Tourism

Trento-Alto Adige
Trento-Alto Adige is an autonomous administrative region in Northern Italy. This region has a rich history. In 15 BC, the region currently referred to as Trento-Al Adige was invaded and occupied by the Romans. When the Western Roman Empire fell, the province was divided into two regions. The Lombard Duchy of Tridentum was occupied by the invading German tribes while the other was taken by the Bavarians and the Alamannic Vinschgau. When the Kingdom of Italy was created, areas south of Bolzano were included under the Marquisate of Verona the remaining part was included under the Ducky of Bavaria.

Before its annexation by Italy following World War 1, Trento-Alto Adige was administratively under Austria-Hungary from 1389. However, with towards the end of World War 2, the region fell under the administration of the German Reich. This status of de facto annexation only ended with the end of the Nazi regime and the restoration of Italian rule in 1945. Currently, the region is divided into two provinces Bolzano-Bozen and Trento. The majority of residents speak German and Italian while a small proportion of the population has clung to ancient Ladin.

The economy of Trento-Aldo Adige is partly reliant on tourism on one hand, and agriculture and industry on the other. This region is immaculately dotted with saw-toothed ridges, alpine meadows, snow capped mountain peaks, glittering waterfalls, ski resorts and a host of medieval towns. Tourists cannot resist the temptation of skiing in winter as they sample German niceties along remote mountain hamlets.

For any traveler to the region, a tour of localities such as BolzanoBozen, BressanoneBrixen, MeranoMeran, CastelvecchioAltebburg, CortacciaKurtatsch, Corno BiancoWeisshorn, and Nero Corno Schwarzhorn, is worth the effort.

One major attraction of Trento-Alto Adige is the Brenner Pass which connects Italy to the Alps and literally controls the movement of people and goods from the northern to southern parts of Italy. This economic importance of Brenner Pass explains why the Romans, the Goths, the Bavarians, the Counts of Tyrol, the Venetians, the Austrians, as well as the Germans all assumed territorial claims and administration of the region over the centuries.

The mild climate favors the production of world class wines. Red wines including Trentinos Marzemino and Teroldego are predominant in Vallagarina while the production of white wines such as Nasiola and Vino Santo are favored by the pre-alpine climate in Valle dei Laghi, Pino Blanc, Spumante Talento Trento, Pino Noir and Chardonnay. The climate also favors local specialties like apples, asparagus, chestnuts, mushrooms and corn. The rivers are an abundant source of fresh trout.
For history and religion enthusiasts, Trento the capital of Trentino, was not only the last northern Italian city to be subjected to German influence, but also the center of Catholic Counter-Reformation in the 16th century. From the Romanesque Duomo where the Council of Trent was held from 1545 to 1563, to the Santa Maria Maggiore, the Castello del Buonconsiglio, and Torre dellAquila Trento is an architectural masterpiece.

On the other hand, Bolzano the capital of Alto Adige is home to Leonardo DaVinci, Dante and Piazza Walter a Tyrolean poet. From the beautiful countryside to the summits of San Genesio, Colle and Renon through cable cars, coupled to the breathtaking Medieval frescos collection and the Castle Runkelstein Bolzano is a fine, beautiful and irresistible city.

To top up the allure of Trento-Alto Adige, Campitello di Fassa carnival in February, St. Vigilio Festival in June, Mezzocorona in September, Ora festival in October, Predazzo-Saint Martino festival in November and the Santa Massenza di Vezzano festival in the same month will nonetheless control your all year round itinerary.

Friuli-Venezia Guilia
Friuli-Venezia Guilia is a relatively narrow strip of land that served as a vital outpost during hey days of the Roman Empire. Later on when the Gauls invaded, Aguileia was used as bastion during the invasion. With the arrival of the Huns came the fortification of the town and the establishment of Grado town. For centuries, this region remained independent until it was conquered by Austrian Hapsburgs. Afterwards, Trieste became a free port hence opening up this narrow strip of land to cosmopolitan growth.

