravenna with the Paleochristian Monuments; and Modena with its Cathedral, the Torre Civica (bell tower) and Piazza Grande. UNESCO has also recognises Bologna (Creative City of

Music); Maltesta Library in Cesena (Mem-ory of the World); and then the Chiusa di Casalecchio sluice, the Abbey of Santa Cecilia della Croara and the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza (Mes-sengers for a culture of Peace).In Emilia Romagna art also means tradi-tion. Like the tradition of ceramics in Faenza, where there is an important In-ternational Museum of Ceramics and more than 50 ceramic art workshops.

The Riviera, queen of seaside holidays, and the Notte Rosa (pink night) event.On the east of Via Emilia lies the Riviera, with millions of tourists who, for more than a century, have been coming here for sun and wellbeing, sports and amuse-ment parks. Rimini, queen of the sum-mer with its friendly beaches, an old town well worth seeing, and the Grand Hotel linked to the myth of Federico Fel-lini, is the landmark of the Emilia Romag-na Riviera, with 110 kilometres of the best equipped and safest beaches in the world, gently sloping into the sea, ideal for families with children.In addition to all this is the exceptional accommodation capacity which has made the Riviera one of the most impor-tant tourist centres in Europe. In summer the beaches (Comacchio, Lidi Ravennati, Cervia-Milano Marittima, Cesenatico, Gatteo Mare, San Mauro a Mare, Bellaria Igea Marini, Rimini, Riccione, Misano Adriatico, and Cattolica) become the reign of sport for all. Riviera also means discoes, pubs, bars and restaurants. With hundreds of night spots, it is like a mag-net for young people and a trendsetter for fashion and music. The Riviera not only has 16 Amusement Parks (in-cluding 6 Aquatic ones), 1426 bathing es-tablishments, 800 of which are equipped for beach games, 145 discoes, dance halls and disco bars, but it also has 18 tourist ports and marinas (with more than 5500 moorings). There are two highlights of the Riviera: The Notte Rosa (Pink Night) Italy’s summer version of New Year’s Eve, and the Riviera Beach Games,

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the Beach Games Olympics, confirming the propensity of the Riviera of Sport for active holidays.

Food-and-wine, the “pearl” of regional tourism, with 19 food museums.Art, history, culture, sea, mountains, amusement and sports are the treasure of Emilia Romagna and in addition there is food and wine, which is the jewel in its crown. There are many gastronomic routes for gourmet tourists: Emilia Ro-magna, the land of Pellegrino Artusi, fa-ther of Italian cuisine o/ers tourists the opportunity to travel along 2000 kilo-metres of gastronomic routes, thanks to the Wine and Flavours Routes. Along these routes there are thousands of op-portunities to stop at Michelin-starred restaurants, visit wineries and farms, cheese factories, ham factories, oil mills, farmhouse facilities, typical restaurants. As far as products are concerned, Emilia Romagna is one of Europe’s leading re-gions for PDO and PGI: it has 29 labels, ranging from Parmigiano-Reggiano to Parma Ham, from Culatello di Zibello ham to the traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

The most advanced techniques and the traditional wisdom, food culture, knowl-edge about the raw materials and the ar-eas are the foundations of the teaching methods of Alma, an International Italian Cookery School. Founded in 2003, it is located 10 km from Parma, the heart of the Italian Food Valley, in the splendid Ducal Palace of Colorno. From Septem-ber to December Emilia Romagna hosts the Wine Food Festival, with a pro-gramme of dozens of food-and-wine events dedicated to typical and seasonal products. The best wine and food is served, from Parma Ham to Bologna Mortadella, from Lambrusco wine to truf-fles and chestnuts, not forgetting oily fish, the Romagna piadina (flat bread) and the Comacchio eels.There are 19 museums dedicated to some of the most famous food-and-wine treasures and they tell us about their history, the complex and fascinating production processes and lots of other pieces of information. This is a novel kind of tourism, which preserves and reveals an area’s culture through its typical food products. These special museums also include Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli, the

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first gastronomic culture centre dedicat-ed to Italian home cooking, and the Re-gional Wine Cellar in Dozza, a true “wine library”.A unique experience is a visit to the FICO EATALY WORLD in Bologna - The world‘s largest agri-food park, which opend in November 2017. Here it is possible to dis-cover Italian agriculture by visiting 2 hec-tares of open-air fields and stables hous-ing more than 200 animals and 2000 cultivars.Moreover one can understand food pro-cessing by visiting the 40 farming facto-ries and observing how meat, fish, cheese, pasta, oil, beer, sweets, etc. are processed.

Motor Valley, the only motor theme park in the world.When we talk about sports we cannot forget the myth of Ferrari, the Maranello racing stable. In fact there is no other area in the world like Emilia Romagna, a region that could even include the roar of an engine among its symbols: in fact the best legends in the history of motoring are located on the historic Via Emilia: Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Maserati, De

Tomaso, Dallara, and Malaguti. These are real triumphs of entrepreneurship arising in a region that has always been on the cutting edge of technology. All this is Motor Valley, an enormous asset: it has more than 188 sports teams and clubs and racing stables, 13 museums, a circuit of 12 private collections, 4 motordromes and several tracks. The most famous tracks need no introduction: the Enzo and Dino Ferrari motordrome in Imola, the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit, the Riccardo Paletti in Varano Melegari and the recent addition of the Autodromo di Modena in Marzaglia.The Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, in Modena, and the Museo Ferrari di Maranello are a great success and attract thousands of visitors every year with their permanent exhibitions and theme exhibits. And GP motorcycling enthusiasts should simply not miss the lap in Misano. The World Superbike champions also race at the Misano World Circuit and at Imola.

