Touristical Sites
The Alps, The Lakes, The Sea
The area between Turin, Milan and Genoa is today known in Italy as the industrial triangle. And yet the names of these same cities evoke three of the most magnificent aspects of Italy's natural scenery: the Alps, at whose feet Turin spreads the regular network of its straight streets and whose highest peaks are in Aosta Valley; the lakes, which are set like a diadem on the brow of the Lombard capital; and the sea of the two Rivieras which meet where Genoa sits, enthroned like a queen.
The Alps and Aosta Valley
North of Piedmont, at Italy's border with France and Switzerland, is Valle d'Aosta. Here the highest peaks in the Alps, Monte Cervino and Monte Bianco, compete for attention with the rugged and unspoiled wilderness of Italy's oldest national park, Gran Paradiso National Park. Renowned resort towns such as Courmayeur and Breuil–Cervinia afford excellent skiing. The regional capital of Aosta is a city rich in numerous Roman remains: the Theatre, Forum, Augustan Arch, Praetorian Gates, Cyptoporticus, Pailleron Tower, etc. In fact Aosta is also known as ' Rome of the Alps'. For further information see: Aosta Valley
The Lakes
The charm of the lakes lies entirely in their peaceful landscapes, in the reassuring nearness of the shores, in the aristocratic presence of manicured gardens, and in the way these elements dominate the entire landscape. The shores of the three largest lakes boast some splendid architectural marvels: such as the fortress known as the Rocca di Angera or the scented gardens of Villa Taranto, which face each other on the opposite shores of Lake Maggiore.
The Scaligera fortress in Sirmione and the medieval stronghold in Riva del Garda are two privileged observation points set at the two extremities of Lake Garda. Then there is the superb Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, from whose immense gardens visitors can enjoy peerless views of the two branches of Lake Como. No less beautiful are the smaller lakes of Iseo and Orta, whose most sumptuous treasures are hidden in the middle of their waters in the form of two islands that draw all eyes. One, Monte Isola, is the largest and highest island of all of Italy's lakes. The other, San Giulio, is dominated by the imposing bulk of its great seminary. Fascinating microcosms, surpassed in beauty only by the Borromeo Islands, the pearls of Lake Maggiore, which boast grandiose aristocratic mansions. For further information see: Distretto Turistico dei Laghi
Milan City
Milan, the Lombard capital, leads the way with its commercial, industrial and banking activities. As a media capital, it is also home to the country's main advertising agencies, four national daily newspapers, major publishing houses and the biggest privately–owned television channels. Yet despite all the excitement and the show–off nature of the Milanese (take a look at the high–class houses on Corso Monforte), when it comes to the hour of aperitivo, you'll be surprised to discover that there is still a sense of that typically Mediterranean relaxed atmosphere.The main points of interest are easily accessible as they are all situated in the centre of town. Your first stop is Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" which is located in the annex of the Church Santa Maria delle Grazie. After a brief stop at the Castello Sforzesco, take a stroll down Via Dante. This pleasant walk will lead you straight to the Duomo.
This impressive white marble cathedral is crowned by a mass of pinnacles and spires, and is the city's symbol and centre of gravity. Nearby, the famous Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II has been the centre of Milanese political and social life since 1877: the inhabitants often meet here to talk, read the Corriere della Sera or drink a cappuccino. One of the ways out of the Galleria will lead you to the legendary Scala with its simple neoclassical facade. Like Paris, London and New York, Milan is a fashion shopper's mecca. In the famous 'quadrilatero', the exclusive district in the historical town centre, you'll find the headquarters and the dazzling boutiques of Gucci, Versace, Armani, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana...
For further information see: Milano Info Tourist
The Ligurian Sea
Liguria is a narrow strip of land, a winding arched extension from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, enclosed between the sea and the Alps and the Apennines mountains. Famous throughout the world for its climate and splendid landscapes, it is one of the favourite tourist destinations, well known for the richness and variety of its panoramic views and scenic glimpses, small villages, monuments, ancient defence towers, romantic and picturesque corners, wild and unspoiled nature. Liguria has infact an abundance of natural beauty and the various names given to it such as "Paradise Gulf", "Bay of silence", "Bay of fairy tales", are all a testimony to the magnificent beauty of these marine landscapes.As an alternative to a morning spent on the beach there is the possibility of taking a trip into the hills, that are within easy reach as they sweep right down to the coast.There are numerous small villages, which often boast ruined castles that bear testimony to former glories of noble families, they are strewn arount the interland, and provide a peaceful authentic setting away from the crowds, amongst the friendly hard–working local people.Liguria is not mainly based on tourism anymore, but has become a territory always more open to the world of culture and new horizons: shows and international exhibitions, museums and art galleries, performances and events of any kind (also on international level).
