Perhaps no place on earth is as vibrant in all its forms as Italy, which combines ancient history, classic architecture, delicious food with fresh ingredients, a people who feel simple and friendly, and the musical Italian language that adds a distinctive character to the experience.
Italy was once home to the Roman Empire, which ruled the ancient world from its capital, Rome. That era left its indelible mark on architecture and the art of sculpting statues that almost come to life with their sheer detail.
Some cities in southern Italy were influenced by Arab culture during the Middle Ages, as archaeological evidence indicates the existence of connections between the kings of Italy and the sultans of the Fatimid Caliphate, which left its traces on the walls of the ceiling of the Cappella Platina church in Palermo, which is decorated with Arabic letters, along with drawings of Christian saints.
Italian Food
When Italy is mentioned, scenes that invite us to enjoy the pleasures of life come to mind; the delicious and varied Italian food was immortalized in the famous movie “Eat Pray Love” by Julia Roberts, where she ate the most famous dishes of Italian cuisine such as pizza and pasta, and it was a fundamental pillar in reclaiming her passion for a better future.
Italy also has a rich musical culture and a long history of timeless songs such as the 1983 hit “L’Italiano”, which was a huge hit in Italy and the world. The lyrics of the song express the beauty, culture and history of Italy.
The Italian song “Bella Ciao” (Goodbye, Beautiful) has gained wide fame in the world, and it is one of the songs sung by Italian revolutionaries during World War II.
Kitchen Features
It is no wonder then that Italy has become the fourth largest tourist country in the world, and one of the best travel destinations in Europe. It is a popular and ideal destination for individual trips or with family or friends. It is also one of the safe countries to travel to and is suitable in terms of daily expenses, transportation and food costs.
An Italian breakfast of espresso—the hallmark of Italian cuisine—and a pastry can cost around €3 in public places, with prices varying in the more touristy areas. A hearty lunch of pasta with sauce or a Margherita pizza can fill you up for around €10 or more.
If you want to try a “halal” dinner that contains some protein, you will find many small shops that offer “doner”, which is similar to a chicken shawarma sandwich, with the addition of many salads and French fries, and its price ranges between 5-7 euros. Don’t forget to try the most famous dessert in Italy, “tiramisu”, or enjoy flavors of gelato (Italian ice cream) that you have never heard of before.
Travel planning
To plan your trip perfectly, determine the type of trip you prefer, whether it is a family trip, with friends, or an individual exploration between cities in which the traveler is relieved of the burden of bags and obligations towards the desires of others. Try to discover what you prefer in travel early when planning your vacation, as individual tastes differ from one person to another.
Some people prefer nature, including green spaces and forests, or sitting near the beach. Some prefer visiting distinctive historical landmarks. Some people find walking or moving between cities the best way to get to know the country’s culture, people, and food. Another type of people is fascinated by fashion and shopping, so they look for cities that contain local or international markets and brands.
When you decide to enjoy visiting the ancient cities of Italy, you will find yourself confused; will you choose the most famous cities such as the capital Rome and the floating city of Venice, or will you head south towards the picturesque islands such as Seredina and Sicily, or will you go towards the northern Italian cities located on the sea coast, which are given additional touches of enjoyment by the high mountains that speak of the creativity of the great Creator, such as Lake Como and the Italian Alps.
Northern cities
If you decide to visit the northern cities, whose charming nature and atmosphere are suitable for the hot summer, start with Milan, the economic capital of Italy, which is teeming with Arab communities that speak different dialects near the Duomo Square. This area in Milan also contains an integrated world for lovers of shopping and buying the finest Italian products.
Near Milan, an hour away by train, we reach the next station and the charming spot, “Como City”, which is widely famous for containing Lake Como, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by green mountain ranges and bordered by small villages built on the banks of the lake. During this time, you will enjoy moments of joy through a two-hour cruise in the waters of the picturesque lake that separates Italy from Switzerland.
Genoa is also recommended for its proximity to Milan. Genoa is a historic city with many cultural and historical attractions, especially the Old Port of Genoa, a waterfront promenade filled with restaurants, museums and galleries.
For those who love exploring and less popular and crowded places, you can go from Genoa to one of the hidden gems of northern Italy; the “Five Towns” or “Cinque Terre”, which are 5 small villages close to each other located on the western coast of Italy, and are distinguished by their colorful houses built on mountain heights near the sea, and are also famous for their fresh seafood consisting of small sardines and fresh pieces of squid at a low price of no more than 10 euros.
floating city
Despite the fame of the Italian city of Venice, a dream for travelers around the world to visit the floating city where people move through the canals using gondolas and small boats, it is very crowded, especially in the summer, which causes constant pressure on its services and limited resources, to the point that the Italian authorities decided to impose an entrance fee of 5 euros to limit the increasing number of visitors.
Let the end of this trip be in Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, famous for its traditional handicrafts and leather products among its historic neighborhoods where you can enjoy walking, and it is home to many important architectural monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is a unique masterpiece.
Also visit the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, which is the oldest and most famous bridge in historic Florence, and is also known as the Golden Bridge because of the gold and jewelry shops near it.
Thus, the diversity of cultural features in Italy; in cuisine, art, fashion and architecture, as well as the unique nature, give essential reasons to visit this country even once in a lifetime, and remember that “all roads lead to Rome”.
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An Egyptian researcher passionate about travel and writing.
