Basilicata

There are a wonderful array of random, interesting facts about the Italian region of Basilicata: the regional capital of Potenza is the highest in Italy, the region used to be called Lucania (with the people of Basilicata still often referred to as Lucanians), it is known for its traditional handicraft (especially using wood and ceramic mediums), it is one of few regions with shores on both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, etc. Though the region is not exactly economically well off, the people live by holding steadfast to tradition.

Lucanians have adapted to the fact that Basilicata is a mostly mountainous region—some in more creative ways than others. In the city of Matera, a traveler should be sure to experience the architectural phenomenon of the Sassi. The people of Matera sculpted the buildings of the Sassi from the side of the mountain on Murgia Plateau, on the edge of a ravine. Carved from the tufa, the homes are part-mountain, part-hand-built. They left no room to spare; the buildings were constructed in extremely close proximity to each other, often one right on top of the next. And the homes are not the only attractions of the Sassi. Because of the region’s passion for tradition and religion, it comes as no surprise that over 150 rock-cliff churches, partially carved right out of the mountain or into the sides of caves, exist along the ravine. As the site is so important to the history and culture of the region, UNESCO named the Sassi a world heritage site in 1993.

http://sitiunesco.it/

For more information on Basilicata (especially Matera), a great site to visit is http://www.materaturismo.it/english/index.htm.

Puglia (Apulia)

The heel to Italy’s boot, the region of Puglia (called Apulia in English) meets the shores of both the Ionian and Adriatic seas. With hundreds of km of coastline, Puglia might initially seem like an obvious tourist attraction but for whatever reason, compared to other regions in Italy, tourism here is relatively slow. This could actually make for an incredible travel experience without the crowds and the noise.

The province of Bari is home to an important seaport and the region’s capitol, a city where modernization grew around a traditional city center instead of replacing it. With its historical churches and annual festival (Fiera del Levante is one of Italy’s most popular fairs), the city of Bari is definitely worth a visit. However, if time is limited, a definite on the “must see in Puglia” list should surely be Castel del Monte. Still within the province of Bari, this castle could be one of the most fascinating in Italy if only for its incredible form. Construction began in 1240 by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. The number eight must have been the inspiration for this castle, seeing as it recurs all throughout the structure: on the first two floors, eight rooms overlook an octagonal courtyard guarded by eight towers. The builders successfully blended several styles and influences—Romanesque, Classical, Gothic, and Muslim—together to make it a truly exceptional work of architecture.

http://medieval-castles.org/

A relatively short trip from Bari is Alberobello, a very interesting town that would make for a great day trip. Here, in the midst of the Itria Valley, can be found the highest concentration of a unique, ancient form of habitation: the Trulli. Trulli are cleverly constructed buildings with limestone walls and circular roofs topped with white cones. No one knows for sure why Trulli were built in the first place but there are plenty of theories, such as deforestation and large quantities of limestone. Trulli are such a distinctive mark of the region, of Italy even, that the United Nations has named Alberobello a World Heritage Site. Should a traveler have the urge to spend the night in one of these structures, there is actually a website that offers the opportunity to do just that: http://www.trullipuglia.com/.

http://www.sitiunesco.it/

For more information on Puglia, visit http://www.italianvisits.com/puglia/.

Fruili Venezia Giulia

Fruili Venezia Giulia, a region at the most northwestern tip of Italy, borders Austria and Slovenia. The complete region seen today was not officially created until 1963 with some of the province of Trieste added in 1977. Before then, areas of the region belonged to Yugoslavia, and long ago, much of what is now Friuli (the shortened title that the region often goes by) was considered part of Austria. Though it has been solely Italy for over 40 years, strong Slavic and Austrian influences are apparent to this day.

