During the Middle Ages, Venice, Florence, Milan, Genoa and other large 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 the brave man who became famous thanks to the Trojan War. Archaeologists insist that the first settlements formed here much earlier. All Italian cities are beautiful, but not one of them can be compared with Rome in beauty. The capital of modern Italy is a visual aid for those interested in ancient architecture.
The area of Rome, 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, erected even before our era and perfectly preserved, the Colosseum amphitheater is a huge stadium where gladiatorial battles once took place. Today it provides space for 50 thousand people. The Vatican city-state and its colossal museum complex, which includes over 1000 objects, are located in 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 associated 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 some locality is able to compete with Rome in the number of ancient attractions, then this is Venice. Like other Italian cities, the “bridge”, uniting 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 certain places the depth reaches 5 m. The city is located on the Adriatic coast.
The area of the city is 412 square kilometers. More than 300 thousand people live in Venice. Also in the city there are always many tourists who are attracted not only by the opportunity to swim on a gondola. It is in Venice that the magnificent Doge's Palace is located - a 15th-century building made in the Gothic style. Modern architecture is also interesting, for example, the building of Burano. Burano is a small island, the houses of the inhabitants of which are colored with all shades of the rainbow. Famous Venetian gardens the city owes 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 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 originated. No wonder it is called a museum city, working 24 hours a day.
Florence has given the world many geniuses, including Galileo, Dante. She 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, and da Vinci. Urban 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 of the cathedral, while the equally famous Giotto worked on the appearance.
What is known about Naples
Which Italian city is considered the most energetic? Of course, Naples, comfortably spread out on the south coast of the country. The streets of this village are filled with cars, scooters and pedestrians, but no one bothers each other. The Neapolitans make an impression of the busiest people in the world, but they 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 the cities of Italy, Naples is the third largest. Currently, about a million people live in it. The settlement is located in a seismically dangerous zone, since there is an active volcano Vesuvius on its territory. The last eruption took place in 1944.
Past and Present of Milan
In the Middle Ages, Milan was on the list of the most powerful Italian city-states. If you do not take Rome into account, 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, you can not miss Verona. This small town owes its fame primarily to the great Shakespeare, who "settled" here the most famous literary heroes in the world - Romeo and Juliet. Juliet’s house was built in the 13th century, on its territory 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 on the Adige River. About 260 thousand people live in it. It is curious that a small city attracts about 3 million tourists annually, probably due to its romantic history. Preserved on its territory and medieval buildings, among which the most famous is Verona Cathedral - a complex, part of which was built in the 12th century. Also here is the Roman Arena - one of the oldest stadiums in the country.
Interesting about Bologna
Calling the famous Italian cities, you can not ignore Bologna. The city is famous primarily for its developed industry, thanks to which there has been a high standard of living for several decades. Currently, the number of its inhabitants tends to 400 thousand. The village also has its own patron, by whom St. Petronius is declared.
Interestingly, it is in Bologna that the oldest university in the world is located. According to historical documents, this institution has been accepting students since 1088. Interest for connoisseurs of medieval architecture is Piazza Maggiore, on the territory of which you can see palaces erected in the 13th century. Also, the city is justly proud of its "falling towers", preserved from 1109.
The unofficial name of Bologna is “Fat Woman”. This is due to the fact that they serve amazing dishes, the recipes of which the locals keep secret.
What is interesting Perugia
Of course, Perugia is far from the most famous Italian city, but it is one of the oldest settlements in the world. For the first time it is described in chronicles created in the 9th century BC. The city, which has survived many buildings, is famous for its history, full of vibrant events that can be studied in any of the local museums.
Modern Perugia is a "fortress" located on a ridge of hills. Students who wish to master the Italian language should stay at the University for Foreigners, which is located in this city, home to many famous artists of the Middle Ages, including Raphael.
Greatness of Genoa
In ancient times, Genoa for centuries maintained 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 in our days. Proof of this is the title of the cultural capital of Europe, assigned to the village in 2004. The city is interesting for magnificent baroque palace complexes, ruins, preserved from the times of Ancient Rome, cozy old churches. The historical center literally strewn with curious sights can be called unique.
What is known about Turin
The names of Italian cities that played a role in the centuries-old history of the state are not yet complete. 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 museums that have no end, elite boutiques comfortably adjacent to souvenir shops, excellent restaurants where tourists can comfortably experience the delights of local cuisine. This city will appeal to those who are interested in Baroque architecture, as many palaces are created in this magnificent style. By the way, it was here in 2006 that the Winter Olympic Games were held.
Other cities in Italy
Siena is a city located on three hills for centuries. Many buildings of this settlement are under the tutelage of UNESCO, as they are of great historical value. Only the approximate date of foundation of Siena is known - 9-5 centuries BC. Legend attributes the construction of the city to the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. The town square is made in the shape of 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.