About
Italy is a country in southern Europe, occupying a long peninsula shaped like a boot that reaches into the Mediterranean Sea. Its official name is the Italian Republic, or Repubblica Italiana, and it is known in Italian simply as Italia. For many visitors, it is a destination built around layers of history, art and food, with cities that each have their own character.
What draws visitors
The country is known for its ancient Roman history, its Renaissance art, and its cuisine. Travellers often come to see the remains of the Roman world, to visit galleries and churches filled with Renaissance work, and to eat their way through regional dishes that change from one area to the next.
- Rome, the capital, is one of the country's best-known cities, with a long record of ancient and later history.
- Venice is another iconic city, famous for its canals and its unusual setting.
- Food and drink are a central part of a visit, with local specialities varying by region.
Planning a trip
Because Italy is a long country running from the Alps to the Mediterranean, many travellers choose a few places rather than trying to cover everything. Moving between cities, towns and regions gives a clearer sense of how varied the country is, from its large metropolitan centres to smaller places along the coast and in the countryside.