In the southern lagoon of Fruili sits Grado, an island of luxury since Roman times. With its beautiful beaches and famous thermal spas, it would be easy to turn this island into a modernized sea resort, more like a party town. Still, Grado has managed to retain its old town charm with cobblestone streets lined with flowerboxes that are only accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. Naturally, between May and September would be the best time to visit the island but it might be a good idea to wait to experience the first Sunday in July here. On this day each year, the town holds the Festa del Perdon (also called Perdòn di Barbana) where a series of elegantly decorated boats ride in procession to the island of Barbana until they reach the Marian sanctuary, a tradition they have acknowledged for hundreds of years.

http://www.turismofvg.it/

A few miles north, inland of Grado is Aquileia, a small town famous in Roman times for its wealth and military expertise. Remains of the Roman Empire, including a Roman Forum, can be seen all over town and in the National Archeological Museum. Aside from all the Roman ruins, a true gem of Aquileia is the church, the Basilica of S. Maria Assunta. Construction of the building began in the 4th century. Though extreme makeovers have been done to the Basilica since then, some of the original is still apparent, like the intricate mosaics from the time that are still intact. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the crypt and the apse were frescoed, adding to the incredible beauty within the church.

http://www.aquileia.net/

For more information on the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a great site to visit is the http://www.regione.fvg.it/inglese/default.htm.

On the west coast of central Italy lies Lazio (Latium), a region that is home to two of the world’s most famed cities: Rome (Roma) and, in it, Vatican City. It is virtually impossible to pinpoint a single destination in Rome as a “must see” because it is a place that appeals to so many people for so many reasons. There is the Vatican in all its religious, artistic and architectural glory. There are the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum for those fascinated with thousands of years worth of history (they don’t call Rome the ‘Eternal City’ for nothing). Art lovers around the world treasure the Capitoline Museums that house an astounding array of ancient art and sculpture (ancient themselves, the museums were founded in 1471). And the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are gems of Rome that should not be missed.

Trevi Fountain

http://www.rome-tour.co.uk/

Though it is the capital of Italy and one of the country’s largest cities, Rome is not the only place worth visiting in Lazio. The Pontine Isles, volcanic islands off Lazio’s coast, are a brilliant reminder of why Italy is often considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. For those overwhelmed by Rome’s intense, so-much-to-see environment, the Pontine Isles provide a much-needed break, an island getaway with breathtakingly stunning surroundings. On Ponza, the Isles’ largest island, “relaxation and leisure have been transformed into a high art,” according to http://www.selectitaly.com/. The beauty of Ponza can be seen all along its jagged, colorful and rocky shores, in its numerous seaside coves, and on its secluded, pristine beaches.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

For more information on Lazio, two really informative websites to visit are http://www.turislazio.it/index.php/turismo_eng and http://www.travelplan.it/lazio_guide.htm.

Le Marche

Almost every description of the region of Le Marche (The Marches) depicts it as a place of unspoiled beauty, untainted landscape, and undeniable charm. It is a place where historical centers and farmland replace big cities and green rules the scenery. In the tradition of preserving this untouched landscape, Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (Sibillini National Park) was created in 1993, as well as a collection of regional parks. The national park spans over 70,000 hectares and promotes the tourist experience by offering horseback riding and climbing, as well as the usual hiking and cycling.

Because Le Marche is not typically a touristy area, it is a great place to get a real feel for Renaissance Italy, away from tourist attractions. In Le Marche, Urbino is a town that is still very much in tune with its Renaissance past. Art from the period is displayed in the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, located in the Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance work in its own right.

http://www.time.com

For more information about Le Marche, visit http://www.le-marche.com/.

Campania

If you are looking for a place in Italy where the scenery and the history are equally fascinating, Campania might be the region for you. Like much of Italy, Campania has survived the empires of the Greeks, Romans, and Normans, though each has left their distinctive mark on the area.

