Italy: A Journey Through Time, Taste, and Tradition

Viva la Dolce Vita!

Italy is one of the most culturally vibrant and unique destinations in the world. From its roots in the Roman Empire through the golden years of the Renaissance to modern-day fashion, art and food, Italy has been steeped in a history of art, beauty, and tons of personality.

Walk the gladiators’ path through the Coliseum, hop on a water taxi to travel the Grand Canal in Venice or explore the winding streets of Florence to find Michelangelo’s David or get gelato in front of the Florentine Duomo. You will find the perfect mix of history and art to get lost in the past, and modern culture, food and excitement to appreciate the beauty of what Italy has been and what it is now.

Planning a trip to Italy? Here’s a guide for everything you need to know about traveling to Italy–the history, the culture and, most importantly, the food you’ll eat along the way!

History

Italy’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient civilizations. The Etruscans, the Romans, and the Byzantines have all left their marks, and have created institutions that are still in place today, such as Roman numerals, from the first large democratic political systems to aqueduct systems more advanced than many modern water transport systems.

Explore Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In Rome, walk through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where gladiators once battled, and emperors ruled. Visit museums that document Italy’s empires, as well as art, music, and architecture, and step into Italy’s medieval history, preserved in charming towns like Assisi and San Gimignano.

Italy’s modern history also includes the turbulent era of fascism and World War II, especially evident in elegant Milan, heavily damaged by the war and rebuilt in a modern style, unique for an Italian city. After World War II, the Italian Republic was formed and the country has since played a pivotal role in European integration and diplomacy.

Culture

Art and Architecture

Italy’s artistic heritage is unparalleled. From the grandeur of the Roman Empire to the brilliance of the Renaissance, Italy’s cultural contributions are everywhere. Museums like the Uffizi Gallery, the Vatican Museums, and the Galleria Borghese house works by the world’s greatest artists. The architecture, whether in Rome’s ancient ruins or Florence’s stunning cathedrals, tells the story of a civilization that has shaped the world.

Festivals and Traditions

Italians are known for their zest for life and love of festivals. Mundane parts of life become celebrations in Italian culture, where local festivals celebrate grape harvesting or cheese making, and locals and visitors come together to create the beauty of the Italian lifestyle.

The largest festival in the country, and a cultural event not to be missed in Carnevale, the Venetian masked Carnival, celebrated in the streets of Venice just before the start of Lent every spring. Each region is also host to their own Holy Week celebrations around the Easter holiday in Christian tradition.

Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine is a glorious symphony of flavors. In Northern Italy, savor rich and creamy risottos and delectable cured meats like prosciutto. Central Italy offers hearty pasta dishes and Tuscan wines. The south tempts with its seafood delights, including the freshest catches along the Italian Riviera.

Each region of Italy has its own food traditions and specialties, so as you travel, be sure to head a few streets off the beaten path to get the full local experience. There are thousands of variations on pasta, cheese, and wine combinations to make your culinary dreams come true. On your trip, be sure to indulge in pizza, gelato, espresso and so many more local delights.