Sanremo
A famous centre since the Middle Ages known for its very mild climate, ideally suited for growing citrus trees, in the 17th century San Remo became practically the second city in the Republic of Genoa. The mild climate, flowers, golf, the italian Song Festival, the Casino, shopping are but a few highlights of a holiday destination famous since the end of the 19th century.
The town of Portofino
is chosen every year by the richest and most famous yacht owners, but the fame and beauty of the Portofino village have always reached beyond the Liguria region's borders. Intellectuals, famous personalities, nobles and artists have always visited this ancient conglomeration of coloured houses – all lined up – can boast. Cinque Terre ("five lands") is one of the most unique natural place where the sea meets, in an unique way, rocks and mountains. Many and many stone walls testify the strong relationship between man and nature. Several path, crystal water and the wide beauty of the small villages (Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Coniglia, Menarola e Monterosso) make this region delightful. All theses places have taken part of Unesco's World Heritage.
Genova
City of art and metropolis looking onto the sea, Genoa has grown up around the city's port – a natural cove that has always been the site of thriving traffic and commerce. Its ancient heart, Europe's biggest historic medieval center, is crisscrossed by a tight weave of alleys. Here, among workshops, eateries, and beautiful shops, glimmers a glimpse of the noble past of Genoa, "La Superba", consisting of sixteenth–century villas, Baroque votive aedicules, and prestigious churches giving onto small squares nestled between the buildings. Modernity is a few steps away, in places returned to the people and tourists by restoration and great urban renewal projects conducted over the last decade: the Expo with the Aquarium, Via San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the splendid Via Garibaldi full of museums. Historical symbol of the city is The Lanterna, one of the most ancient lighthouses still to be used: 117 meters tall, it has dominated the city and the sea starting in the XVI century and it spreads its light over 36 marine miles (50 kilometers).
For further information see: Regione Liguria ; Genova
The Alps and Aosta Valley
North of Piedmont, at Italy's border with France and Switzerland, is Valle d'Aosta. Here the highest peaks in the Alps, Monte Cervino and Monte Bianco, compete for attention with the rugged and unspoiled wilderness of Italy's oldest national park, Gran Paradiso National Park. Renowned resort towns such as Courmayeur and Breuil–Cervinia afford excellent skiing. The regional capital of Aosta is a city rich in numerous Roman remains: the Theatre, Forum, Augustan Arch, Praetorian Gates, Cyptoporticus, Pailleron Tower, etc. In fact Aosta is also known as ' Rome of the Alps'. For further information see: Aosta Valley
The Lakes
The charm of the lakes lies entirely in their peaceful landscapes, in the reassuring nearness of the shores, in the aristocratic presence of manicured gardens, and in the way these elements dominate the entire landscape. The shores of the three largest lakes boast some splendid architectural marvels: such as the fortress known as the Rocca di Angera or the scented gardens of Villa Taranto, which face each other on the opposite shores of Lake Maggiore.
The Scaligera fortress in Sirmione and the medieval stronghold in Riva del Garda are two privileged observation points set at the two extremities of Lake Garda. Then there is the superb Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, from whose immense gardens visitors can enjoy peerless views of the two branches of Lake Como. No less beautiful are the smaller lakes of Iseo and Orta, whose most sumptuous treasures are hidden in the middle of their waters in the form of two islands that draw all eyes. One, Monte Isola, is the largest and highest island of all of Italy's lakes. The other, San Giulio, is dominated by the imposing bulk of its great seminary. Fascinating microcosms, surpassed in beauty only by the Borromeo Islands, the pearls of Lake Maggiore, which boast grandiose aristocratic mansions. For further information see: Distretto Turistico dei Laghi
Milan City
Milan, the Lombard capital, leads the way with its commercial, industrial and banking activities. As a media capital, it is also home to the country's main advertising agencies, four national daily newspapers, major publishing houses and the biggest privately–owned television channels. Yet despite all the excitement and the show–off nature of the Milanese (take a look at the high–class houses on Corso Monforte), when it comes to the hour of aperitivo, you'll be surprised to discover that there is still a sense of that typically Mediterranean relaxed atmosphere.The main points of interest are easily accessible as they are all situated in the centre of town. Your first stop is Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" which is located in the annex of the Church Santa Maria delle Grazie. After a brief stop at the Castello Sforzesco, take a stroll down Via Dante. This pleasant walk will lead you straight to the Duomo.
