Italy General Information
Location
Western Europe.
Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Area
301,338 sq km (116,346 sq miles).
Population
58.9 million (UN estimate 2007).
Population Density
195.4 per sq km.
Capital
Rome. Population: 2.6 million (2005).
Geography
Italy is situated in Europe and attached in the north to the European mainland. To the north, the Alps separate Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Northern Italy: The Alpine regions, the Po Plain and the Dolomites. Piedmont and Val d'Aosta contain some of the highest mountains in Europe and are good areas for winter sports. Rivers flow down from the mountains passing through the beautiful Italian Lake District (Maggiore, Como, Garda) to the fertile Po Basin, which extends as far south as the bare slopes of the Appennines, and has long been one of Italy's most prosperous regions. Central Italy: The northern part of the Italian peninsula. Tuscany (Toscana) has a diverse landscape with snow-capped mountains, lush countryside, hills and a long sandy coastline. To the east is Umbria, known as the ‘green heart of Italy'; hilly with broad plains, olive groves and pines, and Le Marche - a region of gentle mountains, rivers and small fertile plains. Further south lies Rome, Italy's capital city. Within its precincts is the Vatican City. Southern Italy: The south is wilder than the north, with mile upon mile of olive trees, cool forests and rolling hills. Campania consists of flat coastal plains and low mountains, stretching along a rocky coast to the Calabrian border. The islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida in the Tyrrhenian Sea are also part of Campania. Puglia, the ‘heel of the boot', is a landscape of volcanic hills and isolated marshes. Calabria, the ‘toe', is wild, heavily forested and thinly populated. The Islands: Sicily (Sicilia), visible across a 3km (2-mile) strait from mainland Italy, is famed for its active volcano Mount Etna and lava fields. Sardinia (Sardegna) has a mountainous landscape, fine sandy beaches and rocky offshore islands.
EU
Member since 1958.
Government
Kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946.
Head of State
President Giorgio Napolitano since 2006.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Romano Prodi (outgoing).
Recent History
Romano Prodi and his government resigned in January 2008 after losing a confidence vote in the Senate. Elections in April 2008 were won by media magnate Silvio Berlusconi, securing a third term as premier after two years in opposition.

In the April 2006 general elections, Romano Prodi, former prime minister and leader of the centre-left coalition, won a narrow victory in both the lower house and the Senate. Berlusconi disputed the result and initially refused to concede, despite court rulings confirming Prodi's majority in both houses.
Language
Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German is spoken in the South Tyrol region (bordering Austria). French is spoken in all the border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan (border with France and Switzerland). English, French and German are also spoken in the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles.
Religion
87.8% Roman Catholic with Muslim and Protestant minorities.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Social Conventions
The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual but smart in most places, and beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, transport and cinemas.











































































Beaches in Italy


Sunbathing and Swimming at the Seaside in Italy
The Mediterranean hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Italy's beach resorts attract more and more tourists year after year, for it is said the Italian beaches are like treasures to discover and behold. The beach resorts were home to many tourists during the summer season, today many now claim this their year round home. The wonders of sea air provide some of the healthiest fresh air, known for their regenerative properties; the sea air is a relief and a healthy escape from city life.

Italy is a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. Its 7,600 km of coastline have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the west the Sicilian Sea, and the Ionian Sea in the south and the Adriatic Sea in the east.



After exploring the cities, touring the lakes and walking in the mountains, the beaches are the perfect place to relax, unwind and reflect. Most of the year the beaches are sunny, and with 7,600 miles of shoreline bordering Italy and its islands, you can easily find waters where the temperatures are ideal for swimming. Miles upon miles of golden, sun drenched sand, in some places up to 1 km deep. The sea welcomes the sun seeker in comfort and style. An array of colours, which one can quickly identify by the rows of neatly laid out sun umbrellas and deck chairs, which seem to almost dot the entire seashore.