Historically, the origins of Friuli-Venezia Guilia can be traced to the Roman Forum lulii (the origin of the name Friuli) which was the initial capital of Lombard Dukedom. When the Franks arrived, the church of Aquileia became the center of focus leading to the establishment of the patriarchate of Aquileia in 1077. Its independence prompted the re-organization of Guilea and other regions into free city states. In the 15th century, Friuli was administered by Venetians while Gorizia and Trieste by Austrians. Continued economic prosperity in Trieste and its unification with Italy led to the establishment of Friuli Venezia Giulia and subsequent granting of autonomy through a special statute in the 20th century.

The end of World War1 left the regions in ruins with extensive structural damages and loss of lives. Even though the destiny of these borderlands was once again united, Venezia Guilia still exuded contradictions. It was only after World War 2 that the borders were fixed through the Memorandum of London in 1954. The unification of Italy with Trieste in Italy led to the establishment of the autonomous region of Friuli-Venezia Guilia. Currently, Friuli-Venezia Guilia is one of the five regions with autonomy under a Special Statute in the Italian constitution and its capital is Trieste.
The attraction of this bustling northeastern extreme of Italy arises from the presence of rarely visited warm sandy beaches, snow capped mountains, lagoons with water birds, Roman ruins, busy international sea ports, palatial country villas, remote alpine hamlets and panoramic fishing villages. With all these endowments, it can be argued that Friuli-Venezia Guilia is undoubtedly the most versatile region in Italy.

Friuli-Venezia Guilia is mostly a flat landscape mapped by the Tagliamento River, morainic amphitheater, Adriatic coastline, Carnic Pre-Alpine regions and Julian Alps. The main cities Trieste, Gorizia, Pordenone and Udine are remarkable masterpieces. Moreover, Aquileia, Grado and Cividale are extremely rich in Roman and Byzantine style influenced paleochristian architecture. The Basilica of Aquileia is one example of buildings with a distinct Romanesque Gothic style.

For a more comprehensive historical walk through Friuli-Venezia Guilia, the Rovoltella Civic Museum in Trieste hosts a rich collection of 19th and 20th century sculptural and pictorial works of great artists. The Civic Museum of Risorgimento reviews the path of Triestes struggle for freedom and autonomy while the Civic Museum of Art History holds a remarkably comprehensive archeological collection spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the Roman Age. More archeological collections, coins, jewelry, painting, ceramics, and sculpture can be admired at the Civic Museum and the Galleries of History and Art and the Civic Museum of Pordenone.

For tourists, a tour of Friuli-Venezia Guilia is incomplete without a detour to Gian Grotto situated near Trieste. Cast in the panoramic view of the sea are the Miramare Castle, Sistiana and Duino bay. The Miramare Castle was built by the Maximilan of Austria in the 19th century. This is the same region where tourists sample delights of the alpine region of the Carso Valley with its picturesque hill towns just overlooking Austria.

Le Marche
Le Marche or the Marches (in English) is one of the twenty regions of Italy. It is located in Central Italy and it borders Tuscany and Umbria, Lazio, Amelia Romagnia, and Abruzzo. Le Marche is a highly developed with modern networks of high speed trains and regular flights making it a hot holiday destination. Even though this region is sandwiched between the high Appenine mountain peaks and the Adriatic Sea and is highly exposed to mass tourism, its historical assets remain unspoiled.

