Things to do in Italy – what to see, best cities, attractions and activities.

Art and Culture Holidays in Liguria

With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors. Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else. The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis. The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.

Art and Culture Holidays in Liguria

Ligurie, Gênes, Palais des Doges

With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors.

Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else.

The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis.

The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 01/09/2021

Art and Culture Holidays in Veneto

Veneto art and culture is of course dominated by the city of Venice, considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and full to the brim with museums, galleries and opera houses. Most Venice tourists will visit St Mark's square, but those who enter into basilica bearing the same name will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sculpture, architecture, mosaics and artworks from the Gothic, Byzantine and Romanesque periods. Veneto artistic culture doesn't begin and end with Venice though - ancient stone cuttings dating from as far back as 8000BC have been found near Verona on the western side of the region, and there is a rich cultural history that continues to this day throughout the region. Also in Verona, the Castelvecchio is a triumph of mediaeval architecture which now houses an art gallery featuring works by Pisanello, Bellini and many others, while the entire town is known as the Painted City on account of the friezes and artwork that began to spread across the buildings from the 16th century onwards. Padua is often thought of as Venice's lesser known sister, and alongside its canals and porticoed architecture there is much for the art lover to explore. The Scrovegni Chapel dates back to 1303AD and features breathtaking Giotto frescoes along with artworks by Romanini, Titian and many others. Back in Venice, this is the city known as the birthplace of Opera, and the Teatro La Fenice just off St Mark's square is famous throughout Italy and the world, with prestigious performances held all year round.

Art and Culture Holidays in Veneto

Veneto art and culture is of course dominated by the city of Venice, considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and full to the brim with museums, galleries and opera houses. Most Venice tourists will visit St Mark's square, but those who enter into basilica bearing the same name will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sculpture, architecture, mosaics and artworks from the Gothic, Byzantine and Romanesque periods.

Veneto artistic culture doesn't begin and end with Venice though - ancient stone cuttings dating from as far back as 8000BC have been found near Verona on the western side of the region, and there is a rich cultural history that continues to this day throughout the region. Also in Verona, the Castelvecchio is a triumph of mediaeval architecture which now houses an art gallery featuring works by Pisanello, Bellini and many others, while the entire town is known as the Painted City on account of the friezes and artwork that began to spread across the buildings from the 16th century onwards.

Padua is often thought of as Venice's lesser known sister, and alongside its canals and porticoed architecture there is much for the art lover to explore. The Scrovegni Chapel dates back to 1303AD and features breathtaking Giotto frescoes along with artworks by Romanini, Titian and many others. Back in Venice, this is the city known as the birthplace of Opera, and the Teatro La Fenice just off St Mark's square is famous throughout Italy and the world, with prestigious performances held all year round.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 15/08/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Sardinia

Sardina's cultural heritage stretches back to pre-history, as can be seen in the mysterious ancient stone ruins of Santa Christina which are more than 3,800 years old, and feature a sacred well and underground shrine. Ever since then the island has been a meeting point between the cultures of northern Europe and the exotic East. Signs of this past remain in the ruins of the 730BC Phoenician port of Tharros, much of which is now excavated and restored. The Romans spent time in Sardinia too, and 28km from Oristano lies the old spa town of Forum Traiani built around hot sulphur springs. A modern spa complex lies beside the older Roman remains and 19th century buildings. For a more modern cultural experience, the village of San Sperate lies around 25km inland and is known as a living museum The walls and buildings are home to over 320 paintings which began to appear in the 1960s and continue to this day. The village is easily reachable by bus from Cagliari. In Cagliari itself you can find two art museums of note. The Siamese Art Museum exhibits an extensive collection of art works, crafts, silverware and more from South East Asia from the 11th century onwards. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari has works by Sardinia's own Pietro Cavaro, alongside other fine examples of Sardinian art, pottery and weaponry.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sardinia

Sardina's cultural heritage stretches back to pre-history, as can be seen in the mysterious ancient stone ruins of Santa Christina which are more than 3,800 years old, and feature a sacred well and underground shrine.

Ever since then the island has been a meeting point between the cultures of northern Europe and the exotic East. Signs of this past remain in the ruins of the 730BC Phoenician port of Tharros, much of which is now excavated and restored. The Romans spent time in Sardinia too, and 28km from Oristano lies the old spa town of Forum Traiani built around hot sulphur springs. A modern spa complex lies beside the older Roman remains and 19th century buildings.