White and green Apennines for a real nature holiday.To the west of the Via Emilia lie the gen-tle hills and restful majesty of the Apen-

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nines, with many charming routes and spa traditions. The area is bordered on the north by the great River Po, flowing east as far as the Delta. A nature paradise waiting to be discovered. Because Emilia Romagna has a green soul too. Here we have forests and enchanted reserves and the Po Delta Park, with its beautiful land-scapes and environment. This is a region that has always taken care to protect its territory and nature, and the landscape, which changes within a few kilometres, is really thrilling. For skiers, the region has 15 ski resorts, from Piacenza to Ro-magna. The best known ones are Ci-mone, Corno alle Scale (and Cerreto Laghi. Emilia Romagna has a total of 300 ski tracks. And for the children there are baby parks, with plenty of inflatables, moving carpets and amusements. Snow-boarders can let themselves go on snow parks with series of hundred-metre jumps. Then there are the high altitude mountain huts, kite surf or ice-climbing lessons, and snow-shoe excursions, even under the stars, in the silence of the woods. You can also try “ciaspoleering”, which means orienteering on snow-shoes. And there are many other activi-ties; from trekking along the ridges, to going through old villages or in search of animal tracks.

Relaxation and wellness in 25 spas.Another of the pleasures of Emilia Ro-

magna is the hot springs: there are 25 spas located in 19 di/erent places: cures and innovative options related to well-ness combine with excellent accommo-dation capacity, o/ering stays where you are sure to “get fit”. The spas, with their centuries of experience and locations between the sea and the Apennines, have curative waters with chemical and physical characteristics to suit many dif-ferent needs. More and more people are paying attention to caring for their bod-ies, to relaxation and to healthy and sport practices. Nowadays we have moved on from the classic thermal baths to “well-ness holidays” o/ering a wide range of treatments. Cures include oriental doc-trines (including shiatsu, acupuncture, tai-chi and ayurveda), massages and natural methods like chromotherapy and vinotherapy. In June the Spas in Emilia Romagna figure in the Notte Celeste (blue night), the big annual festival when the spas open until late at night and there are promotions and entertainment.

Cycling holidays with bike hotels, golf and horse trails, for an active holiday.Sports and adventure can be found in every province in the region: trekking and mountain biking are practised on thousands of Apennine routes, canoeing and kayaking on dozens of rivers and streams, equestrian tourism on more than 30 routes, there are 25 golf courses

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and another 20 including practice or promotional greens. Emilia Romagna, the feather in the cap of Italian golf facil-ities since 1998, has combined its golf courses into a single circuit, coordinated by the regional product club, “Emilia Ro-magna Golf”.Cycling holidays, thanks to the Bike Ho-tels, attract thousands of enthusiasts from all over Europe every year and the “Destra Po” route is a unique experience for many of them. It consists of 120 kilo-metres of cycling tracks, starting in the extreme west of the province of Ferrara

and travelling east as far as the sea. The Via dei Parchi o/ers a new way of tour-ing, with 500 kilometres from Berceto Parmense to La Verna in Tuscany, pass-ingthrough seven natural parks along the Apennine ridge that separates Emilia Ro-magna, Tuscany and the Marches. Through exceptionally beautiful natural places the route passes through the provinces of Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Forlì-Cesena and Ravenna.

For more information visit the following website: www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it

Ferrari Museum in Modena, the land of motors, © APT Servizi

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TUSCANY

“There is only one place in the world - wrote Stendhal at the beginning of the 19th century - where everyday life re-flects itself so completely in the sublime in an admirable interweave of nature and culture”. Art, culture, history and en-vironment have always joined together in an admirable balance among the gentle hills of this area, becoming a true lifestyle based on quality, wellbeing and love of beauty.Located in the heart of Italy, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Apen-nines, Tuscany is a treasure trove pre-serving more than 50% of Italy’s artistic heritage, containing matchless master-pieces, marvellous landscapes and pro-tected nature areas, a breathtaking sea and a maze of towns and little villages, which o/er visitors an infinite range of views and experiences. A land where you can restore body and spirit and get away from the hectic pace of modern life. The deep colours of the scenery, the smoothness of the marble of the churches, the aromas and flavours of the food, and the sounds of a past that comes to life in historic and folkloric reenactments go hand in hand with long routes through the country and the towns, beaches and mountains, in a continuous counterpoint of art and na-ture, amusement and relaxation. The traditional feasts reveal how close in touch Tuscans are with their history and how much they love life. This culture pervades music, theatre and contempo-rary art and enables visitors to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Land of art and culture.Tuscany is the place where modern man emerged through Humanism and the Renaissance. The home of very ancient cultures, cradle of western civilisation and of the Italian language. Everywhere, the traveller can be in touch with the enormous historical-artistic heritage scattered all over the area, which can combine beauty, wealth and variety and reveal the values of a history that tells

stories and charms you and is reflected in the manner of Tuscan people, friendly and reserved at the same time, in love with their land, who have made daily la-bour, crafts and care of the landscape into real art forms. This land is the birth-place of geniuses whose work has be-queathed matchless treasures on all hu-manity: Galileo Galiliei and Giacomo Puccini, Leonardo da Vinci and Michel-angelo are but a few of the great mas-ters of art and science. Visiting Tuscany is therefore an unforgettable experi-ence, discovering the homes of the great artists, the stately homes, the ca-thedrals of the faith, enjoying nature and a land that contains more than 600 mu-seums, 20 archaeological parks and 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites: the old town centres of Florence, Siena, San Gimig-nano, Pienza, the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the Val D’Orcia and the 14 Medici villas and gardens.Florence charms tourists with its gems, from the Middle Ages to the Renais-sance: Palazzo Vecchio and the U*zi Galleries, the Cathedral and the Brunelleschi dome and the Accademia Gallery with the statue of David, in white marble brought by Michelangelo from Carrara, are only some of the timeless masterpieces in the birthplace of Dante Alighieri. Pisa astounds you with its famous Lean-ing Tower, in a square so beautiful that it is known as “the miracle” piazza. Siena, the city of the Palio horse race, is a won-derful example of perfectly preserved mediaeval architecture. Lucca is out-standing for its almost intact sixteenth century walls, its old town centre and its villas, Arezzo for its Piazza Grande and the splendid frescoes by Piero della Francesca. All over the place you can see wonderful remains of the civilisa-tions that lived in this land; from the en-igmatic Etruscans, on the hills of Fiesole, a unique excursion for a lovely view of Florence also, to Volterra, with its tu/ walls, where there are important re-mains, and the archaeological sites of

