Art & Culture in Italy

It is 'the learned', because in 1088 it saw the birth of the first university in the western world, which still today attracts students from around the world. It is 'the red' because of the characteristic colour of its roofs, visible from the top of its medieval towers. And it is 'the fat' – you just try to resist the temptation of a sandwich stuffed with fresh mortadella or a dish of piping hot lasagna!

Matera, a rare jewel of Basilicata, is an enchanting miracle of time. Visiting this Lucanian city is like reliving a glorious past. It resembles a small and delightful nativity scene, which is why it is known as 'the second Bethlehem', providing a backdrop for films such as Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel according to St. Matthew and Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

Passing by historic villages, cities of art, holy buildings and monuments, the Via Francigena in Emilia Romagna is a journey of culture, art and considerable beauty, enriched by deeply felt traditions going back thousands of years: 5 unmissable places of discovery.

It would all seem very easy, but an inevitable dilemma derives from the immense cultural heritage of the capital of the Lombardy region and the surrounding districts that are literally dotted with historic buildings, sculptures, art collections and charming villages. Where should we begin? We would suggest you try this essential list of wonderful sites.

Thanks to its strategic position, Genoa established close relations with the Greek, Etruscan and Punic worlds, but the city's great expansion began after the year 1000. As a powerful maritime republic, Genoa was the protagonist of a public aristocratic residential project to build a system of new streets and palaces. The historic centre was already densely populated and limited by the conformation of the urban area, the sea on one side and the Apennine mountains on the other. The solution found was ingenious and destined to influence urban architecture for centuries: the new palaces were articulated on several levels, with loggias, courtyards of honour and a tendency towards vertical architectural development. This was how Palazzi dei Rolli was conceived, built along the Strade Nuove that still today make Genoa a true architectural jewel to be admired. Are you ready for the journey into Renaissance and Baroque luxury that only Genoa can offer?

Right in the middle of Rome, within the Vatican City rises the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Its impressive dome stands out over all the other roofs of the Eternal City, while the Vatican Museums know that what they hold inside goes beyond the value of the Sistine Chapel alone.

Stretching from Emilia Romagna to Basilicata, they belong to the transnational Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe. These precious ancient beech forests spread across the Apennines represent a true journey through history: they date back to the end of the last Ice Age, after which they spread across the globe, offering an exploration immersed in pristine nature.

Matera is one of the oldest, still inhabited cities in the world: a magical place that preserves evidence of human settlements since the Palaeolithic period in its natural caves carved into the rock. Over the centuries, these caves, which were to become the symbol of the city, were developed into increasingly complex structures in two large natural amphitheatres. When visiting Matera, which is located on a limestone plateau in Basilicata characterised by deep fissures, ravines, rocks and caves, you feel as if you are entering a nativity scene. Houses, churches, monasteries and hermitages are built in the natural caves of the Murgia in a landscape so evocative that it was chosen as the setting for films such as Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel according to St Matthew. Are you ready to lose yourself in the wonders of this unique city?

This jewel near Naples, in Campania, which lets you travel back in time, has long held the record as the most visited place in the world. The archaeological area of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata is among the 58 Italian UNESCO sites in the World Heritage List. It never ceases to amaze, giving you the opportunity to explore the extent of the commercial city of Pompeii, the fewer but better-preserved remains of the ancient town of Herculaneum and the frescoes of the Villa Oplontis in Torre Annunziata, which portray the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy classes at the beginning of the Roman Empire.

The largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, it spans 17 kilometres between characteristic UNESCO World Heritage districts such as the elegant Via Chiaia area and the magnificent panoramas of the Vomero and Posillipo. Every district of the historic centre of Naples has a unique soul, from the very central district of Montecalvario to that of San Giuseppe near the port of Naples, without forgetting the Avvocata district and the Pendino district, among the areas of Naples with the most churches. Further north, but still within the Neapolitan historical centre, you can find the San Carlo all'Arena district with the royal residence of Capodimonte now home to a wonderful national art museum, one of the most important in southern Italy.

