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Population: 58,126,212 Dialing Code: +39 Languages: Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area) Religions: Roman Catholic 90% (approximately; about one-third practicing), other 10% (includes mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community) Internet TLD: .it Located: Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia Area: 301,230 sq km Residents with HIV: 150,000 Literacy: 98.4% Comparative Size: slightly larger than Arizona Nationality Noun: Italian(s) Nationality Adjective: Italian currencyEUR |
Italy is a very uniquely poised country in Europe. It is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west and the Adriatic Sea in the east. The northern border is shared with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The Apennine Mountains are the spine of the peninsula while the Alps act as its northern periphery. Many small islands also form a part of Italy; the largest being Sicily and Sardinia.
The climatic conditions in Italy vary depending on the location. Winters tend to be wet and snowy. So one must carry a wardrobe depending upon the region being visited and the season during which the vacation has been planned. Italy's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe are unparalleled.
The must visit sites are the St. Peters Basilica and St. Peter's Square, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Coliseum and the Pantheon. There are an additional number of churches and buildings and places to be visited which have been designed by the great architects from the famous renaissance period. It's not very difficult to spot something different and artistic in Italy. The whole of Italy is like a great painting and every part of the painting has something new and exciting to offer. Italy presents a beautiful blend of both culture and modernity portraying itself as a modern n bustling yet culturally stimulating city. Venice offers an unmatched experience that leaves the tourists short of words. Various lagoons and islands offer some amazing views.
If you are the athletic type and wish to visit Italy during the winters it is recommended to visit Veneto which is famous for its winter sports. The best time to experience the true spirit of Italian culture is to visit during the festive season. The carnivals at Venice, Baroque and Putignano help realize the true and vibrant colors of Italy and its people. If you're headed to Italy during Christmas then it's advised you extend your vacations and absorb the Epiphany Celebrations and experience the Mass and feast of St.Nicholas and the Holly Week celebrations. For a truly cultural and musical experience one must participate in the Ravel Evening in Milan, the processions in Festino di Santa Rosalia and Venice's Rocco Music Festival for Baroque music. Boat races in Venice, the Rome Marathon,etc. are truly exhilarating experiences.
Last but not the least a visit to the convent of Santa Maria Della Grazie to view the timeless painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci is a must. Without that a trip to Italy may seem incomplete and hollow.