In ancient times, Le Marche was a Picenum territory. Its coastal regions were inhabited by Senones. When the Romans conquered it in 295 BC it remained connected to the center of authority in Rome. Later on, the fall of the Roman Empire gave way to the occupation of the region by the Goths administratively making it a region under the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna. Following the fall of the exarchate and the eventual administration under Charlemagne in the 18th century, and creation of the marches of Fermo, Camerino and Ancona in the 19th century, Le Marche became what it is known today. In fact, the name Le Marche originated from the creation of the marches.
Although Le Marche was a region under the Papal States, local lords administered most regions leading to the growth of Le Marche into a free commune. From the 12th century to the Napoleonic region, the administration of Le Marche alternated from Frederick Barbarossas imperialism, papal authority and Renaissance rule under Gil de Albornoz. Napoleonic rule led to the unification of the Kingdom of Italy and the Roman Republic, but this unification was short lived and it broke apart with the defeat of Napoleon until the annexation of Le Marche by plebiscite to the Kingdom of Italy.
Currently this region is home to many towns and each town is unique in its own sense. Urbino the ultimate renaissance city, connects the adventurer to the era when the Duke Federico of Montefeltro ruled Le Marche in the 15th century. On the southern end of the region lies Ascoli Piceno which is the provincial capital. Ascoli Piceno is an old town characterized by marble paved squares and architectural masterpieces from the Roman era. The administrative capital Ancona, is known for its beaches and busy seaport facilitating trade between Italy, Turkey, Greece and Croatia. Pesaro a provincial capital hosts appealing seaside resorts, fishing villages and fine beaches. Even though these are the main towns, there are other smaller towns such as Camerino, Jesi, Recanati, Cingoli, Cagli, Offida, Sarnano and San Leo which offer equally thrilling opportunities and sight seeing.
Alternatively, apart from each town has to offer in terms of its culture, cuisines and museums, there are other natural marvels which draw tourists and businessmen men alike to Le Marche. Some of these natural marvels can be found at Monti Sabillini where impressive mountain scenery and snow capped peaks provide a wonderful panorama, until late spring. For a perfect view of the peaks and alpine flower carpet, Monte Catria is the best choice.

The Frasassi caves are spectacularly lined with limestone. Other limestone caves can be found at the Furlo Gorge which is a natural pass that has consistently proved useful since the prehistoric times. However, not the whole of Le Marche is hilly. Some regions such as Monte Conero are flat. Though, these are rare exceptions to the hilly landscape which plunge into the sea to create breathtaking bathing resorts.

Calabria
Some people have argued that Calabria is only welcome to two types of people. The first type is the Calabrians while the other type is adventurers. Calabria can be cause fright and bewilderment to some, while to others it provides a rewarding experience that is far removed from the stereotypical presentations of the Italian countryside. What makes this region unique is that it most of its delights such as resorts and seacoast villages seem to hang on the cliff edges.

Calabria lies in the south of Naples. It borders Basilicata to the north, Sicily to the south-west, Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and Ionian Sea to the east. In pre-historic times, Calabria was inhabited by Italic Oscan speaking tribes the Itali and the Oenotri. Due Greek influence, the region was once a leading city of Magna Graecia in the 3rd to 6th B.C. With the fall of the empire, the Byzantine Empire conquered the region and transformed it into an agricultural success. However, as the border between Arab emirs in Sicilian territory and Byzantine territory on one end, it was demoralized and depopulated.

When Greek magnates overran Byzantine rule, Calabria Citeriore became an administrative division in the Kingdom of Sicily. Under Angevian rule, it became a constituent division of the Kingdom of Naples. In mid 20th century, peasant revolts led to the eventual unification of Calabria to the rest of Italy. Initially one of the poorest regions in Italy, Calabria has grown to become of Europes main seaside attractions with beautiful coastlines, white sandy beaches and snow peaked mountains.
Currently, the regional capital Cantazaro, is where the Regional Council seats. Other important administrative cities are Vibo Valentia, Cosenza, and Crotone. Most of Calabrias rich history of art is concentrated in these four cities. In Reggio Calabria and Cosenza one finds archeological excavations remains from the Roman Age. Since this region was once under the control of the Byzantine Empire, religious buildings are full of Byzantine influences. Several monuments possess the Baroque signature.

Apart from these external observations of Roman, Byzantine, Baroque and Gothic influences, the Catanzaro Provincial Museum is a showcase of relics spanning from the Neolithic era to the Greek and Roman Age. The National Museum in Reggio Calabria houses prominent collections in modern Italy. Almost all archeological masterpieces of Arab, Byzantine and Paleolithic art, Iron Age and Bronze relics, pictorial tables, tomb outfits, as well as the famous bronze works from the 5th century are included in this collection. The Museo Interdiocesano, the Civic Museum, and the Cathedral are other historical delights in Cosenza.