One of the most visited areas of Campania in the world, this stretch of coastline reaching from Positano to Vietri sul Mare along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy. In front is the Gulf of Salerno, behind it the Lattari Mountains. Its high cliffs, enchanting coves and small bays, terraces dotted with citrus fruits, vines and olive trees, and its high-fashion shops and artisan workshops make it one of the most popular destinations in the world. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of great cultural and natural value, it is composed not only of internationally famous locations such as Amalfi and Positano, but also of small villages with an ancient atmosphere.

As a crossroads of peoples and a treasure trove of ancient traditions, the territory is rich in chestnut and holm-oak forests, streams and hamlets overlooking the sea or built on rocks. Here, we find some masterpieces included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998: the magnificent Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and Certosa di Padula. Hidden beaches, small fishing villages, unspoilt nature and rich archaeological evidence make Cilento an irresistibly fascinating destination.

The Murgia Materana Park was established in 1990 with the name of Parco Regionale Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano (Natural Historic Archaeological Regional Park of the Rock Churches of the Matera region). This is the spectacular Italian rocky landscape which best testifies the ancient relationship between man and nature in southern Italy.

Aside from its 800 km of coastline, Calabria is a mountainous region, and its geography has deeply influenced its history and culture. It is primarily in the inland areas that you find ancient hilltop villages, offering a vantage point for exploring the plains and the coast. If you wish to experience authentic Italy, we encourage you to keep reading… you won't be disappointed!

This jewel near Naples, in Campania, which lets you travel back in time, has long held the record as the most visited place in the world. The archaeological area of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata is among the 58 Italian UNESCO sites in the World Heritage List. It never ceases to amaze, giving you the opportunity to explore the extent of the commercial city of Pompeii, the fewer but better-preserved remains of the ancient town of Herculaneum and the frescoes of the Villa Oplontis in Torre Annunziata, which portray the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy classes at the beginning of the Roman Empire.

As a crossroads of peoples and a treasure trove of ancient traditions, the territory is rich in chestnut and holm-oak forests, streams and hamlets overlooking the sea or built on rocks. Here, we find some masterpieces included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998: the magnificent Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and Certosa di Padula. Hidden beaches, small fishing villages, unspoilt nature and rich archaeological evidence make Cilento an irresistibly fascinating destination.

An ancient metropolis of the Roman Empire and later the main centre for the spread of Christianity in northern and eastern Europe, Aquileia today offers a unique and enthralling sightseeing experience. The extent of its archaeological area and the importance of the role played by its Patriarchal Basilica are the reasons for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If there's one archaeological site whose name is known worldwide, it's definitely Pompei. Millions of tourists flock to Italy every year eager to learn about the glorious history – and tragic demise – of this once-thriving Roman city built on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the country. The history of the Romans is guaranteed to captivate any visitor, and being able to experience their sights, walk along their streets, go into their houses and admire the shapes and colours within is an undeniably unique experience. Paintings and messages written on the walls tell of a daily routine in which the theatre, tabernae and spas all contributed to the well-being of body and mind as part of a kind of shared ritual.

With its neoclassical façade and portico with travertine columns, the Ventidio Basso Theatre in Ascoli Piceno is a hidden gem nestled among the city's medieval buildings. It stands opposite the 16th-century Chiostro Maggiore di San Francesco and is every bit as beautiful. It was here that the theatre was built between 1840 and 1846 to a design by Ireneo Aleandri, here that it was inaugurated with works by Vincenzo Bellini and Giuseppe Verdi, and here that its long tradition of success and splendour began, which continued throughout the 19th century. The following century, however, was less kind, and the theatre was forced to endure periods of decline, forced closures and restorations, which became even more necessary following the damage it suffered in the 1971 earthquake. It was not until 1994 that the theatre reopened its doors, an event eagerly awaited by the local population, who turned out en masse for the performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ staged for the reopening. This unprecedented triumph marked the rebirth of the Ventidio Basso, which was returned to the people of Ascoli Piceno in all its splendour. Today, as you step through the entrance, it takes just a few moments to be captivated by the inherent beauty of this space: you are immediately drawn in by the large crystal chandelier that dominates the auditorium, hanging from the centre of the ceiling, which is decorated with frescoes depicting mythological scenes and dancing figures that tell stories of gods and heroes. Then there are the neat rows of boxes rising upwards, adorned with gilded decorations and ruby-red velvets, which create an atmosphere in the horseshoe-shaped auditorium that exudes elegance and history. The programme is packed with events, and whether it’s a grand opera, a powerful drama, a light comedy, a play or a dance performance, the theatre manages to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand, conveying the warmth of the generations that, over the centuries, have passed down their passion for opera and theatre as a precious legacy. The theatre’s exceptional acoustics allow the voices of the actors and singers to float through the air with such clarity and depth that they seem to amplify every emotion, every whisper, every note.