Italian beaches and 52 marinas have been awarded with a Blue Flag in 2007. This award is given to the beaches that offer cleanliness and safe bathing areas.
The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to over 3200 beaches and marinas in 36 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean in 2006.
The Blue Flag Campaign is owned and run by the independent non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management and safety and other important services

Some Of The Lakes In Italy

The Lakes of Northern Italy
The lakes of the North, at the foot of the majestical mountain chain of the Alps, are mainly of glacial origin. Among these are Lake Garda (the largest lake in Italy), Lake Como (the deepest), Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo and Lake Orta. The environment around these lakes is mostly alpine, and is ideal for winter holidays, thanks to the mitigating action of the waters and the presence of the mountains.
The Other Italian Lakes
In Umbria, Lake Trasimeno is Italy's fourth-largest lake.
In Latium, to the north of Rome, the province of Viterbo contains two charming lakes: Lake Bolsena and Lake Vico. In the Alban Hills (Colli Albani) there is Lake Albano, South East of Rome and Lake Nemi located east of Rome. Lake Bracciano lies just at North West of Rome
In the following pages we will cite the most beatiful and well-equipped lakes of Italy, with an itinerary including the history, art, nature and daily life of an important part of the Italian peninsular

Lake Orta - Island of San Giulio

Lake Orta (also called Cusio) is at an altitude of 290 m and has a surface area of around 18.5 square km and a maximum depth of 143 m. The area around the lake was inhabited in Roman times and then it was part of a Longobard duchy. The territory of Lake Orta belonged to the Church and to Milan, becoming part of the Kingdom of Sardinia towards the end of the 18th century.
On the Island of San Giulio, in the center of the lake there is the ancient and attractive Basilica of San Giulio, with interesting 15th century frescoes.
Orta San Giulio has a very pleasant climate, made mild by the presence of the lake. It is worth visiting the Palazzo della Comunità, of the 16th century, and the parish church, of the 15th century. At little more than a kilometer away there is the interesting Sacro Monte (Holy Hill), a wooded hill with a religious complex made up of around twenty chapels dedicated to Saint Francis, put up between the 16th and 18th centuries and decorated with frescoes and sculptures.
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The Lakes of Avigliana

The Lakes of Avigliana, of glacial origin, are around 2 km from the center of the town of Avigliana. They are separated by an isthmus and are called lago Grande (or the Lake of Avigliana), and lago Piccolo (or the lake of Trana), due to their respective sizes.

In the surrounding area the splendid Natural Park has particular flora and fauna and it is also possible to go horse riding here. The main tourist and sporting activities take place on the shores of lago Grande, while the zone of the isthmus is a popular camping area.

Avigliana is perhaps of Celtic origin and the origin of its name seems to be connected to apiculture which was an important commercial activity in the Roman era.In the middle-ages the monks of the nearby Abbey of Novalesa built a hospital and guest house there to accommodate the pilgrims from France traveling to Rome. In 1045 it became part of the kingdom of Savoy and was the residence of the kingdom's rulers until 1418. The Church of San Giovanni (12th-14th century) with its 15th century frescoes and late 16th century chiseled pulpit is well worth a visit. The Casa della Porta Ferrata ( House of the Iron clad door), with Gothic mullions and arches, the House of Savoy (15th century), the House of the Blessed Umberto III (12th century) and the Church of Saint Peter (10th-11th century), with 15th century frescoes, are also very attractive. Nearby there is the Gothic Church of Sant' Antonio di Ranverso (12th-15th century), with paintings by Jaquerio (15th century) and Ferrari (16th century).

The Sacra di San Michele, a sort of church-fortress of great artistic interest, is a must. Perched at a dizzy height of almost 1000 m it dominates the whole valley of Susa. The monastery is an extraordinary building which occupies the whole area of the rocky peak of Mount Pirchiriano . Its construction began in the last years of the 10th century just around a small three-choir church which was consecrated to the Archangel Saint Michael, and it lasted four centuries, from the 11th to the 14th century.
It soon became one of the most famous Benedictine monuments in Europe.
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Lake Viverone

Lake Viverone, situated at an altitude of 230 m, is of morainic origin. It extends over an area of about 8.5 square km and reaches a depth of 50 m. On its shores many prehistoric artifacts have been found, particularly from the bronze age.