Calabria has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. When the poet Gabriele DAnnunzio called this coast as il pi bel chilometro dItalia (the most beautiful kilometer in Italy) she was referring to the fascinating coastline mapped with Hinterland Mountains such as the Pollino chain, the Sila forested plateau, the Apromonte and the Serre. Generally, this rugged terrain does not favor extensive agricultural or industrial development, but this is currently being compensated for by tourism.
Even though practiced to a small scale, the rugged mountains have wheal fields, age old olive trees that have grown to the height of a fully grown eucalyptus. Ancient ruins, the clear blue seas, white sand beaches, fine cuisines, coupled to the unmatched hospitality characterize Calabria and Calabrians.

Sardinia
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is autonomous under the Italian constitution. Its coastline is high and rocky with ample and deep bays as well as inlets which are surrounded by smaller isles. Sardinia has been isolated as one of the ancient lands in modern day Europe. Its history dates back to the Paleolithic era.

However, it was only in the Neolithic Age that humans began inhabiting the island.

The first human beings to have set foot on the island are believed to have come from the Etruria in mainland Italy. Historical evidence also suggests that those who inhabited around S. Giusta and Cabras lakes may have come from the Iberian Peninsula.

Interest on the island grew in the ancient period, beginning around 1000BC, when Phoenicians began to use the islands ports as a safe anchorage during storms or in the night. With increasing urgency of merchant ships, common ports such as Nora, Caralis, Sulcis, Bithin, Olbia, Bosa, and Tharros began developing into towns whose population mainly consisted of Phoenician families. Owing to the growing population of the Phoenicians, the native Sardinians attempted to expel them but these efforts were thwarted when the Phoenicians called onto the support of Carthaginians who conquered the mountainous regions and administered it until the Romans conquered Sardinia in 238 BC.
The declining influence of the Roman Empire led to the invasion of Sardinia by the Vandals which were later out seated by the Justinian troops hence making Sardinia a constituent territory under the Byzantine Empire. This led to the division of the island into merie (districts) under the governance of a judge living in CaralisCagliari. These districts were also garrisoned. Eventually, these districts gained independence status but this status was cut short by the incessant attacks from Berbers around 710 A.D.

For many centuries, the region remained under the papal rule until the establishment of the kingdom of Sardinia under the crown of Spain until the Treaty of London which handed Sardinia to the House of Savoy in the 16th century. Napoleonic wars prompted Sardinia to unite with Piedmont until the Italian wars of independence and the inclusion of Sardinia under the Kingdom of Italy. After World War 2, Sardinia was granted autonomy under a special statute. Sardinia retains this status to this day.
Currently, Sardinia is administered via eight provinces Cagliari, Carbonia-Iglesias, Medio Campidano, Nuor, Ogliastra, Olbia-Tempio, Oristano, and Sassari.Towns like Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, Quartu SantElena, Nuoro, Alghero, Oristano and Carbonia offer a rich collection of cultural and archeological relics spanning from pre-history to the 21st century.

Being an ancient region with rocks that date back to the Paleozoic Era, all the high mountains have been decimated. What remains of the once towering mountains are just schist, granite, basalt, dolomite limestone, sandstone, and tranchite rocky highlands of between 300-1000 meters in height. At the center of the Island lies a huge mountain massif called the Gennargentu with peaks towering at 1,362m (Monte Limbara), 1,259m (Mount Rasu) and 1,834m (Punta La Marmora).

The rich climate, topography, and shores support a variety of rare autochthonous plants and animals such as the Giaras Horse, Sardinian Deer, Mouflon, and Sardinian fox among others. Sound environmental legislation has facilitated the creation of national such as Asinara National Park, and Archipelago of La Maddalenas National Park as well as regional ones like Parco del Limbara, and Parco del Sinis  Montiferru. These parks, white sandy beaches, snow capped peaks and museums are a must see for any tourist to the island of Sardinia.