The third largest city in Italy, Naples (Napoli) was founded in 600 B.C. and was once a Greek trading center. Its name originated from the Greek word Neapolis, meaning “new city.” Towering over Naples is Mount Vesuvius, the still active volcano that destroyed the infamous ancient city of Pompeii in 79 A.D. Some artifacts recovered from Pompeii, as well as other intriguing discoveries like 4^th century B.C. tomb paintings, can be viewed at Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum. The bustling, chaotic city of Naples is located on the shores of a beautiful bay and there is no better place to view the picturesque scenery than at the Castel Sant’Elmo, a star-shaped castle atop the area’s largest hill.

http://www.napolieguide.it

For those who crave to be surrounded with such beauty, Capri is quite literally an island paradise. Though accommodation there can be considerably pricey, the natural wonders visitors experience make it worth the cost. For over 2,500 years, tourists have been making their way to the island, including Julius and Tiberious Caesar, who had summer villas built there. Capri is rife with splendor. Of all its wonderful natural attractions, be sure not to miss Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto). The Blue Grotto makes for a charming excursion; after entering (the entrance is only about 3 feet high), travelers will observe the brilliantly unique way that light refracts on the water, creating a display of colors and silvery reflections.

http://www.capri.com

For more information about these and more destinations in Campania, a great site to visit is http://www.trips2italy.com/Campania.

Emilia-Romagna

According to Trips2Italy.com, Emilia-Romagna is a region of Italy that was once known as “the breadbasket of the Roman Empire.” With a rich history of fine cuisine, it is responsible for many of the culinary treats people take advantage of worldwide, including Parmesan cheese and prosciutto di Parma.

The city of Bologna is not only the capital of Emilia-Romagna; it is also known as one of the culinary capitals of Italy. It is called by many names: “Bologna la Grassa” (Bologna the Fat) because of its gastronomic specialties, “Bologna the Learned” because it is home to the oldest university in Europe (founded in 1088), and “Bologna the Red” because of the rust colored roofs on the city’s buildings. A great place to begin exploration of Bologna is at Le Due Torre, or the

city’s two leaning towers, found in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Constructed in the 12^th century, these towers were originally built as family status symbols. Today, they serve as a symbol of Bologna, and should a person be willing to climb the nearly 500 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli (the taller of the two towers), a breathtaking view of the city and beyond is rewarded.

http://www.bolognainfo.it/

The city of Modena is also an important area of culinary art, though other industries take precedence. In modern times, the auto (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.) and ceramic industries are held in Modena’s highest regard. Culture is also an incredibly important aspect of daily life, and the people of the city are undoubtedly proud to boast that it was the home of Luciano Pavarotti.

For more information about tourism in Emilia-Romagna, a great site to visit is http://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/english/.

Veneto

Italy’s region of Veneto is a land of history and amazing architecture, set against the backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. The cities in Veneto are well known for their charm and romantic settings. The city of Treviso is very charming. It is sometimes referred to as Città Dipinta, “Painted City.” This is because, at one point, it was popular for Treviso’s wealthy inhabitants to have the outside of their homes frescoed, some with simple designs and others with intricate representations of mythological scenes. Many of these buildings can be seen near the Piazza Duomo. Treviso goes by another name, too: Città d’acqua, “City of Water.” The city is known for the intricate canal system that cuts through and surrounds it. WWII bombings destroyed many of the Treviso’s historic landmarks and treasured buildings. The war did not, however, destroy the city’s charm.

http://www.italyheaven.co.uk

Venice (Venezia) is another city in Veneto where water plays a major role in everyday life. Actually located in a lagoon, the city of Venice is made up of 118 masses of land, all separated by canals. Most places in Venice can be visited on foot, though it might be more fun for a tourist to explore the city by means of the vaporetto (waterbus) or a romantic gondola ride. There are numerous churches and museums in the city that are worth visiting, but none as spectacular as the Basilica di San Marco, built in 829. A fascinating display of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, the exterior of the building is characterized by its five enormous domes. The interior walls and ceilings of this 8,000 square meter area are lined with gilded mosaics, dating back to the 12^th and 13^th centuries, that depict images from both the New and Old Testament. Within the church hides the remains of St. Mark himself. Appropriately enough, the floor plan of the basilica is actually in the shape of a Greek cross.

http://www.destination360.com

It is interesting to note that also within Veneto is the town of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which continues to be a popular place for couples looking for a romantic location to visit. For more information on Treviso, Venice, and other worthwhile places in Veneto, visit http://www.trips2italy.com/Veneto.