Located in the centre of Osimo, overlooking Piazza Marconi, the Teatro La Nuova Fenice is one of the most elegant historic theatres in the Marche region. Intimate, harmonious and deeply rooted in the life of the city, for over a century it has been a place where the community comes together around culture, through music, drama and performance. A theatre born of rebirth The current building was constructed between 1887 and 1892 to a design by the architect Gaetano Canedi, on the foundations of an earlier 18th-century theatre that had been destroyed by fire. The name 'Nuova Fenice' (New Phoenix) evokes precisely this rebirth, a symbol of a community that has succeeded in rebuilding its cultural space. The Neo-Renaissance-style façade blends elegantly into the urban fabric, while the building continues to play the central role it has always had in Osimo's public life. After a long period of closure in the 20th century, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1999, returning to full operation and adapted to contemporary needs. The interior: elegance and proportions Inside, the theatre retains its classic Italian layout, with a horseshoe-shaped plan, a stalls area, three tiers of boxes, and a gallery. The theatre has a total capacity of around 444 seats, arranged in an intimate space that offers excellent visibility from every section. The painted decorations, the floral motifs and the frescoed ceiling all help to create an intimate and elegant atmosphere. The historic curtain and the ornamental details reinforce the theatre's 19th-century character, while its highly regarded acoustics make it ideal for music, drama and live performances. A theatre that's alive all year round Today, the Teatro La Nuova Fenice is Osimo's main cultural hub. The programme is extensive and varied, featuring seasons of drama, music and dance, as well as family shows, cultural events and special projects. The main season runs from autumn to spring, but the theatre continues to host events and initiatives throughout the year, confirming its role as an open and participatory space.

The Roman Theatre of Formia in Castellone: 300 people live here today The Roman Theatre of Formia dates back to the 1st century BC, during the Augustan age. It stands in the village of Castellone, on the hill overlooking the gulf, south of the Abbey of St Erasmus, which was first run by Benedictine monks until 1500, and then by the Olivetans until 1700. A theatre designed for spectacle and scenery The cavea — the semicircular tiered seating — rests on the natural slope of Castellone hill, and faces south. From there, the audience would look at the stage and, beyond it, the sea. The stage (pulpitum) area measured 24m in length and 6.60m in depth, and was set at a height of 1.50m. From the martyrdom of St Erasmus to a residential neighbourhood According to tradition, St Erasmus was martyred here on 2 June 303 AD, by order of Emperor Maximian. In the 16th century, Saracen raids severely damaged the theatre. From then on, its decline was followed by its reuse. Today around three hundred people live in the theatre area in over seventy apartments. Within the walls of the buildings, columns, vaults and opus reticulatum walls can still be seen.

The St Francis Theatre in Bolsena: a 13th-Century Gothic Church-Turned-Stage The Teatro Comunale San Francesco occupies the former Chiesa della Natività (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin), in Piazza Matteotti in Bolsena. The single-nave plan with exposed roof trusses and a raised altar area on the north side remains that of a 13th-century Gothic church, but today it hosts performances, concerts and conferences. The church was converted into a theatre in the 20th century, but its medieval structure remains clearly visible. From Monaldeschi church to the municipal theatre Construction began in the early 13th century, commissioned by the Monaldeschi della Cervara family, and dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin. It was subsequently entrusted to the Frati Minori Conventuali (Conventual Franciscan Friars), and the name "San Francesco" took hold with the arrival of the Franciscans. Over the centuries the church changed guise many times: in the 18th century the Gothic layout vanished beneath stuccoes and Baroque interventions. It took a post-war restoration to uncover what lay beneath: the splayed portal, the rose window, and the bare nave with its original proportions. On the left wall, the Monaldeschi della Cervara tomb remains. The surviving frescoes The presbytery area still contains remnants of frescoes attributed to Giovan Francesco d'Avanzarano, known as "Il Fantastico", a Viterbo painter active between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. On the nave walls other paintings are visible, including a 16th-century Crucifixion with two saints, close to the exit, and a fresco of Saint Anthony with scenes of his miracles.