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the necropolises on the Livorno coast and in the Grosseto Maremma area, to the tower houses and protective medi-aeval walls of San Gimignano and Mon-teriggioni, to the villages of Chianti and Val D’Orcia, the castles of Casentino and Lunigiana. Great architectural works that recall Renaissance splendour, like the Medici Fortress in Livorno and the ideal city of Pienza. There are treasures everywhere making old town centres like Pistoia and Prato really unique; streets and squares become meeting places and opportunities for discovering exceptional crafts, where Tuscan artistic creativity is revealed in the various arti-cles. Parish churches, hermitages and abbeys restore to visitors the value of silence and contemplation, impressive historic events animate Tuscan life all the year round, among which we men-tion: in Florence, Calcio Storico, a cos-tume football game (in June), the Festa della Rificolona, a lantern festival (Sep-tember), the Scoppio del Carro, explo-sion of the cart (Easter), and the Caval-cata dei Magi, ride of the three kings (January); in Siena, the Palio horse race

(July and August); in Arezzo the Giostra del Saracino, joust of the Saracen (June and September); in Pisa the Gioco del Ponte, battle of the bridge, and the Lu-minaria, illuminations (June); in Volterra A.D. 1398 (August); the Balestro del Giri-falco. crossbow contest in Massa Marit-tima; and the Giostra dell’Orso, joust of the bear in Pistoia (July).The cultural events reveal the love of art of this land, which was the reign of great dynasties, from the Medici to the Lor-raine families, who were splendid pa-trons of the arts and first among the col-lectors and noblemen that, over the centuries, were either born in Tuscany or chose to live there like Frederick Stib-bert, Herbert Percy Horne or the Actons. It is also thanks to them that Tuscan col-lections and museums contain such unique masterpieces today.

Flavour routes.Wonderful wines, exceptional extra-vir-gin olive oil and countless typical prod-ucts, like cheese, charcuterie, meat and bread, accompany guests as they ex-plore the area’s natural beauty spots.

Val d’Orcia (Province of Siena), © bluejayphoto - iStock - Getty Images

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The routes move along the routes of wine, oil and flavours, and travellers can discover the wealth and variety of the products and also get to know the con-text from which these vivid expressions of the food and wine culture and tradi-tion originate. Tuscany holds the record for wines certified by the European Un-ion (50 DOC and DOCG labels including the great reds, Chianti, Brunello di Mon-talcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, and the historic white, Vernaccia di San Gimignano), and it has 24 denomination of origin food products, more than 460 typical products and more than 3000 organic farms.There is an exceptional symbiosis be-tween the farms, perfectly integrated with the landscape, the culinary tradi-tion, the great wines and high level tour-ism in search of flavours and aromas in their natural environments, in historic cellars or ones redesigned by famous architects, in typical taverns or Miche-lin-starred restaurants and in wine cel-lars or farmhouse accommodation.

There are more than 4000 beautiful Tuscan farms, perfectly preserved and restored, places of tradition and whole-someness where the visitor can live in close touch with the local people and participate in activities like cookery courses, to learn the secrets of a fla-voursome and healthy gastronomic tra-dition. Among the most famous dishes of Tuscan cookery are steak in Florence, ribollita (bean and vegetable soup), pap-pa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), panzanella (hot or cold bread sal-ad), crostini (toast) topped with chicken liver, tripe, and lampredotto (beef tripe) sandwiches; then there are Sienese cakes, Livorno cacciucco (fish soup), Prato biscuits served with vinsanto (sweet wine), chestnut flour necci (crèpes), Garfagnana spelt soup, and Maremma acqua cotta (vegetable soup with bread), followed by tasty roast game. This savoury regional cuisine is based on fresh and wholesome ingredi-ents, which can also be bought and tast-ed in the many local markets.

Cantucci biscuits and sweet Vin Santo, © AnSyvanych - iStock - Getty Images

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A plunge into uncontaminated nature.This is the ideal place for a plunge into the pristine nature that covers two- thirds of the region, with 3 National Parks (Tuscan Archipelago, Casentino Forests, Tusco-Emilian Apennines) and 3 Region-al Parks (Apuan Alps, San Rossore Mas-saciuccoli and the Park of the Maremma) as well as countless oases and protected areas. The mountains harmonise with the sea, the gentle hills and their white roads and cypress trees, and with the ur-ban trekking routes through parks, alleys and works of art. Bathed by one of the clearest seas of the Mediterranean, Tus-cany has an exceptional variety of envi-ronments on the coast also. Immense sandy stretches, like in Versilia and the Costa degli Etruschi, alternate with the rocky promontories of Piombino or the Argentario, the uncontaminated nature of the Maremma and the wonderful sea-beds of the Archipelago with their rich marine fauna and fascinating underwa-ter beauty. Also delightful are the scents of the Mediterranean maquis, the calm mouths of the Arno and Ombrone rivers or the

coastal parks, like Orbetello and San Rossore. The Apuan Alps are really unique with the exceptional whiteness of their marble, the comfortable well equipped beaches and adventurous trekking routes in the mountains, the nightlife at the seaside and mountain-eering on the peaks. There are numerous picturesque villages and sites of historic and archaeological importance, like the Etruscan settlements in Baratti-Populo-nia, the Roman and Villanovian finds in Rosignano Marittimo, or the San Silves-tro archeo-mineral park in Campiglia Marittima. Many big events are held by the seaside: from the famous Viareggio Carnival, with its papier-maché floats, to the Puccini Festival, from the musical programmes on the Island of Elba to the E/etto Venezia festival in Livorno, and there are hundreds of fairs, cellar festi-vals and food-and-wine events. The mild temperature enables tourists to enjoy the wonders of the Tuscan coast and countryside even in spring and autumn, when the atmosphere is ideal for walk-ing, fishing, cycling and admiring desert-ed beaches, and maybe also paying a