Basilicata
Basilicata is predominantly mountainous and arid. Indeed, this is the most mountainous region in the whole of southern Italy. Two coastlines lie on either side of the region. One runs from the Gulf of Taranto to the Ionian Sea while the other runs into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This region is divided into provinces Matera and Potenza. Potenza is the administrative capital of the region.
Due to massive emigration in the past, the region is under populated. Even though agriculture is one of the principal economic activities, the regions climate cannot support large scale production. Industrial development is also low, except for light industrial products such as ceramics, textiles, woodwork. However, tourism, especially along the Tyrrhenian coast, is a promising earner. The main reason why tourism is not highly developed is lack of facilities and poor infrastructural development.
Basilicata has a long history extending into the Paleolithic period. Archeological findings have shown that the Lyki had settled along the rivers in the 13th century BC. The Greeks colonized the region in the 8th century BC leaving a trail of cultural influences on Posidonia, Metaponto and Heraclea. During these times, the region was called Lucania. When Roman expansion reached Lucania in the 2nd century BC, they began to exhaustively exploit the forest cover.

The Byzantines pushed the Romans out and renamed the region Basilicata. However, their stay was cut short by the Swabians and Normans in the 13th century AD, who established a feudal system further pushing the region into poverty. In the 18th century Basilicata fell under the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until 1860 when it became part of the Italian Kingdom. Despite these political transformations, the economy continued to lag behind until after World War II when the government instituted land reforms. The establishment of Fiat speeded up economic recovery.

Just like most regions in Italy, Basilicata is rich in archeological relics dating back to the prehistoric times. Relics of the Greek era can be found in Metaponto, while those of the Roman era are preserved in Venosa. Romanesque styles of medieval art can be found at the Venosa and Cerenza. Architectural masterpieces with Arab, Byzantine and French influences can be seen in Lagopesole, Matera, and Melfi.

The Provincial Archaeological Museum of Potenza has a large collection of prehistoric relics with Latin and Greek inscriptions. The Ridola National Museum in Matera holds Paleolithic relics and ceramics dating back to the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages. Neapolitan paintings from the 17th and 18th century are displayed at the Pinacoteca dErrico.

Agricultural cultivation mainly consists of wheat, potatoes, maize, olives, and wine. Rionero, known for the Aglianco del Vulture is one of the major wine producing regions in Basilicata.

As an instep to the Italian mainland it borders Calabria to the south and Apulia to the north and east. It also provides a getaway from the bustles of these two economically bustling territories. From the arid and barren mountain landscapes to the depopulation, the region somewhat sounds desolate, but being the most mountainous region in southern Italy with extremely high volcanic mountains, it offers a resort to adventurers such as mountaineers who have the tenacity to attempt to ascend the frightening rock faces.

Apulia
Apulia is essentially Italys boot heel. It is the gateway to the East and even though it fell to different conquerors throughout its history, these conquerors chose to live elsewhere with the exception of Frederick II who ruled from 1194 to 1250. The castles he built and the vast plantations of olive groves and vineyards during this reign continue to exude their beauty even in modern day Italy. Apulia is important to the economy of Italy because it produces one-tenth of all the wine drunk in Europe. Local food artisans have also mastered the art of manufacturing first rate oils and vintages that complement fresh seafood and vegetables.

Geographically, Apulia borders Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Gulf of Taranto and Strait of tranto to the south. The regions importance in the 20th century is attached to the fact that it was the scene of the last phases of the Second Punic War. This region is characterized by succeeding broad plains and low lying hills. The only mountainous areas are the Monti Dauni and the Gagano promontory.

The history of Apulia dates back to ancient times when the southern peninsula was still referred to as Calabria. Due to this long history, Apulia is one of the few regions with archeological findings from 1000BC when the Italic and Illyric peoples settled in the area. Later on when the Greeks settled at Terras, Greek influences began spreading and replacing native Apulian culture.

During the 3rd and 4th century BC, ancient Romans conquered it as they battled against the Pyrrhus and Samnites. Following the Roman defeat against the Carthaginians, the region fell under Roman domination. When Roman Empire fell, the Goths, Lombards, and Byzantines took control of the territory until the 11th century when it fell to Normans. As the Norman expansion engulfed Italy, Apulia became a province under the Kingdom of Sicily before being transferred to the Kingdom of Naples where it stayed until the Turks and Venetians occupied its coast in the 18th century.
The liberation movements of the 19th century which led to the fall of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies also led to the unification of Apulia with Italy. However, despite numerous reforms, the characteristic Apulian architecture with Greek, Norman, Arab and Pisan influences from the 11th to 13th centuries can still be deciphered in public buildings, castles, and churches.