For a more modern cultural experience, the village of San Sperate lies around 25km inland and is known as a living museum The walls and buildings are home to over 320 paintings which began to appear in the 1960s and continue to this day. The village is easily reachable by bus from Cagliari. In Cagliari itself you can find two art museums of note. The Siamese Art Museum exhibits an extensive collection of art works, crafts, silverware and more from South East Asia from the 11th century onwards. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari has works by Sardinia's own Pietro Cavaro, alongside other fine examples of Sardinian art, pottery and weaponry.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 26/03/2020

Art and Culture Holidays in Sicily

Owing to its location, Sicily has always enjoyed a role as a meeting place between the European west and the Arabic east, and this long history of diversity is reflected in its cultural and artistic heritage which features Doric temples, Roman mosaics, and numerous Baroque and Renaissance palaces and chapels. A fine example of the Roman history of the island is the Piazza Amerina close to Syracuse, where you can find a lavish Roman villa with perfectly restored mosaics across the floors. Architecturally and historically, Sicily is perhaps most famous for its Greek temples such as the one in Syracuse, a town which can trace its history right back to the Greek mathematician Archimedes whose tomb can be found in the Grotticelli Necropolis. Syracuse also hosts dozens of other Greek and Christian monuments, with surviving frescoes and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and his acolyte Minniti. The special light and dramatic scenery found in Sicily made the island a magnet for artists throughout the ages, and it is nowadays home to many great galleries. The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, also in Syracuse, dates back to the 13th century and is home to a diverse collection of medieval and modern pieces of both painting and sculpture, while the Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea is a must-see gallery for fans of more contemporary work.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sicily

Owing to its location, Sicily has always enjoyed a role as a meeting place between the European west and the Arabic east, and this long history of diversity is reflected in its cultural and artistic heritage which features Doric temples, Roman mosaics, and numerous Baroque and Renaissance palaces and chapels.

A fine example of the Roman history of the island is the Piazza Amerina close to Syracuse, where you can find a lavish Roman villa with perfectly restored mosaics across the floors. Architecturally and historically, Sicily is perhaps most famous for its Greek temples such as the one in Syracuse, a town which can trace its history right back to the Greek mathematician Archimedes whose tomb can be found in the Grotticelli Necropolis. Syracuse also hosts dozens of other Greek and Christian monuments, with surviving frescoes and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and his acolyte Minniti.

The special light and dramatic scenery found in Sicily made the island a magnet for artists throughout the ages, and it is nowadays home to many great galleries. The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, also in Syracuse, dates back to the 13th century and is home to a diverse collection of medieval and modern pieces of both painting and sculpture, while the Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea is a must-see gallery for fans of more contemporary work.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 20/09/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Italy, you will find the beautiful region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, bordered by Austria and Slovenia. Such a geographical position has greatly influenced this small area of Italy, resulting in the intermingling of Italian, Austrian and Slavic cultures, with this cultural diversity reflected in the architecture, traditions, and way of life that is found here. This less well-known part of Italy offers the same beauty and cultural experiences that the more well-known regions are so recognised for; however, since Friuli Venezia Giulia is often overlooked by tourists, it can reward its visitors with museums, basilicas, historical ruins and other must see attractions that are often uncrowded. Trieste, the region's capital, is a vibrant city with grand neoclassical architecture, Viennese-style coffeehouses, and stunning piazzas. Nearby is the neogothic-style Miramare Castle, perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea. In Udine, various pieces of work by the great 18th-century painter, Giambattista Tiepolo, are on display. Further splendid pieces of art can be seen at the Ancient Art Gallery which is located in the impressive Udine Castle. The small city, Aquileia, identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts some of the best preserved examples of Christian art in its Patriarchal Basilica. Aquileia also played a significant role in the Roman Empire; today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Italy. Come and discover one of Italy's hidden gems for yourself.

Art and Culture Holidays in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Italy, you will find the beautiful region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, bordered by Austria and Slovenia. Such a geographical position has greatly influenced this small area of Italy, resulting in the intermingling of Italian, Austrian and Slavic cultures, with this cultural diversity reflected in the architecture, traditions, and way of life that is found here.

This less well-known part of Italy offers the same beauty and cultural experiences that the more well-known regions are so recognised for; however, since Friuli Venezia Giulia is often overlooked by tourists, it can reward its visitors with museums, basilicas, historical ruins and other must see attractions that are often uncrowded.