Terme di Saturnia (Province of Grosseto), © Shaiith - iStock - Getty Images

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visit to the Aquarium in Livorno or to art cities. The islands of the Archipelago, the 7 pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Elba, Capraia, Gorgona, Giglio, Giannutri, Montecristo and Pianoso, which can be reached from Livorno, Portoferraio and Porto Santo Stefano), or the Argentario, are ideal places for diving and snorkel-ling, while there are very many places suited for sailing and sport fishing. From relaxing to socializing, from the wonders of nature to fashionable shop windows and every possible sport, there is an ex-ceptional range of choices to satisfy even the most demanding tourist: amusement for nightlife lovers, games and exercise on big well equipped beaches, or the silence of small lonely bays, the sound of waves lapping against rocky cli/s, the beauty of wild coves, pine woods and the open sea, for people seeking contact with nature. And then the wind, the waves and the underwater environment, for people not content to look from just one point of view before entering the welcoming atmosphere of the harbours.

Wellness and relaxation.More than 20 spas are the strongpoint of wellness in Tuscany, with numerous well equipped hot springs, modern but with great historic-architectural merits, which o/er not merely curative but restorative holidays, wellness and beauty (Monte-catini Terme), mud and sulphuric water (Terme di Saturnia), and elegant sensory experiences (Chianciano Terme), which you can combine with walking and sports surrounded by unique landscapes, to regain harmony between mind and body. In places like Bagno Vignoni, Rap-olano Terme, Monsummano Terme or San Casciano dei Bagni, you can find sources rich in natural elements, springs whose waters, having tunnelled through the rocks, come into the light of day and create wonderful natural swimming pools into which you can plunge, restor-ing your health and acquiring a new bal-ance between physical fitness and inner peace. In these new temples of health, traditional cures are accompanied by treatments aimed at achieving a perfect psycho-physical balance.

Siena, Piazza del Campo, © TT - iStock - Getty Images

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Outdoor activities.Mounts Abetone and Amiata are perfect places for winter sports (downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, trekking) and for other outdoor activities (walking, horseback riding, rafting, ca-noeing and paragliding). If you enjoy exploring wild nature on foot you should not miss the Grande Escursione Appen-ninica (Gea) through the most beautiful forests in Tuscany. There is also an ample “underground” option awaiting you, with caves like the Antro del Corchia and the Grotta del Vento, in Lucca province, and also Grotta Giusti, a spa in a natural cave, or the Maona cave in the Pistoia area. There is a selection of routes over moun-tains, hills and plains, for cyclists and motorcyclists, who can also include a visit to the famous Mugello circuit. Between wellness routes and tastings, a day on the green is a “must”. The gentle Tuscan countryside is ideal for golf and there are 20 courses, with challenging courses for expert golfers and greens for beginners. Every year contests and spe-cial events are held in Tuscany, in which

experts can participate. Walking in Tus-cany is lovely everywhere, walking slow-ly to enjoy the scenery, urban trekking or discovering the silence of ancient routes, like the 15 sections of the Via Francigena along which pilgrims and nature lovers travel on the way to Rome.

Just like a film.The traveller in Tuscany plays the leading role, travelling along the roads and ad-miring landscapes and views that have served as ideal locations for countless famous feature films and TV series, video clips and spots. To mention just a few: the gentle slopes of the Val d’Orcia were the background for Franco Ze*relli’s “Romeo and Juliet” and for many scenes in Ridley Scott’s “The Gladiator”; Chianti figured in Bernardo Bertolucci’s success “Stealing Beauty”; Florence’s Arno river-side (Lungarno) appears in the typically English story of James Ivory’s “Room with a View” and Arezzo’s Piazza Grande in the really Italian one of Roberto Be-nigni’s “Life is Beautiful”.

Volterra (Province of Pisa), © StevanZZ - iStock - Getty Images

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Meeting in Tuscany.Two international airports, Pisa and Flor-ence, high-speed rail connections with Rome, Milan and Venice, and a wide and varied range of accommodation options combine to make Tuscany an ideal ven-ue for national and international events, working meetings, special occasions like weddings and major events. Stimulating environments, unique atmospheres in fine places, modern meeting facilities, and villas and castles o/er the meetings industry and the guests unique experi-ences in an exclusive cultural and artistic context, with craft workshops and ele-gant shop windows where visitors can find big and small masterpieces of local

crafts, with articles in alabaster, glass, ceramic, marble, wrought iron, paper and leather, and designer fashions and fancy goods. There are also three big outlet villages, connected with the cen-tre of Florence by shuttle bus, excellent for buying the best labels at reasonable prices. A network of informa-tion and accommodation o*ces is at the disposal of the traveller both in the cities and the main tourist resorts. They join with Tuscany’s tour operators to wel-come you.

