1. Best Archaeology - Sicily's strategic location in the middle of the narrow passage between Italy and North Africa insured a steady supply of invading powers throughout antiquity. The invaders in turn left their stamp upon the island, creating a completely unique culture. Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento boast some of the best preserved Greek architecture in the world. Segesta's Doric temple is in incredible condition while the ruins of Selinunte sit atop a promontory overlooking a wide sandy beach on the Mediterranean.
The small island of Mozia off the coast of western Sicily is home to perhaps the most comprehensive Phoenician ruins in the world. Mozia is reached by a short ferry ride through the Stagnone Lagoon, with the spires of Trapani and Marsala in the distance and piles of sea salt gathered from the salt pans lining the shore.
Palermo is the best place to see the Arab influence. The Capella Palatina, Chiesa della Mortorana and San Giovanni degli Ermiti all show a remarkable combination of Normal, Byzantine and Islamic elements that can be found nowhere else in Christendom.
2. Best Artwork - There are so many places in Italy where you can go to enjoy the country's abundant artistic heritage that it's simply impossible to choose one-so I'll name three. Rome, particularly the Vatican, houses much of the greatest artistic artwork in the world. Michelangelo's master work, "the Pieta," can be found in St. Peter's Basilica while the Vatican Museums are rivaled only by the Prado in Madrid for religious artwork. The Sistine Chapel is arguably Italy's most famous artwork while Raphael's "School of Athens" is a marvelous celebration of the Renaissance spirit.
Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to Michelangelo's "David" and Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise." The Uffizi is one of the world's great art museums.
Venetian artwork hit its peaks in the late Renaissance. St. Mark's Basilica houses a rare collection of Byzantine art captured during the Fourth Crusade. The Accademia Museum features the paintings of Titian, Tintoretto and Canaletto.
3. Best Beaches - Italy is a peninsula surrounded by islands and enjoys a warm, sunny climate. Naturally, the country is rich with excellent beaches. The Riviera towns of San Tropez and Cinque Terra are popular with the rich and famous. The volcanic islands of Vulcano, Stromboli and Pantellaria are notable for their bizarre landscape of black rock. In my experience, the best beaches are popular with locals but seldom visited by tourists. If you want the Riviera without the crowds, try the border town of Ventimiglia.
In Sicily, Zingaro Nature Preserve is very close to the popular Scopello resort. Zingaro's beaches are nestled between cliffs and can only be reached by winding stairways. The Egadi Islands off the western coast of Trapani are seldom visited by tourists. Walkable yet wild with a reputation for good sea food, the Egadis are a great place to escape if you're looking for a random Mediterranean on which to lie about and sunbathe for a week or two!
4. Best Shopping - Milan is Italy's fashion capital. The Galleria is the world's first shopping mall and houses the most celebrated names in fashion: Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The nearby Piazza del Duomo also hosts many boutiques.
For crafts the best place to go is Venice. The island of Murano, located north of the principle islands, is famous for its glass works. While many of the more ornate creations are incredibly expensive, browsing various glassmakers can help you find a deal. My wife and bought our first Christmas ornament, a glass pepper of red, green and gold from a shop on Murano for under €50. Venetian Carnival masks are also a local craft that is cool, authentic and reasonably priced. Our sinister rigoletto bought from a shop in San Polo enjoys a place of honor in our apartment.
Sources:
http://www.unwto.org/facts/eng/barometer.htm (UN Tourism Website)
http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/35_Motya.html (Pictures of Mozia)
No comments:
Post a Comment