The most famous Italian cities. Italian city-states

During the Middle Ages, Venice, Florence, Milan, Genoa and other major Italian cities were independent communes with their own army, treasury and legislation. Not surprisingly, these "states", which are part of modern Italy, have preserved many unique features that make them different from each other. What about them is known?

Italian cities: Rome

"Eternal City" was built on seven hills in 753 BC. According to the legend, his founders were the brothers Romulus and Remus, whose distant ancestor is a brave man, famous for the Trojan War. Archaeologists insist that the first settlements here were formed much earlier. All Italian cities are beautiful, but none of them compare with Rome in beauty. The capital of modern Italy is a visual aid for those who are interested in ancient architecture.

The area of Rome, once a small village, is 1285 square kilometers. The number of inhabitants of the capital exceeds 3 million. The city's territory contains many examples of ancient architecture, for example the Pantheon, built before our era and perfectly preserved, the Colosseum amphitheater is a huge stadium where gladiatorial fights once took place. Today it provides places for 50 thousand people. On the territory of the capital there is a city-state Vatican, and its colossal museum complex, which includes over 1000 objects. It is located in Rome and St. Peter's Basilica - the temple, which is considered to be the largest in the world.

Many places of the capital of Italy are associated with interesting legends and traditions. For example, the custom tells visitors to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain if they want to return to Rome.

What is known about Venice

If a certain locality is able to compete with Rome in terms of the number of ancient sights, then this is Venice. Like other Italian cities, the "bridge" that unites the West and the East has its own flavor. Venice is on an island archipelago, "strewn" with its famous canals. The length of the waterway as a whole is about 4 km, in certain places the depth reaches 5 m. The city is located on the Adriatic coast.

The city's area totals 412 square kilometers. In Venice, more than 300 thousand people live. Also in the city there are always a lot of tourists who are attracted not only by the opportunity to swim on the gondola. It is in Venice that the majestic Doge's Palace is located - a 15th century building, executed in the Gothic style. Interesting and modern architecture, for example, the buildings of Burano. Burano is a small island, whose inhabitants' houses are colored with all the shades of the rainbow. The city owes its famous Venetian gardens to Napoleon.

Facts about Florence

The heyday of Italian cities, which began in the 11th century, turned Florence into one of the most powerful communes of that time. However, the history of this place began even before our era from a small settlement founded by the Romans. Now it is a large settlement on the territory of which about 350 thousand people live. The area of the city is 103 square kilometers, it is located on the Arno River. Florence is almost officially recognized as the place where the Renaissance originated. It is not for nothing that it is called a city museum operating 24 hours a day.

Florence gave the world a lot of geniuses, among them Galileo, Dante. It is home to some famous artists, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. In the Uffizi Gallery, which is the pride of the city, now are the canvases of Titian, Raphael, da Vinci. Interesting and urban architecture, for example, the church of Santa Maria del Fiore, the construction of which was conducted for 140 years. It is curious that Michelangelo fully answered the interior of the cathedral, while the same famous Giotto worked on the exterior.

What is known about Naples

What is the most energetic Italian city? Of course, Naples, snugly stretched on the southern coast of the country. The streets of this settlement are filled with cars, scooters and pedestrians, but no one bothers each other. Neapolitans seem to be the busiest people in the world, but they will always find a few minutes and smiles for foreigners. It is believed that the inhabitants of Naples were the first to invent carnivals.

Among the cities of Italy, Naples is the third largest. At the moment, it has about a million people. The locality is located in an earthquake-prone zone, because on its territory there is an active volcano Vesuvius. The last eruption took place in 1944.

Past and Present of Milan

In the Middle Ages Milan was on the list, which included the most powerful Italian city-states. If you do not take into account Rome, it is the largest population center in the country. The area of Milan is about 2 thousand square kilometers, its territory is inhabited by over 1.3 million people.

Today Milan is the financial and economic capital of Italy, and the city is among the world's fashion capitals.

Where did Romeo and Juliet live

Enumerating medieval Italian cities, which played an important role in the history of the country, you can not miss Verona. Its glory, this small town is due primarily to the great Shakespeare, who "settled" here the most famous literary heroes in the world - Romeo and Juliet. House Juliet built in the 13th century, on its territory is a statue of this young girl, whose history was so tragic. Attracts tourists and the famous balcony.

The city is in the north-east of the country, spread on the Adige River. It has about 260 thousand people. It is curious that a small city annually attracts about 3 million tourists, it is probably due to its romantic history. Preserved on its territory and medieval buildings, among which the most famous Cathedral of Verona - a complex part of which was built in the 12th century. Also here is the Roman arena - one of the oldest stadiums in the country.

Interesting facts about Bologna

Calling the famous Italian cities, you can not ignore Bologna. The city is famous primarily for the developed industry, thanks to which the high standard of living has been preserved for several decades already. At the moment, the number of its inhabitants tends to 400 thousand. There is also a patron in the village, with whom Saint Petronius is declared.

It is interesting that it is in Bologna that the oldest university in the world is located. According to historical documents, this institution accepts students since 1088. Interest for connoisseurs of medieval architecture is the Piazza Maggiore, in which you can see the palaces erected in the 13th century. Also, the city is proud of its "falling towers", preserved from 1109.

The unofficial name of Bologna is Tolstushka. This is due to the fact that it serves great food, recipes which local residents keep secret.

What is interesting in Perugia

Of course, Perugia is not the most famous Italian city, but it is one of the oldest settlements in the world. For the first time it is described in the annals created in the 9th century BC. The city, which survived many buildings, is famous for its history, full of bright events that can be studied in any of the local museums.

Modern Perugia is a "fortress" located on a ridge of hills. Students who want to learn Italian should stop at the University for Foreigners, which is located in this city, which is home to many famous artists of the Middle Ages, including Raphael.

The Majesty of Genoa

In ancient times, Genoa for centuries retained the status of an important port node, being on the north-western Italian coast. Trade flourished in this city, the standard of living of its inhabitants was almost always high.

I managed to not lose Genoa in our day. Proof of this is the title of the cultural capital of Europe, appropriated to the village in 2004. The city is interesting with magnificent palace complexes in baroque style, ruins that have been preserved since the time of Ancient Rome, cozy old churches. Unique can be called the historic center, literally strewn with curious attractions.

What is known about Turin

The names of the Italian cities that played a role in the centuries-old history of the state are not yet over. It is impossible not to tell about Turin, who for four years was the capital of the country after its unification in 1861.

Today's Turin is a museum that has no end, high-end boutiques, cozy adjoining souvenir benches, excellent restaurants, where tourists can comfortably learn the delights of local cuisine. This city will appeal to those who are interested in Baroque architecture, as a lot of palaces are created in this magnificent style. By the way, it was here that in 2006 the Winter Olympic Games took place.

Other cities in Italy

Siena is a city that has been settled on three hills for many centuries. Many of the buildings of this village are under the tutelage of UNESCO, as they represent a great historical value. Known only the approximate date of the founding of Siena - 9-5 century BC. The legend attributes the construction of the city to the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. The city square is made in the shape of a shell.

Pisa is a place that almost all of us heard thanks to the famous Falling Tower, which became its unofficial symbol.

These are the most interesting cities with which Italy is famous.