This impressive white marble cathedral is crowned by a mass of pinnacles and spires, and is the city's symbol and centre of gravity. Nearby, the famous Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II has been the centre of Milanese political and social life since 1877: the inhabitants often meet here to talk, read the Corriere della Sera or drink a cappuccino. One of the ways out of the Galleria will lead you to the legendary Scala with its simple neoclassical facade. Like Paris, London and New York, Milan is a fashion shopper's mecca. In the famous 'quadrilatero', the exclusive district in the historical town centre, you'll find the headquarters and the dazzling boutiques of Gucci, Versace, Armani, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana... For further information see: Milano Info Tourist
The Ligurian Sea
Liguria is a narrow strip of land, a winding arched extension from Ventimiglia to La Spezia, enclosed between the sea and the Alps and the Apennines mountains. Famous throughout the world for its climate and splendid landscapes, it is one of the favourite tourist destinations, well known for the richness and variety of its panoramic views and scenic glimpses, small villages, monuments, ancient defence towers, romantic and picturesque corners, wild and unspoiled nature. Liguria has infact an abundance of natural beauty and the various names given to it such as "Paradise Gulf", "Bay of silence", "Bay of fairy tales", are all a testimony to the magnificent beauty of these marine landscapes.As an alternative to a morning spent on the beach there is the possibility of taking a trip into the hills, that are within easy reach as they sweep right down to the coast.There are numerous small villages, which often boast ruined castles that bear testimony to former glories of noble families, they are strewn arount the interland, and provide a peaceful authentic setting away from the crowds, amongst the friendly hard–working local people.Liguria is not mainly based on tourism anymore, but has become a territory always more open to the world of culture and new horizons: shows and international exhibitions, museums and art galleries, performances and events of any kind (also on international level).
Sanremo
A famous centre since the Middle Ages known for its very mild climate, ideally suited for growing citrus trees, in the 17th century San Remo became practically the second city in the Republic of Genoa. The mild climate, flowers, golf, the italian Song Festival, the Casino, shopping are but a few highlights of a holiday destination famous since the end of the 19th century.
The town of Portofino
is chosen every year by the richest and most famous yacht owners, but the fame and beauty of the Portofino village have always reached beyond the Liguria region's borders. Intellectuals, famous personalities, nobles and artists have always visited this ancient conglomeration of coloured houses – all lined up – can boast. Cinque Terre ("five lands") is one of the most unique natural place where the sea meets, in an unique way, rocks and mountains. Many and many stone walls testify the strong relationship between man and nature. Several path, crystal water and the wide beauty of the small villages (Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Coniglia, Menarola e Monterosso) make this region delightful. All theses places have taken part of Unesco's World Heritage.
Genova
City of art and metropolis looking onto the sea, Genoa has grown up around the city's port – a natural cove that has always been the site of thriving traffic and commerce. Its ancient heart, Europe's biggest historic medieval center, is crisscrossed by a tight weave of alleys. Here, among workshops, eateries, and beautiful shops, glimmers a glimpse of the noble past of Genoa, "La Superba", consisting of sixteenth–century villas, Baroque votive aedicules, and prestigious churches giving onto small squares nestled between the buildings. Modernity is a few steps away, in places returned to the people and tourists by restoration and great urban renewal projects conducted over the last decade: the Expo with the Aquarium, Via San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the splendid Via Garibaldi full of museums. Historical symbol of the city is The Lanterna, one of the most ancient lighthouses still to be used: 117 meters tall, it has dominated the city and the sea starting in the XVI century and it spreads its light over 36 marine miles (50 kilometers).
For further information see: Regione Liguria ; Genova