For more information visit the following website: www.visittuscany.com

Arezzo, Piazza Grande, © pegasophoto - iStock - Getty Images

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UMBRIA

Pristine and varied landscapes are the framework to stunningly verdant valleys: this is Umbria, a region that never ceases to amaze. This is a land of rolling hills, mountains and valleys, divided by the river Tiber, which crosses the region from North to South.Located smack dab in the middle of “the boot”, this is Italy’s only landlocked re-gion that does not border with a foreign country. Here is located the Trasimeno Lake, central Italy’s largest lake, around which many historic sites are located, particularly in the areas near Castiglione del Lago and Tuoro (where Hannibal’s battle was fought), which overlook the lake, and possess a romantically peace-ful beauty. Aside from the two lakes (Trasimeno and Piediluco), the region is also home to the Nera river, which feeds the Cascata delle Marmore waterfall, lo-cated near Terni, and which is Europe’s highest waterfall, with an impressive 165 metres. The area is surrounded by exu-berant greenery and is a favourite desti-nation of canoers, kayakers and more.Curious and attentive tourists definitely won’t want to miss two archaeological gems also located near Terni: Carsulae, an ancient Roman city of unique charm, crossed by the Flaminia road, and where many beautiful monuments and build-ings stand. The second is the fossilized forest of Dunarobba, a rare example of an ancient forest from three million years ago; tree trunks are surprisingly well pre-served, standing amidst a vaguely lunar landscape. Umbria’s provinces are: Peru-gia (the capital) and Terni. Umbria’s charm springs from its natural and artistic marvels, from the peace and serenity inspired by its renaissance mas-terpieces and its mediaeval towns built on its foothills.Undoubtedly, Gubbio is one of the most charming mediaeval towns. Its era of maximum splendour was precisely dur-ing the Middle Ages, and its cathedral, the Palazzo dei Consoli (which is the city’s symbol), and the Palazzo Ducale, all stand perfectly preserved as a clear

testimony to the city’s history. Tourists come to Gubbio not only for its monu-ments, but also for its spectacular folk festival, with the Corsa dei Ceri (the race of the candles), which for centuries has been held every May the fifteenth. Other fascinating places in Umbria include Or-vieto, one of the most important Etrus-can cities, with its Cathedral, which is one of Italy’s Gothic masterpieces, and the Pozzo di San Patrizio (Saint Patrick’s well), a masterpiece of hydraulic engi-neering around which two helicoidal staircases descend, without ever touch-ing each other, a total of 248 steps, to reach the water located at a depth of -62 metres.Let’s not forget Spoleto, city of the Dukedom of Lombardy, with its thou-sand years of history, and its well pre-served mediaeval and Renaissance ar-chitecture. Its stonelined narrow streets and its beautiful monuments are the perfect backdrop for prestigious interna-tional cultural events like the Festival dei due Mondi (Festival of the two worlds), which is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of high art. Art and spirituality will make for an en-chanting visit to the mediaeval city of As-sisi, a Heritage Site, for it “represents a masterpiece of human creative genius”. The whole city is like a monument to its most illustrious citizen, Saint Francis, Ita-ly’s patron saint: from the Basilica dedi-cated to him, to the Saint’s tomb and a series of frescoes by Giotto, to the Ere-mo delle Carceri, right outside the city’s gate, where Saint Francis would often go to pray.Assisi is a welcoming and cheerful city and its people are always keen to share with outsiders their local traditions, such as Calendimaggio, a marvellous historic reenactment that transforms the whole city into an ancient mediaeval town filled with knights and damsels, archers and flag bearers from a bygone age. Perugia, Umbria’s capital city, has an-cient origins both Etruscan and Roman. The high city is perched upon the hilltop,

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connecting to the various mediaeval wards and quarters. The historic city centre is chockfull of masterpieces of art and architecture, with some of Italy’s best museums. This thriving cultural hub also boasts two universities and is con-stantly host to various international events, making Perugia a cosmopolitan city that is also a perfect tourist destination.Set right in the heart of Italy’s greenery, Umbria is the ideal place for nature lov-ers. Thanks to its myriad cycling tourism itineraries, it is the perfect opportunity to explore forests, castles, sanctuaries, and even Assisi, Spello and the foothills of Mount Subasio, all atop your trusty MTB. Another fascinating itinerary that will take you back in time follows important sites of faith and spirituality, and focuses on the lives of the region’s most famous children, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and Saint Benedict of Norcia. The Via di Francesco itinerary is done on foot, and takes you through beautiful landscapes that spread out as far as the eye can see, on a journey that is both in-timate and social, as you will meet other friendly pilgrims along the way. Along the itinerary there are a number of hotel facilities that will ensure you have a comfortable stay.Other itineraries focus on di/erent areas of life, such as the bond between the people and the land; itineraries such as the famous “wine routes”, which stimu-late all of your five senses through an in-teresting combination of nature, flavours

and fragrances, awakening within you the memories of times forgotten. Aside from wine tastings, these areas are the perfect opportunity to taste traditional platters and visit crafts shops where ce-ramics, glass and wood are used to cre-ate works of art that stem from ancient traditions. Umbria is also the perfect place to visit oil mills, where the exquisite PDO extra-virgin olive oil is produced.A small land with bold flavours, Umbria will satisfy even the most demanding palates: those who love meat will want to taste the pork, used for preparing the most delicious sausages, prosciuttos and other cold cuts, the most exquisitely fa-mous are the ones prepared in Norcia, which you should savour with salt-free bread, to fully appreciate the taste. Then there is also the delicious Chianina beef, prepared according to the highest stand-ards of quality and safety. Let’s not forget the local cheeses, among which, it is worth mentioning the aged pecorino and the various fresh or aged goat’s cheeses. As a main platter or a side dish, the lentils from Castelluccio di Norcia are a delicious ingredient used in soups and broths, and which have obtained the European PGI (protected geographical indication). The broad range of platters is paralleled by the wide assortment of lo-cal products from the land, the most fa-mous of which is most certainly the truf-fle. The black tru=e is the most popular, and is an exquisite condiment for pastas and game especially in the area around Norcia and Spoleto, but the delicious

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white tru=e can also be found in Valle Tiberina, Orvieto and Gubbio. Every plat-ter is enhanced by the rich fruity flavour of the golden local oil, of such high qual-ity as to earn itself a PDO (Protected designation of origin). As far as the des-sert is concerned, you will not be left wanting: the Panpepato (spicy cake) from Terni, the Torcolo di San Costanzo (a kind of ring-shaped pound cake) from Perugia and the Rocciata (a kind of stru-del) from Foligno are just a few of the many traditional delicacies still prepared by hand by local bakers, and which are sure to please even the most demanding sweet tooth out there. Finally, Umbria’s territory and climate are particularly good for vineyards, which is why a varie-ty of DOC and DOCG wines are made here, including the famous Grechetto, Sagrantino di Montefalco and the Tor-giano red.

