Italy is one of the most historic European nations. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many very important historical figures of that period such as Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. The capital of Italy is Rome, one of Europe’s most historic and most frequented cities. Most of Italy’s other provinces are just as scenic.
Italy is situated south of Europe in the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and is bordered by France, Switzerland and Austria to the North. Italy also includes the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Within the landmass of Italy are two sovereign states of San Marino and the Vatican.
Italy is home to over sixty million people. The official language is Italian. The predominant religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism which is reflected by its many grand churches and cathedrals located in its various provinces mostly in Rome and Florence. Within Italy’s territory is the capital of Roman Catholicism, the sovereign state of The Vatican.
The Italian climate is often mistaken as Mediterranean but is actually varied depending on location. Coastal areas and southern provinces experience this climate while the other provinces to the north experience cooler weather.
Notable landmarks and attractions in Italy include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza del Duomo in the Province of Pisa; the Roman Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome; the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Uffizi museum and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence
