During the Middle Ages, Venice, Florence, Milan, Genoa and other major Italian cities were independent communes with their own army, treasury and legislation. It is not surprising that these "states", which are part of modern Italy, have retained many unique features that make them different from each other. What is known about them?
Italian cities: Rome
The "Eternal City" was erected on seven hills in 753 BC. According to legend, its founders were the brothers Romulus and Remus, whose distant ancestor is a brave man who became famous thanks to the Trojan War. Archaeologists insist that the first settlements here were formed much earlier. All Italian cities are beautiful, but none of them can compare with Rome in beauty. The capital of modern Italy is a visual aid for those interested in ancient architecture.
SquareRome, once a small village, is 1285 square kilometers. The number of inhabitants of the capital exceeds 3 million. The territory of the city contains many examples of ancient architecture, for example, the Pantheon, built before our era and perfectly preserved, the Colosseum amphitheater - a huge stadium where gladiatorial battles once took place. Today it provides space for 50,000 people. The city-state of the Vatican and its colossal museum complex, which includes over 1,000 objects, is located on the territory of the capital. Located in Rome and St. Peter's Basilica - the temple, which is considered the largest in the world.
Interesting legends and traditions are connected with many places in the capital of Italy. For example, custom tells visitors to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain if they want to return to Rome.
What is known about Venice
If any 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 zest. Venice is located on an island archipelago, "strewn" with its famous canals. The length of the water artery as a whole is about 4 km, in some places the depth reaches 5 m. The city is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
The area of the city is 412 square kilometers. More than 300 thousand people live in Venice. Also in the city there are always a lot of tourists who are attracted not onlyPossibility to go on a gondola. It is in Venice that the majestic Doge's Palace is located - a building of the 15th century, made in the Gothic style. Modern architecture is also interesting, for example, the buildings of Burano. Burano is a small island, the houses of the inhabitants of which are colored with all 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 with 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 was born. No wonder it is called a 24-hour museum city.
Florence gave the world many geniuses, including Galileo, Dante. It is the birthplace of some famous artists, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. The Uffizi Gallery, which is the pride of the city, now houses paintings by Titian, Raphael, da Vinci. The city architecture is also interesting, for example, the temple of Santa Maria del Fiore, which was built over 140 years. It is curious that Michelangelo was fully responsible for the interior decoration of the cathedral, while the equally famous Giotto worked on the exterior.
What is known about Naples
Which Italian cityconsidered the most energetic? Of course, Naples, comfortably spread out 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 come across as the busiest people in the world, but will always find a few minutes and smiles for foreigners. It is believed that it was the inhabitants of Naples who first came up with carnivals.
Among Italian cities, Naples is the third largest. At the moment it is inhabited by about a million people. The settlement is located in a seismically dangerous zone, since on its territory there is an active volcano Vesuvius. The last eruption took place in 1944.
Milan past and present
In the Middle Ages, Milan was one of the most powerful Italian city-states. If you do not take into account Rome, it is the largest settlement in the country. The area of Milan is about 2 thousand square kilometers, over 1.3 million people live on its territory.
Today, Milan is the financial and economic capital of Italy, and the city is also one of the world's fashion capitals.
Where Romeo and Juliet lived
Listing the medieval Italian cities that played an important role in the history of the country, one should not miss Verona. This small town owes its fame primarily to the great Shakespeare, who "settled" here the most famous literary figures.heroes in the world - Romeo and Juliet. Juliet's house was built in the 13th century. On its territory there is a statue of this young girl, whose story turned out to be so tragic. The famous balcony also attracts tourists.
The city is located in the north-east of the country, spread over the Adige River. It is home to approximately 260 thousand people. It is curious that the small town attracts about 3 million tourists every year, probably due to its romantic history. Medieval buildings have also been preserved on its territory, among which the most famous is the Cathedral of Verona - a complex, part of which was built back in the 12th century. Also here is the Roman Arena - one of the oldest stadiums in the country.
Interesting about Bologna
When naming famous Italian cities, one cannot ignore Bologna. The city is famous primarily for its developed industry, thanks to which a high standard of living has been maintained here for several decades. At the moment, the number of its inhabitants tends to 400 thousand. The settlement also has its own patron, who is declared to be Saint Petronius.
Interestingly, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world. According to historical documents, this institution has been accepting students since 1088. Of interest to connoisseurs of medieval architecture is Piazza Maggiore, where you can see palaces built in the 13th century. Also, the city is rightfully proud of its "fallingtowers" preserved from 1109.
Bologna's unofficial name is Fatty. This is due to the fact that they serve amazing dishes, the recipes of which are kept secret by the locals.
What is interesting about Perugia
Of course, Perugia is far from the most famous Italian city, but it is one of the most ancient settlements in the world. It is first described in chronicles created in the 9th century BC. The city, which survived many buildings, is famous for its history, full of bright events, which 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 by the University for Foreigners, which is located in this city, home to many famous artists of the Middle Ages, including Raphael.
The Greatness of Genoa
In ancient times, Genoa for centuries retained the status of an important port hub, located on the northwestern Italian coast. Trade flourished in this city, the standard of living of its inhabitants almost always remained high.
Genoa managed not to get lost even today. Proof of this is the title of European Capital of Culture, awarded to the settlement in 2004. The city is interesting for its magnificent palace complexes in the Baroque style, ruins preserved from the time of Ancient Rome, and cozy old churches. The historical center can be called unique, literally strewn with curious sights.
Whatknow about Turin
The names of Italian cities that have played a role in the centuries-old history of the state are not finished yet. It is impossible not to tell about Turin, which for four years was the capital of the country after its unification in 1861.
Today's Turin is a museum that has no end, luxury boutiques cozily adjacent to souvenir shops, excellent restaurants where tourists can comfortably experience the delights of local cuisine. This city will appeal to those interested in baroque architecture, as many palaces are built in this opulent style. By the way, it was here that the Winter Olympic Games were held in 2006.
Other cities in Italy
Siena is a city that has been located on three hills for many centuries. Many buildings of this settlement are under the care of UNESCO, as they are of great historical value. Only the approximate date of the foundation of Siena is known - 9-5 centuries BC. The legend attributes the construction of the city to the sons of Rem, the founder of Rome. The town square is shaped like a shell.
Pisa is a place that almost everyone has heard of thanks to the famous Leaning Tower, which has become its unofficial symbol.
These are the most interesting cities that Italy is famous for.
