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Italy Travel and Destination Guide
PLACES TO SEE
Bolzano
Two-thirds of the population in Alto Adige (Südtirol) speak German as their first language, but that figure is actually reversed in Bolzano (Bozen in German), largely because of its role as the province's capital. In Bolzano especially, the linguistic lines are blurring further, due to new generations who have a German-speaking mother and an Italian-speaking father or vice versa. Bolzano's compact historic centre, with its pastel Hansel-and-Gretel-like architecture and arcaded streets, is typically Tyrolean, and a really lovely place for a stroll. Vineyards extend right into the city. Incredibly, the basin effect of the surrounding mountains means this Alpine city can actually record the hottest temperatures anywhere in Italy during summer, often nudging 39°C, at which time there's no better refreshment than a cold, locally brewed beer.
Florence
The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the artistic and political development of Europe.
Amalfi Coast
Stretching for 50km (31mi) along a promontory from Sorrento to Salerno is some of Europe's most beautiful coastline. The road hugs the tight bends and curves of the cliffy coast, overlooking intensely blue waters and passing postcard villages that cling to the cliff walls like matchbox houses.
Cenacolo Vinciano
One of the world's most famous art images, Leonardo da Vinci's wonderful mural depicting the Last Supper decorates a wall of the Cenacolo Vinciano, the refectory adjoining Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Painted between 1495 and 1498, the work captures the moment when Jesus uttered the words 'One of you will betray me'. It has been extensively restored.
Pompeii
Victim of the world's most famous volcano disaster, 2.3 million visitors annually make Pompeii's magnificent ruins seem as crowded as the ancient streets must once have been. Ever since Pliny the Younger described the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, the city has been the stuff of books, scholarly and frivolous, and a perfect subject for the big screen.
Valley of the Temples
Via dei Templi runs through the middle of the archaeological park, dividing it into two sections, with the most spectacular temples to the right. The Temple of Hercules is the oldest of the five temples contained within the park, all of which are atmospherically illuminated at night. There is also a museum in the complex which houses a collection of artefacts.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Welcome to the world's greatest architectural cockup. Its creator, Bonanno Pisan, was in trouble three tiers in when the tower began to list badly to the south. Things got worse at the rate of about 1mm a year, but at least it gave Galileo a chance to throw rocks from the bell tower to test his theory of gravity. Today it's 4.1m (13.5ft) off the perpendicular.
Colosseum
Although its size conjures up the Empire that ruled through intimidation, brutality and down-turned thumbs, the Colosseum has been a little humbled. The Christian-eating lions have been reduced to stray kitty cats (who will eat anything regardless of religious affiliation), and weeds sprout among the 50,000 seats.
©2007 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