Piemonte

Consistent with many other Italian regions, Piemonte (Piedmont) sports a diverse landscape; the Po, Italy’s largest river, cuts across the plains that span out from a collection of hills and the peaks of the Italian Alps. The Piedmontese are a people of both tradition and innovation. In a region where the car, textile, engineering, and other industries provide for constant contact with international markets, the people have created a happy balance between old ways and renovation. Turin, Piemonte’s capital, is one place where modernization is undeniable. It is the home of the Fiat auto manufacturing company, which has boosted the city’s economy and turned it into a wealthier area. Aside from Fiat, Turin is also home to another very different attraction: the burial shroud that is believed to have belonged to Jesus. The shroud is housed every jubilee year in the Cappella della Santa Sindone, a chapel in the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, and is otherwise held in the Museo della Sindone where it is rarely on display. Still, when it is exhibited, hoards of faithful believers flock to the site to view it.

http://www.shroud.com

As noted, tradition is also very important to the Piedmontese and is an incredibly present aspect in the lives of those in the Piemonte province of Asti. Though Asti’s impressive wine industry and scattered traditional festivals make for good reasons to visit any time of year, possibly the best time to visit is autumn. Around the third Sunday each September, Asti holds its annual Palio di Asti, a medieval horse race that celebrates an eight-century old victory of a battle against their rival town, Alba. The people of Asti spend months preparing; there are medieval, traditional costumes to be sewn for the riders to wear, banners need to be embroidered with the town crest and a depiction of Asti’s patron saint to be hung in the streets, intricate flags must be created for the flag-wavers, and massive feasts have to be organized. Palio de Asti is a fantastic celebration that, if at all possible, should not be missed on a visit to Piemonte.

Photo by Vittorio Ubertone. http://www.atasti.it

For more information about Asti, a great website to visit is http://www.atasti.it. Note: this website is in Italian. For a rough English translation, go to http://www.google.com. In the search bar, type in ‘atasti’ and the second listed site should have an option to the right of it that says ‘translate this site.’ Click on ‘translate this site’ and the entire website will automatically be translated into English.

For more information on Piemonte itself, please visit http://www.regione.piemonte.it/lingue/english/.

Abruzzo

Bordering the Adriatic Sea and speckled with the peaks of the Apennine mountains is Italy’s southern region of Abruzzo. Due to its geography, the region is particularly remote and offers an ideal place to explore Italy’s wilderness.

Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo (the National Park of Abruzzo), with its headquarters in the province of L’Aquila, is a perfect spot to experience Abruzzo’s natural wonders. It acts as a habitat for a variety of animals, including, according to initaly.com, some once endangered species like the Apennine lynx and the Marsican bear. Several tree species compose the forests that grow over most of the park and house these creatures. The fact that there is only a single paved road cutting through Parco Nazionale’s 150,000 acres adds to its sense of seclusion. To really experience the park, a person should either hike at least one of the roughly 150 walking trails—information about them can be found at any of the seven visitor centers available—or bike along any of the countless unpaved roads.

www.initaly.com/regions/abruzzo/parco

Away from the mountains and wilderness, Abruzzo’s other shining feature is undoubtedly its coastline. With nearly 130 kilometers of beaches spotted with resorts, Abruzzo has long been a popular place for both Italians and foreign travelers to spend their summer vacation time.

www.inside-abruzzo.com

For more information about Abruzzo, visit http://www.inside-abruzzo.com/en/.