The amphitheatre, known since the Middle Ages as the Arena (from the Latin harena, referring to the sand on the ground), was built during the reign of Emperor Claudius (around 41–42 AD, decades before the Colosseum in Rome, inaugurated in 80 AD) as a venue for public spectacles, especially gladiatorial combats and animal hunts. Its dimensions (major axis 152.43 m; minor axis 123.23 m) make the Arena the fourth largest preserved Roman amphitheatre in Italy. Originally, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, and to facilitate crowd management, the Arena was built just outside the ancient city walls. The structure, made of large stones from the Valpolicella region, consists of three vaulted concentric galleries and radial walls supporting the cavea with stepped seating, which spectators accessed via stairways and entrances called vomitoria. The cavea was divided into sectors for different social classes. The Ala dell’Arena corresponds to what remains of the outer ring, demolished by Theodoric in the 6th century and partially collapsed, perhaps during the 1117 earthquake. Entrances on the minor axes were reserved for distinguished guests, while those on the major axis were for gladiators (porta triumphalis). Over time, the Arena served various functions: residential, commercial, and judicial. In 1913, thanks to the tenor Giuseppe Zenatello, it hosted Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, marking the beginning of its use as a theatre for opera performances and concerts.

It lies along the upper valley of the Cesano River on a wide terrace at the confluence with the Cinisco. Testifying to Pergola's glorious past are the famous Golden Bronzes from Cartoceto di Pergola from the Julio-Claudian period, discovered in 1946. The ensemble constitutes one of the very few large gilded bronze equestrian sculptural groups from Roman antiquity that have come down to us, and can be seen in the dedicated museum at the former convent of San Giacomo. The museum also houses an art gallery with paintings and wooden works and a contemporary art section with graphic works by master Walter Valentini. The ancient Ducal Palace, the Malatesta Palace and the 18th-century Angelo Dal Foco Theatre, recently restored after years of neglect, are worth a visit. Pergola's most prized product is the truffle, to which the National Fair of the Pergola Prized White Truffle and Typical Products is dedicated in autumn. In addition to its excellent red wines, Pergola DOC and Colli Pesaresi DOC, Pergola is famous for its Visciole wine.

Buildings of times gone by in settings of rare beauty bonded by a strong wine-making vocation: villages along the Wine Routes where you can discover and experience every aspect of Italian wine-making.

Lake Trasimeno is located in the green heart of Umbria, amidst beds of reeds and charming white water lilies. It’s a true natural paradise home to wild ducks, cormorants, kites and kingfishers. Beyond the downward slope, gentle hills form the backdrop to the lake, along with sporadic woods and sunflower and corn fields, vineyards and olive groves. Agriculture here is still carried out following traditional techniques. Several towns are located on Lake Trasimeno. Some of them directly face the lake while others are nearby and are affected by the charm and attraction of this sheet of water.

From Gargano to Salento to Val d'Itria and cities of art. Apulia by bike: nature, delightful villages, typical flavours and historic sites. Passing by trulli, dry stone walls and thousand-year-old olive trees: five cycling itineraries of different levels of difficulty for in-depth exploration. A generous land which will also welcome stages of the Giro d'Italia.

If you are looking for somewhere to go skiing in Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia is an ideal destination for holidays in the snow. Breath-taking scenery immersed in unspoiled nature and large, snow-covered open spaces offering experiences for all tastes and all ages. Here are 5 not to be missed skiing areas for your next snow experience in the Italian mountains.

After landing at the port of Marina Grande, visitors can set off to discover experiences enjoyed between the ancient village of Terra Murata, the fishing village of Marina Corricella and the port of Chiaiolella on the island so dear to writers, artists and film-makers. Procida - the Italian Capital of Culture 2022 - holds the flag of Neapolitan hospitality high, offering days of good taste, discovery and well-being.