PerugiaThe many archaeological sites are wit-ness to the fact that Perugia has been ruled by various di/erent cultures and people, starting with its founders, the Etruscans, who most likely settled here

around the sixth century B.C. There are a number of marvelous monuments from this great civilization: the Etruscan Arch-way and Well, just to name a couple. The latter Roman influences can be seen all over the city. Perugia stands on a hill ap-proximately 500 metres above sea level and its historic city centre is built all around it, surrounded by Etruscan and mediaeval walls. Perugia is surrounded by two defensive walls: the external one, erected during the middle ages, still stands several kilometres in length, with numerous gateways throughout, like the Cassero di Porta Sant’Angelo. The inner wall was built by the Etruscans, and its large stones can still be seen today. But the most marvellous monuments and architecture in the old city centre are most definitely from the middle ages. One of Italy’s best preserved old medi-aeval towns, to stroll through the city centre is like stepping back in time. Coming in from Porta San Pietro you can immediately visit the San Domenico Ba-silica, to view exquisitely crafted statues and works of art from local artists. The nearby convent and cloisters serve as home for Umbria’s National Archaeolog-

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ical Museum, where artefacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages uncovered at local dig sites are hosted. Another beau-ty is Piazza Matteotti, formerly Sopra-muro, with its sixteenth century Palazzo of the old university and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Right next to it, is one of Italy’s most important plazas: Pi-azza IV Novembre, the city’s monu-ment-filled social hub, with at its centre the Fontana Maggiore fountain, with its elegant lines and shapes, a true master-piece of sculpture by Giovanni and Nico-la Pisano. Facing the plaza is Palazzo dei Priori, which was erected between the thirteenth and fourteenth century, sym-bol of the civil authorities and host to Umbria’s National Gallery, the most im-portant collection of Umbrian paintings, including several by Pietro Perugino. Fi-nally, there is the San Lorenzo Cathedral, which faces Piazza Danti but also Piazza IV Novembre, where Saint Bernardino’s pulpit is located, and from which the Saint used to preach. But let’s leave Pe-rugia city behind as we dive into its para-disiacal hinterlands. These lands of un-paralleled beauty are always highlighted by the splendour of their spiritual herit-age. Those who visit the Perugia area will have plenty of opportunities to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, visiting various sanctuaries and convents.

The religious destination “par excel-lence” is most definitely Assisi, for centu-ries now a destination for tourists and pilgrims. Assisi is a terraced city on the slopes of Mount Subasio, with steep roads that open onto broad squares like Piazza San Rufino, with the Romanesque cathedral by the same name, and Piazza Santa Chiara as well as Piazza del Co-mune. The city has numerous monu-ments and churches worth visiting, in-cluding Saint Clare’s Basilica, with its unique pink and white coloured stripes along its facade, and which hosts the crucifix that spoke to Saint Francis; then there is Saint Francis’ Upper Basilica, with its frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto, and which connects internally via a staircase to the Lower Basilica. Meanwhile, the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli hosts the Porziuncola, an ancient chapel where the Saint sought refuge. Minerva’s temple, on the other hand, is a marvel-lous example of architecture from the first century B.C.: the façade and its six columns are remarkably well preserved. Near Assisi is the town of Spello, the an-cient Roman Ispellum, considered one of Umbria’s real gems: a city full of histo-ry, monuments and works of art, like the masterpieces by Pinturicchio. The town of Montefalco, near Foligno, is known as Umbria’s balcony, because from its hill-top perch, regardless of which direction

The world’s biggest artificial Christmas tree in Gubbio, © Bu/y1982 - iStock - Getty Images

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you look out onto, you can enjoy mar-vellous vistas of the surrounding valley. A must visit is Saint Francis’ Church and Convent, which was erected in the four-teenth century, and which hosts numer-ous frescoes, including “the life and times of Saint Francis”, by Benozzo Boz-zoli, the most famous series of frescoes after the one in Assisi, currently the Mu-nicipal Museum of Saint Francis, with many works of art on exhibit. On the main road, the Church of Saint Augus-tine hosts many beautiful Umbrian fres-coes from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Then there is Bevagna, “città delle Gaite”: a true mediaeval splendour, with a magnificent central plaza that is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. Further south we have the city of Spole-to, another tourist attraction. Its beauty is unparalleled not only because of its monuments, but also because of this town’s close ties to nature, as it was erected on the sides of a hill dominated by the Rocca Albornoziana, the city’s most distinguishing feature and current-ly a national museum. A long scenic hike from the Rocca leads to the Ponte delle Torri bridge: an audacious feat of engi-neering with ten arches and a height of approximately 90 metres, which leads to Colle Sant’Elia and Monteluco. The city’s alleyways are almost lined with monu-ments and churches, and are filled with beautiful gems like the Druso Archway, which was erected in 23 A.D., and which serves as entryway to the ancient Roman Forum, the Cathedral and its spectacular Romanesque façade that includes a wonderful mosaic from the thirteenth century, and which hosts masterpieces by Pinturicchio and Filippo Lippi, among others. Right on the border with the Marches, still in the Province of Perugia, is the town of Norcia, home of Saint Benedict, the founder of monasticism and patron saint of Europe, to whom a Basilica bear-ing his name is dedicated. The structure was built in the thirteenth century and restored several times thereafter. The town’s main piazza has the Cathedral of