As a tourist destination, Apulia appeals to those who prefer areas which are less crowded. A trail of archeological museums and cathedrals that date back to the 10th century in addition to deserted Greek and Roman ruins offer an excellent insight into the regions history. The lively fishing villages, medieval hill towns, and beaches as well as Europes largest forests dot the Apulian landscape.
Interplay between the ancient native cultures and the invading cultures have yielded a unique subspecies of architecture referred to as barocco leccese. This style comprises of ornate carvings covering the entire surfaces of palazzi and churches. One other characteristic feature is the i trulli which are whitewashed cones created by holding stones together without using mortar. They are constructed in olive groves and wheat fields to serve as barns, but when hundreds are clustered together they form a miniature picturesque town. Alberobello is one region where these whitewashed cones can be found on every conceivable piece of land.

Abruzzo
Abruzzo has maintained the unique unblemished Italian lifestyle for centuries. From the beech wood forests with marauding bears and wolves to pathways that have survived the torments of centuries, Abruzzo still features colorfully adorned shepherds with their flocks as well as monstrous castles dotting the vastness of wilderness.

Geographically, Abruzzo is found in southern Italy and it is historically associated with the Kingdom of the two Sicilies. Lying in the center of the Italian peninsula, it faces the Adriatic sea on its eastern borders while the Apennines border it to the west. This region is highly mountainous with the San Sasso and Corno Grande being two of the mountains having high peaks.

The region currently referred to as Abruzzo was once called Picenum, Flamina et Picenum or Sabina et Samnium at different times in history. However, it is believed that the name Abruzzo may have originated from a corruption of the Latin name Aprutium which basically means a land of boars. Before 1963, Abruzzo was part of Abruzzi. During this time, Abruzzi was a constituent territory under the Kingdom of Two Sicilies where it was referred to as Abruzzo Ulteriore I and II and Abruzzo Citeriore. Currently, Abruzzo Ulteriore is the Province of LAquila.

Even though many Italians regard Abruzzo as a remote wilderness with numerous mountainous ranges, this region has some vast beaches along its eastern border. These beaches extend from the south of Pescara to the Adriatic North, directly into the infamous Abruzzo mountains. This is one region that provides all the ingredients for a true adventurer frightening yet thrilling at the same time. A tour of Abruzzo is incomplete without a foray into the Abruzzo National Park and the New Maiella National Park.

Molise
This is one of the smallest regions of Italy. It is relatively young when compared to other regions. Molise was established in 1963 when Abruzzo e Molise was split to yield two regions. However, its history can be traced to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, which gave way to the invasion by Goths and Languebards in the 6th century. When the Saracens invaded in the 9th century, they left a trail of destruction spanning from Isernia, Alife, Telese, Boiano, Sepino and Venafro.
In the 11th century, Molise fell under rule of Norman Hugo I of Molhouse. At his succession he gave the region the name of Molise and his assumed the title of Ugo II Count of Molise. Under the reign of Ugo II, the region was included to the Province of Apulia (Capitanata) and it remained so until the 17th century when it gained autonomy and became part of the Abruzzi region. Following massive destruction, worsening economic conditions, and massive emigration it was restored back to Italy. Administratively, Molise is divided into two provinces. Campobasso province is the regional capital. The other province is called Isernia.

Molise remains sparsely populated with abandoned villages testifying of the massive emigration. However, despite this desolation, there are certain sites worth visiting. Due to the Roman and Gothic influences, Molise has many beautiful churches, abbeys, castles and impressive ancient ruins that cannot escape the tourists scan.

In addition to these natural spectacular sites, there are festivals that are worth detailing in itinerary. Campo basso - Sagra dei Misteri (Feast of Corpus Christi) and Ururi - San Legno of the Cross Festival with ox-cart takes place in May. At Venafro, residents entertain themselves and their visitors during the Saint Nicardo Festival and bareback donkey race which comes in the middle of June. The Barbecued Lamb Festival and the Feast of the mountain occur towards the end of the year. These festivals lighten up the desolate air of Molise.