Viverone is a town with ancient origins, with evidence of settlement as far back as the bronze age and with Roman and paleochristian remains. Today it is a pleasant tourist center.
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Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella


Lake Maggiore (or Verbano) is at a height of 193 m and covers an area of 212 square km. Its western shore is in Piedmont, its eastern shore in Lombardy and in the north it enters the Swiss canton of Ticino. The mild climate in every season favors the growth of Mediterranean and exotic plants, which fill the gardens on its shores. The western shore is undoubtedly more lively and offers a greater quantity and variety of leisure activities. The eastern shore, with various important towns, is more subdued, but equally welcoming.
Cannobio is a small town overlooking the lake, with various pleasant architectural styles. By the lake-side there is the late 16th century Santuario della Pietà, and the Palazzo della Ragione, of the 12th to the 13th centuries.
Cannero Riviera is the departure point for a pleasing excursion to the Castles of Cannero and the ancient stone village of Carmine Superiore.

Verbania is divided into two parts, called Pallanza and Intra, and is a holiday town in a magnificent medieval setting. It was one of the favorite summer haunts of the great orchestra director Arturo Toscanini. The 18th century Palazzo Dugnani and the 19th century Villa Taranto, famous for its gardens (with 7 km of pathways and more than 2000 plant species) are well worth visiting.

Baveno was host to various important figures in the 19th century, including Queen Victoria. The lake-side roadway is very picturesque. There is a parrocchiale, or parish church and a Renaissance baptistery, with interesting 15th and 16th century frescoes.
Stresa was built up in the late 18th and early 19th century and is a town full of villas and gardens. It has a very attractive lake-side promenade, lined by elegant villas, with the splendid Borromean Islands in the distance. These islands can he reached from the jetty in piazza Marconi, overlooked by the neoclassical Parish church of Sant'Ambrogio. Near Stresa there is the Villa Pallavicino, with its vast zoo-park where animals roam free, and in the town there is an important Palazzo dei Congressi, where exhibitions and events take place.

The Borromean Islands
On the Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) the Palazzo Borromeo should not be missed, with its splendid decorated rooms, rich art collections and famous Italianate gardens on a series of exceptionally attractive sloping terraces. On Isola Madre (Mother Island) there is another Palazzo Borromeo (XVIII century) whose fine rooms and stupendous botanical garden full of exotic flowers and rare vegetable species may be visited. The picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's island) is also very attractive.

Arona is the most important commercial center on Lake Maggiore and a well-known health resort. Important events are held here and it has interesting monuments as well as an interesting archeological and natural history museum. Walks and excursions can be made from here and it is possible to enter the so-called San Carlone, a gigantic statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, and climb to the top to enjoy the exceptional view.


And so we arrive in Lombardy
Laveno is situated in a large bay on the east coast of the lake. It is famous for the underwater illuminated Nativity scene which is prepared every Christmas. The nearby Sasso di Ferro mountain, from which there is a marvelous panoramic view, can be visited by cable-car, and the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso, of the 13th century is worth seeing.

At Cerro, a centre of ceramic production, 3 km from Laveno, there is an interesting ceramics museum, the Civica Raccolta di Terraglia.
Luino still has, at least in its historical town center, the appearance of an ancient Lombard town. Here we can find the 15th century Church of the Madonna del Carmine and the Church of San Pietro with a Romanesque bell-tower. Near the town there is the picturesque Val Veddasca where old houses built in the typical local style can be found. At the entrance to the valley there is the attractive holiday village of Maccagno.
Angera and the nearby Ranco dominate the southern part of the Lombard shore of the lake. At the former there is the famous Rocca Borromea castle, and there are various interesting museums.
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Lakes of Varese's Territory