Santa Maria Argentea, erected over an ancient parish church, and the Municipal Palace, with its façade adorned by four large windows with decorative columns, and its nearby bell tower. Then we come to Todi, in the Tiber riv-er’s Midvale: fantastic vistas from this hilltop town, as far as the eye can see. The city is built on a steep slope and its districts form a triangular shape. Another one of Italy’s most beautiful squares is found here: Piazza del Popolo, sur-rounded by Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo del Popolo, which hosts the Mu-nicipal Art Gallery and the Roman-Etrus-can Museum, and by the Cathedral, which dates back to the eleventh centu-ry and is devoted to Santa Maria Annun-ziata. Just outside the city walls (which were built during the thirteenth century) is another marvel of sixteenth century architecture: the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, a beautiful master-piece by Bramante. Castiglione del Lago, one of the first mediaeval towns to be called “one of Italy’s finest”. Right on Lake Trasimeno, this town is famous not only for its monuments, like Palazzo Della Corgna, but also for its beaches, swimming pools, tennis courts, and myr-iad surfing, sailing and water-skiing op-portunities. Another marvellous ancient town rich in history is Gubbio, with its Roman Theatre, which dates back to the first century A.D., and which is located just outside the city’s walls. The town’s symbol is Palazzo dei Consoli, an impos-ing structure erected in the fourteenth century, and which hosts the Art Muse-um and the Archaeological Museum. Fi-nally, right opposite the Cathedral is an exquisite structure from the Renais-sance: Palazzo Ducale, ordered by Fed-erico da Montefeltro and erected on top of a pre-existing Romanesque church between the thirteenth and fourteenth century.

For more information visit the following website: www.umbriatourism.it

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THE MARCHES

Unusual and marvellously varied, every aspect of this region in Central Italy, with its harmonious and graceful shapes, is delightful: cli/s and caves overlooking unique beaches, hills steeped in history, tradition and art, and mountains with ski facilities.The area is mostly hilly and mountainous and includes the Adriatic side of the Um-bria-Marches Apennine range.The region has 180 kilometres of coast-line, 26 resorts on the Adriatic Sea, and 16 Blue Flags for the quality of the waters and the coast, the services and environ-mental education, making the Marches one of the leading regions in the country for the most beautiful and cleanest sea.And we cannot overlook the long stretch of fine, golden sand surrounded by clear water, in Senigallia, with plenty of bath-ing establishments and a nice place to walk by the seaside, especially at sunset.Then there are also Gabicce Mare, Pesa-ro, Fano, Civitanova Marche and San Benedetto del Tronto, ideal for people that want to relax and rest at one of the many bathing establishments, which were fashionable with the upper classes way back in the nineteenth century, while for lovers of extreme nature the Conero Riviera has charming scenery and tips of land that are still wild and can sometimes only be reached by sea or along paths cut through the greenery of the Mediterranean maquis. When you think of the Marches you im-mediately think of the countryside and of stretches of cultivated hills dotted with towns and villages: the Marches has many historic towns, even on the coast but particularly in the hinterland, in fact it has 21 Orange Flags for the most beauti-ful villages in Italy, aimed at making the most of these great features of the area.Nature in the Marches is a protected val-ue, with its national and regional parks and WWF oases waiting to be discov-ered; the Monti Sibillini and Monti della Laga parks are a unique scene for trek-king enthusiasts. Not to be missed are the Grotte di Frasassi caves, to which

people travel from all over Europe and which are of great speleological interest because of the karstic phenomenon that caused wonderful caves, some of which inhabited since prehistoric times.Orchards and vineyards as far as the eye can see, on the Picentine hills and in the Esino Valley, surround old farmhouses where you can find the simple taste of wholesome things.Stately homes or old sharecroppers’ houses have been converted into farm-house accommodation and they tell the story of life in bygone days.The provinces are: Ancona (administra-tive centre), Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Mac-erata, Pesaro and Urbino.The region calls to mind its great past, in its art cities with squares that are like sa-lons, and in its mediaeval villages where time seems to have stood still, among the streets and the noble palaces.Ascoli Piceno is one of Italy’s monumen-tal cities, with its mediaeval town centre and the Piazza del Popolo with its arcad-ed loggia and the massive structure of the palace of the Capitani del Popolo with its crenelated tower.In the town you can visit craft workshops where you can appreciate the creativity and skill of the Ascoli people, like the lute makers. We should not overlook the his-toric “Quintana” (end July - first week in August) festival where able horsemen compete in the joust of the Saracen. An-cona is an ancient port, known as the “port of the East” and has excellent mon-uments and a charming beach.The Cathedral of San Ciriaco is built over an ancient Greek acropolis and is re-garded as one of the most interesting mediaeval churches in the Marches.In the Marches region the old town cen-tre of Urbino and the Duke’s Palace, an interesting architectural and artistic ex-ample of the Italian Renaissance, are a UNESCO Heritage Site.Gradara is also worth a visit, with its for-tress, a magnificent example of mediae-val military architecture; it is the place where tradition has it that Paolo and

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Francesca kissed, as Dante tells in the fifth Canto of the Inferno.The Marian sanctuary of Loreto is an im-portant place of pilgrimage, considered one of the most important in the Catho-lic world. For lovers of classical music, in Pesaro, in August there are two weeks of full im-mersion in the notes of the Pesaro citi-zen, Gioacchino Rossini: the Rossini Op-era Festival has become a must for opera lovers all over the world, in the charming setting of the city which has many other attractions.If you want to be submerged in sweets and chocolates you ought to go to Fano during the Carnival. The Fano carnival is of ancient origin and has at least 3 origi-nal features: sweets are thrown onto the crowd from the floats, the typical “vulon” masked character parodies the city’s most prominent personages, and the “Arabic band”, plays using tin cans, cof-fee pots and jugs as instruments.The sea and mountains of this region are just right for people that like to roam and to immerse themselves in the clear wa-ter of the surrounding sea and the vege-tation of the parks.It is precisely the parks that occupy a large percentage of the surfaces regard-ed as protected areas. The Marches, with the National Park of the Monti Sibil-lini and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Park, as well as the regional parks