Trieste, the region's capital, is a vibrant city with grand neoclassical architecture, Viennese-style coffeehouses, and stunning piazzas. Nearby is the neogothic-style Miramare Castle, perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea.
In Udine, various pieces of work by the great 18th-century painter, Giambattista Tiepolo, are on display. Further splendid pieces of art can be seen at the Ancient Art Gallery which is located in the impressive Udine Castle.
The small city, Aquileia, identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts some of the best preserved examples of Christian art in its Patriarchal Basilica. Aquileia also played a significant role in the Roman Empire; today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Italy.

Come and discover one of Italy's hidden gems for yourself.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 18/11/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Valle d'Aosta

A realm of castles and monuments, the spectacular and charming region of Valle d'Aosta offers an exciting break from your everyday lifestyle. This region is abundant with castles and intriguing historic structures, most of which date back hundreds of years. Intrinsic manors are a prevailing element and the scenery which surrounds them is absolutely spellbinding. If you are in search of something really mystical, the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy is definitely for you. This enchanting landscape can be explored by car and bus, however why not make it more worthwhile and experience it by foot or horseback. Wander the hillsides and view magnificent structures from miles away, before heading in for a closer look. The Savoy Castle established at the base of the Ranzola Hill adds plenty of character to the town of Belvedere and dominates the valley leading to the Lyskamm glacier. The surrounding botanical gardens are a wonderful place to take in some fresh country air, however be sure to take a glance at the Queen's quarters, which still feature many of the original tapestries and furnishings. The Gothic castles in the Valle d'Aosta area are a true symbol of the renaissance period which seems to have been lost in favour of more modern design structures. The town of Issogne is home to a magnificent castle which features many rare artistic treasures. Many large buildings in the local area are reminiscent of the Roman period, which includes castles, abandoned fortresses and old prisons.

Art and Culture Holidays in Valle d'Aosta

A realm of castles and monuments, the spectacular and charming region of Valle d'Aosta offers an exciting break from your everyday lifestyle.

This region is abundant with castles and intriguing historic structures, most of which date back hundreds of years. Intrinsic manors are a prevailing element and the scenery which surrounds them is absolutely spellbinding. If you are in search of something really mystical, the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy is definitely for you.

This enchanting landscape can be explored by car and bus, however why not make it more worthwhile and experience it by foot or horseback. Wander the hillsides and view magnificent structures from miles away, before heading in for a closer look. The Savoy Castle established at the base of the Ranzola Hill adds plenty of character to the town of Belvedere and dominates the valley leading to the Lyskamm glacier. The surrounding botanical gardens are a wonderful place to take in some fresh country air, however be sure to take a glance at the Queen's quarters, which still feature many of the original tapestries and furnishings.

The Gothic castles in the Valle d'Aosta area are a true symbol of the renaissance period which seems to have been lost in favour of more modern design structures. The town of Issogne is home to a magnificent castle which features many rare artistic treasures. Many large buildings in the local area are reminiscent of the Roman period, which includes castles, abandoned fortresses and old prisons.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 16/05/2020

Art and Culture Holidays in Apulia

Apulia in the far south of Italy is not as widely visited as other parts of the country, but the adventurous traveller is rewarded with stunning wild coastlines, excellent weather, and a taste of a country a world away from the tourist traps of Rome or Venice. Not many people know that Apulia is also rich in art and culture, with impressive Romanesque, Baroque and older monuments often standing almost unremarked and totally unspoiled. An example is the Abbey of San Leonardo di Siponto on the road between Manfredonia and Foggia, a church dating back to at least the 11th century. It has a unique hole in the ceiling which captures the sun's rays at important astronomical times of the year. The building is still in use as a parish church. The Civic Museum in Mattinata's historic centre boasts a huge collection of artefacts and grave goods from nearby Mount Saraceno's Daunian Necropolis, while the Giuseppe Andreassi National Archaeological Museum near Egnazi has an extensive exhibition leading the visitor through 5,000 years of local history from the Bronze Age to mediaeval times. In Bari, the Teatro Petruzzelli is Italy's 4th largest theatre built in typically ornate Umbertino style, hosting a rich variety of performances for audiences of up to 1,500 theatre fans. Also in Bari, the Corrado Giaquinto Provincial Art Gallery has an extensive collection of Puglian artwork from the 11th to the 19th century, plus other works from esteemed artists from Venice and elsewhere in Italy.

Art and Culture Holidays in Apulia

Apulia in the far south of Italy is not as widely visited as other parts of the country, but the adventurous traveller is rewarded with stunning wild coastlines, excellent weather, and a taste of a country a world away from the tourist traps of Rome or Venice.