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Lake of Varese



Lake Varese is surrounded by undulating hills and there is a small island, the Isolino Virginia, near the western shore. The lake is fed by various underground springs. Towards the south numerous minor roads and pathways lead to an area with many marsh plants, small lakes and ponds.
Varese is a delightful city in the midst of a green area, with many gardens and splendid villas. It is full of interesting monuments and artistic and nature excursions can be made in the surrounding area to places such as the Sacro Monte (Holy Hill), the Monte Campo dei Fiori, with its observatory which is open to the public, the Lido di Varese (lakeside) and the towns of Luvinate, Voltorre, Bizzozzero, and Bisuschio. This latter possesses the XVI century Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, in the midst of a splendid park.
The Isolino Virginia has picturesque woods for romantic walks and the Prehistory Museum of Villa Ponti, with the various artifacts found in the area, is worth a look. Within a few kilometers of the lake there are picturesque sites and places of great artistic interest. Castiglione Olona has many art treasures. Castelseprio is an archeological area, and Torba (close to Gornate Olona) is an ancient Longobard setting.
On the coast, Biandronno and Cazzago alternate narrow country courts and the elegant residences of the families that decided to spend their time in these delightful places.
Lakes Monate and Comabbio have remained calm basins where one may relax and enjoy the nature of the hills. The expanses of Ghirla and Ganna, instead, are set within the mountain area, protected by typically Pre-Alpine relieves.

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Lake Lugano

A place-name that hints at Switzerland but that tells stories of Italian waters and shores, divided between the Varese and Como territories. If one were to examine its shape, one might say that nature has amused itself by tracing a complex chain of gulfs, loops, and ramifications. Lavena and Ponte Tresa, at the western end, from the very first Roman colonizations, have always been the battle field for control over the bridge joining the two opposite shores.

On the quiet road, remote if compared to traditional crossings, one reaches Porto Ceresio and the southern tip of the lake, where the coast points north and in the direction of Swiss territory. Once again Italian shores are those of Campione d'Italia, the city famous for its international casino, and beyond, that of the deep loop of Porlezza, where the shore of Val Solda so dear to Fogazzaro opposes the wild promontory of Santa Margherita, a medieval crossing which is now completely won over by vegetation.
Valsolda, with the defended fractions of Castello and Dasio and the lakeside, and Porlezza, with its ancient village, were connected to the road about halfway through the last century, and they have maintained the features of remote villages. Nearby, the Romanesque church of San Maurizio rises on the slopes of Monte Galbiga: buried by a landslide, it was only recently given back to the faithful, who may admire its Romanesque lines.

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Lake Como

Lake Como - Bellagio


Lake Como, dear to Stendhal, is also called Lario and is divided into three branches of almost equal length (Como, Colico and Lecco). It is striking for its position in a mountain landscape and its shores are dotted with picturesque villages, luxurious villas and parks. The whole area has a gentle and temperate climate.
Como was founded by the Romans in 196 B.C. on the site of a Celtic village. A possession of the powerful duchy of Milan in the middle-ages, it was well known in Italy and abroad for the skill of its builders and above all for the production of and trade in silk. There are many artistic sites to see in the town. Among them are the Church of Sant'Abbondio of the 11th century, and the Basilica of San Fedele. The heart of the old town is the Piazza del Duomo with its Renaissance Cathedral (Duomo), one of the most beautiful churches in Lombardy. The attractive walk along Lungo Lario takes the visitor to the Tempio Voltiano, where the mementos and relics of Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), the inventor of the battery, are conserved.