certified by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, and the nature re-serves are very charming scenes with very interesting flora and fauna. This is a great place for bird watching, with sight-ings of the golden eagle, pilgrim hawk and eagle owl; for trekking enthusiasts there are long walks through woods and forests but there are also horseback rides, excursions by canoe and mountain bike trips. The bicycle makes it possible to travel on pleasant routes and see nat-ural, historic and artistic beauty spots and, why not, get to know the region’s typical food and wine specialties. For Al-pine skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers, the Apennine Mountains have more than nine ski re-sorts, snow parks and cross-country tracks of various lengths and di*culty, whereas the ice palace in Ussita o/ers a pleasant experience to ice skaters.You should not miss a trip to the Conero, the lovely protected promontory in the regional park of the same name, which stretches south of the city. The Conero, with Portonovo, Sirolo and Numana, is the Ancona peoples’ Riviera, and its high, jagged coastline and the lovely sea make it one of the most charming holiday re-sorts on the coasts of Italy. The seabed opposite the Conero, also rocky with some sandy areas, rich in animal and vegetable species, is a very attractive destination for divers.

Urbino, Duke’s Palace, © anzeletti - iStock - Getty Images

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Also in Ancona, at the beginning of May the city celebrates the Fair of San Ciria-co, its patron saint. For four days it is gai-ly invaded by hundreds of stalls, market fairs, with typical flavours, street artists and the open-air paint-o/. For music lovers, AnconaJazz brings in interna-tional stars and this is the main event in the Marches dedicated to this very pop-ular genre.We cannot speak of a single type of cui-sine but of a combination of flavours and tastes from the whole area with their specific characteristics.The typical roughness of the hinterland can be tasted in meat dishes, like maiale in porchetta (pork loin roast) and mari-nated lamb; there are dishes flavoured with tru=es, the best known ones are from Acqualagna and Sant’Angelo in Vado, as can be seen from the famous fairs dedicated to this typical product, as well as with mushrooms; first courses are tagliatelle noodles, strozzapreti (priest chokers) macaroni, and the tradi-tional “vincisgrassi”, the forerunner of all the baked lasagne in Italy.

The fresh sweet flavour of the sea can be tasted in the fish dishes; the undisputed champion of coastal food is “brodetto”, made with more than 14 types of fish; tomato is added to it in Ancona and Pes-cara and sa/ron in Ascoli. The iconic dish of the city of Ascoli is fritto misto all’ítaliana (Italian style mixed fry): this dish, which attracts epicures, deserves a special mention: stu/ed olives, cream, eggplant, artichokes and lamb cutlets.Desserts include the ciambellotto con i funghetti all’anice (aniseed-flavoured ring- shaped cake), the cicerchiata (little balls of dough deep-fried and served with honey), ravioli filled with chestnut, cream and ricotta cheese and fried.All washed down with Picene wines: white Faleria from the Colli Ascolani, Rosso Piceno and Rosso Piceno Superi-ore and, lastly, vino cotto, a sweet wine matured in casks, with a Mediterranean hint of anisette and mistral liqueur.The history of Ancona and its province is linked to the sea. Apparently the city was founded by Greeks from Syracuse in the fourth century before Christ, considering

Ascoli-style Stu/ed Olives, © aizram18 - iStock - Getty Images

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the “elbow” shape that suited the build-ing of the port. It is no coincidence that the name Ancona comes from the word “ankon”, meaning elbow in Greek. The port area immediately became a strate-gic point for trade with the East. The city is made up of two parts: an old centre set against the Guasco hill, and a mod-ern part. The itinerary can start from the top where the cathedral of San Ciriaco stands. As you go down towards the port you come to Trajan’s Triumphal Arch and then the ruins of the Roman Amphithea-tre. Must-sees are the Mole Valtelliana lazaretto and, close by, the Church of St. Augustine.For art lovers, the Church of St. Dominic in piazza del Plebiscito has the Crucifix-ion by Titian and the Annunciation by Guercino; also worth seeing are the Palazzo degli Anziani, with its baroque façade, now seat of the University, the sixteenth century Palazzo Ferretti, now seat of the Archaeological Museum of the Marches.The “Francesco Podesti” municipal art gallery and gallery of modern art has the

Virgin with Child and Saints by Titian, the Madonna with Child by Carlo Crivelli, and works by Lorenzo Lotto, Sebastiano del Piombo and Corrado Ca- gli. Travel-ling north we come to Chiaravalle, known for its famous Abbey located in the big square in the centre of the town. Further inland there is Jesi, founded by the Umbrians, of great historic interest because the Etruscans, the Senoni Gauls and the Romans have all been there. Moving north, a must-see is the Rocca Roveresca castle in Senigallia, symbol of the city, built on Roman foundations. Corinaldo, the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti and a place of pilgrimage, has a panoramic location between the valleys of the Cesano and Nevola rivers; nearby there are two other lovely villages, Ostra and Ostra Vetere. Near the borders with Umbria, set into the mountains, we come to Fabriano, famous for artistic pa-per since the 13th century.If we go back towards the coast, 18 kilo-metres south of Ancona, on the hills among the valleys of the Aspio and Mu-sone rivers, we come to Osimo, where

Shrine of Loreto, © alessandro0770 - iStock - Getty Images

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there are many traces of the classical pe-riod. Lastly, passing through Castelfidar-do, we must visit Loreto, seat of Italy’s biggest Marian Sanctuary, a typical ex-ample of a town built around a sanctu-ary, with its Basilica and the Holy House;

there are extremely beautiful works also in the Art Gallery located in the Palazzo Apostolico.

For more information visit the following website: www.turismo.marche.it

Gradara (Province of Pesaro and Urbino), © Ian Bacili - iStock - Getty Images

GUIDE TO THE REGIONS OF ITALY - ENIT · Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa or Naples are only a few of the...

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