Not many people know that Apulia is also rich in art and culture, with impressive Romanesque, Baroque and older monuments often standing almost unremarked and totally unspoiled. An example is the Abbey of San Leonardo di Siponto on the road between Manfredonia and Foggia, a church dating back to at least the 11th century. It has a unique hole in the ceiling which captures the sun's rays at important astronomical times of the year. The building is still in use as a parish church.

The Civic Museum in Mattinata's historic centre boasts a huge collection of artefacts and grave goods from nearby Mount Saraceno's Daunian Necropolis, while the Giuseppe Andreassi National Archaeological Museum near Egnazi has an extensive exhibition leading the visitor through 5,000 years of local history from the Bronze Age to mediaeval times. In Bari, the Teatro Petruzzelli is Italy's 4th largest theatre built in typically ornate Umbertino style, hosting a rich variety of performances for audiences of up to 1,500 theatre fans. Also in Bari, the Corrado Giaquinto Provincial Art Gallery has an extensive collection of Puglian artwork from the 11th to the 19th century, plus other works from esteemed artists from Venice and elsewhere in Italy.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 20/08/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Molise

When you start your art and culture holidays in in Molise, you will not be disappointed exploring this part of unspoiled central Italy. Discover the rich history of culture, art and age-old traditions. The Molise region of central Italy boasts countless castles, amazing Roman ruins, magnificent Romanesque churches, bustling fairs and religious festivals. Molise is a small, enchanting region in central Italy that lies between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea. Campobasso is the capital of the region, which comprises Campobasso and Isernia. The impressive Castello Monforte and the Provincial Samnite Museum are among the many architectural and archaeological treasures that await the explorer. Campobasso is also an excellent base for visiting the Roman ruins at Saepinum, which is perhaps Italy's best example of a Roman town. Also worth exploring in the province of Campobasso, is the walled town of Termoli, with its stunning Swabian Castle and the Romanesque Cathedral. Towards the evening, watch the passeggiata, which is a town parade where flirting and posing is a must. Art and culture holidays in Molise are even more fun and exciting, when visiting one of the many events and fairs such as the Lamb Festival in Capracotta, the White Truffle Fair in San Pietro Avellana and International Bagpipe Festival in Scapoli.

Art and Culture Holidays in Molise

When you start your art and culture holidays in in Molise, you will not be disappointed exploring this part of unspoiled central Italy.

Discover the rich history of culture, art and age-old traditions. The Molise region of central Italy boasts countless castles, amazing Roman ruins, magnificent Romanesque churches, bustling fairs and religious festivals. Molise is a small, enchanting region in central Italy that lies between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea.

Campobasso is the capital of the region, which comprises Campobasso and Isernia. The impressive Castello Monforte and the Provincial Samnite Museum are among the many architectural and archaeological treasures that await the explorer. Campobasso is also an excellent base for visiting the Roman ruins at Saepinum, which is perhaps Italy's best example of a Roman town.

Also worth exploring in the province of Campobasso, is the walled town of Termoli, with its stunning Swabian Castle and the Romanesque Cathedral. Towards the evening, watch the passeggiata, which is a town parade where flirting and posing is a must. Art and culture holidays in Molise are even more fun and exciting, when visiting one of the many events and fairs such as the Lamb Festival in Capracotta, the White Truffle Fair in San Pietro Avellana and International Bagpipe Festival in Scapoli.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 26/10/2019

Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man, Tuscan excellence

Even this genius, like Dante or Michelangelo (.. and we could list many others), was born in the heart of Tuscany. What does this Earth have that manages to give light to characters of this caliber? Leonardo da Vinci is perhaps the best known character in the entire Italian Renaissance. He was born in a farmhouse in the town of Anchiano which is located 3 km from Vinci in 1452 and died in Amboise in 1519. His career as an artist began at the age of 17 in Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop in Florence with drawing and painting. But during his life he shot the courts of Italy also arriving in Provence, becoming an “handyman” artist: painter, sculptor, engineer, musician, scientist from the natural point of view and also technical, architect, literate, inventor. His native home in Vinci is today a Museum, to it also belongs to the Leonardian Museum that makes us know the Master as an engineer and inventor, through its drawings, machinery and models of the latter. He was a true thinker of the Renaissance, who wanted to understand the world, the nature of light, of movement, the functioning of the human body and was endowed with a fantasy and ability expressive out of the ordinary. Who does not know his drawing called 'Vitruvian Man'? Leonardo carried out the thought of the architect Vitruvius, according to which human proportions are equal to those of nature. By combining geometry, anatomy and optics, he laid the mathematical basis of an artistic representation. So coming to the conclusion that the measure of everything was man and that this model of proportion was the expression of divine harmony. In Vinci, arriving under the walls of the town we have in front of the three-dimensional model of this very famous design. As an environment worthy of this thought Vinci and its typically Tuscan landscape invite to aspire to its beauty and harmony. The clay color of the dry walls of the terraces and buildings of the historic center, the hills full of vineyards and centuries-old olives that could perhaps even tell the secrets of young Leonardo make us understand where the sharp sense of aesthetics of this unique and fascinating Master had its roots.