Not far from Como is Cernobbio which houses the marvelous Park of Villa d'Este (16th century). Further north are the towns of Moltrasio and Laglio and from here the cavern known as the Buco dell' Orso (the bear's hole) is easily reached.
Near Argegno is the attractive green valley of Intelvi, and from Sala Comacina one can visit the only island on Lake Como, the Comacina Island.
Cernobbio


Tremezzo is one of the best known holiday sites and it houses the splendid 18th century Villa Carlotta, with a museum and a magnificent and famous park sloping down to the lake. Its springtime rhododendrons and azaleas are stupendous.
From Cadenabbia or the nearby Menaggio, a health resort, one can take the ferry to Varenna a picturesque town on the eastern shore of the lake. Other places of interest on the eastern shore are Mandello del Lario, a picturesque town at the foot of the Grigne Massif, and Bellano, with the Church of SS. Nazaro e Celso and the famous "ravine" ("orrido"), formed by the Pioverna river. Also worth a visit is Colico with the Abbey of Piona, a jewel of medieval art.
The enchanting Bellagio rises up jewel-like on the end of the promontory which divides the two southern branches of Lake Como. The historical center of the town is fascinating, with its narrow alleys and their arches, ancient patrician villas and luxurious hotels.
Lezzeno is not far from Bellagio and from here the Grotto of the "Bulberi" can be visited by boat. At Nesso there is a spectacular waterfall which falls into a "ravine" ("orrido").

Passing through Careno, with its 12th century Church of San Martino, the visitor arrives at Torno where is of great interest the Villa Pliniana with its curious intermittent waterfall which has been known since ancient times.
Lecco, in an attractive mountainous landscape setting, is at the end of the south eastern branch of Lake Como. There is a Town museum and the Villa Manzoni, where the writer Alessandro Manzoni stayed. His most famous novel "The Betrothed' was set in this area. Between Lecco and Bellagio there is a series of mountain holiday resorts such as Vaibrona, Asso, Ghisallo and Civenna, almost overhanging the lake. In the Valsassina there are numerous health resorts and it is a location for summer holidays as well as winter sports.
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Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo and Monte Isola

Lake Iseo (also called Sebino) was formed at the bottom of a glacier of Val Camonica. At an altitude of 185 m. it has a surface area of 62 square km. and is characterized by an Alpine landscape. It possesses the biggest island of the Italian lakes, called Monte Isola. The mild climate of the lake shores permits the cultivation of olives, vineyards and orchards.
Iseo is one of the most popular lake-side resorts. There is the 13th century Parish church of Sant' Andrea which has a 14th century bell-tower.
Lovere also has various medieval constructions within its historical centre, while the lake-side offers a chance to relax between the waters and the green shores. The Church of Santa Maria di Valvendra, built in the late 15th century is worth seeing, and in the Gallery of the Accademia Tadini there is a fine collection of pictures, ceramics, Flemish tapestries and archeological finds.
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Lake Endine

An excursion to the Lake of Endine and Spinone al Lago on its eastern shore is advised. Here there are the churches of San Pietro in Vincoli (11-12th century) and San Carlo, built for the Stuarts in 1618. On the other shore is the fascinating Monasterolo del Castello, a small medieval town with a magnificent 18th century parish church and, just outside the town, the eponymous castle which dates back to before the year 1000 AD.
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Lake Idro

Lake Idro is one of the highest lakes in Lombardy (368 m). It is long and narrow (2 by 10 km) and is famous for trout fishing.

It is completely surrounded by mountains and its waters are of a beautiful deep blue. The lake's shape and the surrounding mountains make it seem a Norwegian fiord.
Anfo has a parish church (15-16th century) and a striking fortified castle built at various periods in various styles, from 15th century Venetian to 18th century French.
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Lake Viverone

Lake Viverone, situated at an altitude of 230 m, is of morainic origin. It extends over an area of about 8.5 square km and reaches a depth of 50 m. On its shores many prehistoric artifacts have been found, particularly from the bronze age.

Viverone is a town with ancient origins, with evidence of settlement as far back as the bronze age and with Roman and paleochristian remains. Today it is a pleasant tourist center.

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Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella



Lake Maggiore (or Verbano) is at a height of 193 m and covers an area of 212 square km. Its western shore is in Piedmont, its eastern shore in Lombardy and in the north it enters the Swiss canton of Ticino. The mild climate in every season favors the growth of Mediterranean and exotic plants, which fill the gardens on its shores. The western shore is undoubtedly more lively and offers a greater quantity and variety of leisure activities. The eastern shore, with various important towns, is more subdued, but equally welcoming.