Vinci
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Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man, Tuscan excellence

Even this genius, like Dante or Michelangelo (.. and we could list many others), was born in the heart of Tuscany. What does this Earth have that manages to give light to characters of this caliber? Leonardo da Vinci is perhaps the best known character in the entire Italian Renaissance. He was born in a farmhouse in the town of Anchiano which is located 3 km from Vinci in 1452 and died in Amboise in 1519.

His career as an artist began at the age of 17 in Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop in Florence with drawing and painting. But during his life he shot the courts of Italy also arriving in Provence, becoming an “handyman” artist: painter, sculptor, engineer, musician, scientist from the natural point of view and also technical, architect, literate, inventor. His native home in Vinci is today a Museum, to it also belongs to the Leonardian Museum that makes us know the Master as an engineer and inventor, through its drawings, machinery and models of the latter.

He was a true thinker of the Renaissance, who wanted to understand the world, the nature of light, of movement, the functioning of the human body and was endowed with a fantasy and ability expressive out of the ordinary. Who does not know his drawing called 'Vitruvian Man'? Leonardo carried out the thought of the architect Vitruvius, according to which human proportions are equal to those of nature. By combining geometry, anatomy and optics, he laid the mathematical basis of an artistic representation. So coming to the conclusion that the measure of everything was man and that this model of proportion was the expression of divine harmony. In Vinci, arriving under the walls of the town we have in front of the three-dimensional model of this very famous design. As an environment worthy of this thought Vinci and its typically Tuscan landscape invite to aspire to its beauty and harmony.

The clay color of the dry walls of the terraces and buildings of the historic center, the hills full of vineyards and centuries-old olives that could perhaps even tell the secrets of young Leonardo make us understand where the sharp sense of aesthetics of this unique and fascinating Master had its roots.

scritto da Ralph Christie - ultima modifica il 29/09/2021

Art and Culture Holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, and this mix of Germanic and Latin cultures is plain to see in everything from its architecture to its food and drink. Typical of this crossover of cultures is the city of Trento, whose Castello del Buonconsiglio combines beautiful Renaissance frescoes with a dramatic and imposing Gothic bell tower. The alpine town of Bolzano (Bozen) in Alto Agide (Südtirol) also shows this dichotomy, with its distinctly Tyrolean buildings and atmosphere contrasting strongly with the local dominance of the Italian language, one of the few areas in Alto Adige where German is not the most widely spoken tongue. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, one of Italy's most successful, and there are regular symphony performances in the Haydn Auditorium in the city. Further south, Rovereto is an important cultural centre. It houses the War History Museum with documents and relics from the First World War onwards, and a military memorial at Dante Castle, testament to the troubled history of this border area. On a brighter note, Rovereto also boasts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, holding works from a diverse range of artists, and the Civic Museum offering seven large exhibits detailing the historical culture of the region.

Art and Culture Holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, and this mix of Germanic and Latin cultures is plain to see in everything from its architecture to its food and drink.

Typical of this crossover of cultures is the city of Trento, whose Castello del Buonconsiglio combines beautiful Renaissance frescoes with a dramatic and imposing Gothic bell tower. The alpine town of Bolzano (Bozen) in Alto Agide (Südtirol) also shows this dichotomy, with its distinctly Tyrolean buildings and atmosphere contrasting strongly with the local dominance of the Italian language, one of the few areas in Alto Adige where German is not the most widely spoken tongue. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, one of Italy's most successful, and there are regular symphony performances in the Haydn Auditorium in the city.

Further south, Rovereto is an important cultural centre. It houses the War History Museum with documents and relics from the First World War onwards, and a military memorial at Dante Castle, testament to the troubled history of this border area. On a brighter note, Rovereto also boasts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, holding works from a diverse range of artists, and the Civic Museum offering seven large exhibits detailing the historical culture of the region.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 17/10/2019