Cannobio is a small town overlooking the lake, with various pleasant architectural styles. By the lake-side there is the late 16th century Santuario della Pietà, and the Palazzo della Ragione, of the 12th to the 13th centuries.

Cannero Riviera is the departure point for a pleasing excursion to the Castles of Cannero and the ancient stone village of Carmine Superiore.

Verbania is divided into two parts, called Pallanza and Intra, and is a holiday town in a magnificent medieval setting. It was one of the favorite summer haunts of the great orchestra director Arturo Toscanini. The 18th century Palazzo Dugnani and the 19th century Villa Taranto, famous for its gardens (with 7 km of pathways and more than 2000 plant species) are well worth visiting.

Baveno was host to various important figures in the 19th century, including Queen Victoria. The lake-side roadway is very picturesque. There is a parrocchiale, or parish church and a Renaissance baptistery, with interesting 15th and 16th century frescoes.
Stresa was built up in the late 18th and early 19th century and is a town full of villas and gardens. It has a very attractive lake-side promenade, lined by elegant villas, with the splendid Borromean Islands in the distance. These islands can he reached from the jetty in piazza Marconi, overlooked by the neoclassical Parish church of Sant'Ambrogio. Near Stresa there is the Villa Pallavicino, with its vast zoo-park where animals roam free, and in the town there is an important Palazzo dei Congressi, where exhibitions and events take place.

The Borromean Islands
On the Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) the Palazzo Borromeo should not be missed, with its splendid decorated rooms, rich art collections and famous Italianate gardens on a series of exceptionally attractive sloping terraces. On Isola Madre (Mother Island) there is another Palazzo Borromeo (XVIII century) whose fine rooms and stupendous botanical garden full of exotic flowers and rare vegetable species may be visited. The picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's island) is also very attractive.

Arona is the most important commercial center on Lake Maggiore and a well-known health resort. Important events are held here and it has interesting monuments as well as an interesting archeological and natural history museum. Walks and excursions can be made from here and it is possible to enter the so-called San Carlone, a gigantic statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, and climb to the top to enjoy the exceptional view.



And so we arrive in Lombardy
Laveno is situated in a large bay on the east coast of the lake. It is famous for the underwater illuminated Nativity scene which is prepared every Christmas. The nearby Sasso di Ferro mountain, from which there is a marvelous panoramic view, can be visited by cable-car, and the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso, of the 13th century is worth seeing.


At Cerro, a centre of ceramic production, 3 km from Laveno, there is an interesting ceramics museum, the Civica Raccolta di Terraglia.
Luino still has, at least in its historical town center, the appearance of an ancient Lombard town. Here we can find the 15th century Church of the Madonna del Carmine and the Church of San Pietro with a Romanesque bell-tower. Near the town there is the picturesque Val Veddasca where old houses built in the typical local style can be found. At the entrance to the valley there is the attractive holiday village of Maccagno.

Angera and the nearby Ranco dominate the southern part of the Lombard shore of the lake. At the former there is the famous Rocca Borromea castle, and there are various interesting museums.

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Hello Tj!!!
Italy is beautifull!!!
i know, i have been there,actually only during the carnival in Venice,and that one day wasn't enough for me for the whole sieght seen ..

TJ, hello and good evening. This is awesome as well as beautiful pictures. That is what I am talking about. That is a beautiful country. I had the opportunity to visit seven states of this country (Italy). It holds a very precious part of my heart. Next time u have a chance. Look up the Isle of Capri!!! If I had the chance. That is where I would be found. hehehe. Be safe, take care of yourself. Have a good one!!

wow very beautiful report dude..i love italians and italy football..thanks a lot.

hey guys i wonder why so many people view the topic and never leave a comment? hope you all share us with your thoughts and with what you think about the topics.