The Road Best Traveled: Italy

A perfect clash between rich history and the modern, Italy stands alone in Europe as a country which was the birthplace of Western civilization. The land of the Romans and an artistic renaissance, Italy today is a strong, developed country as a member of the European Union and ranking in the top ten of the world’s Quality-of-Life index. It has continued its inventive tradition through designers like Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Versace, Valentino, Armani, Missoni, Moschino, Max Mara, Ferragamo, and Dolce & Gabbana. At the same time, Italy is the home to many top-notch museums which house some of the oldest and most famous artworks.

Rome is not only the capital of Italy, but also its largest and most populous city. Its history dates back to 753 BC when Romulus killed his brother, Remus, and founded Rome. The two brothers, raised by wolves, brought a determination and strength to the area. Hundreds of years later, the Roman republic was the home of emperors like Augustus and Julius Caesar as well as the historian Virgil. The Roman Renaissance saw artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli flourish. Must see sights include the Coliseum, an amphitheatre for gladiators and the like, as well as the Pantheon temple and the Roman Forum or what is left of the ancient Roman city and home of the emperors. Besides ruins, Rome also has many fountains like the Trevi Fountain and gardens like Villa Borghese. Trevi Fountain is an example of Baroque architecture and is actually the largest fountain in Rome. If you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, you will travel to Rome again. Around three thousand Euros are thrown into the fountain every day, used to help Rome’s less fortunate. The fountain is absolutely gorgeous, with pristine blue water and carefully sculptured figures which seem ready to burst into motion. The Spanish Steps are also a good destination, with history and high-class shopping.The Villa Borghese has a beautiful landscape which surrounds the Galleria Borghese art museum. The Borghese family’s artwork is housed here. They were a rich noble and papal family. Lastly, the Vatican City, an independent city-state ruled by the Pope, is located within Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica is an impassive church within the city which has Saint Peter’s tomb within it as well as many famous works of art. In Rome, the blending of ruins with the modern is beautiful, the two side by side at all times. Meanwhile, the citizens of Rome set themselves apart as “Romans,” proud and incredibly connected to both the past and present.

Another famous city is Venice. With rivers as streets and travel by boat, the concept of Venice is unique in itself. As you’re walking down an alleyway, it could likely lead to an open marketplace or just drop off into the water. The picturesque RialtoBridge highlights the canals, as the oldest bridge leading to a marketplace. It crosses the Grand Canal, showing gondolas and water taxis as well as ruddy colored buildings surrounding it. The Piazza San Marco is the main square, huge and intimidating even in present day. Museums surround the plaza as well as the Doge’s palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Pigeons are in charge here, hustling tourists and residents from one side to the other. Meanwhile, the basilica is the most famous and enduring church in Venice, with globes and gold resembling Byzantine architecture. At first, the basilica was intended to temporarily house the Doge, but now stands as a church. The Doge palace itself showcases courtyards and room after room, now being used as a museum. For more modern fare, check out the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, with modern artists like Duchamp, Kandinsky, Miro, and Klee. A short water taxi ride away is MuranoIsland which creates beautiful creations out of glass. Glassworkers moved to Murano in fear that the prone to fire work would burn down Venice. Venice stands apart due to its embracing of the modern. Unlike Rome, Venice almost seems new with its youngsters singing on gondolas and fashionable citizens bustling around the plaza.

Lastly, Florence is located in Tuscany and is the most populous city there. Beautiful and full of nature, Florence is considered the “cradle of the Renaissance” with many churches and art museums. Michelangelo’s David is most prominent in the Galleria dell’Accademia. Other works by Michelangelo have a home in the Bargello and Botticelli’s Venus in the Uffizi. The Medici family, powerful politically and economically, ruled in ancient times, with Machiavelli writing of Florence’s monarchs in The Prince. Florence is a must see due to its laid back vibe and its wonderful masterworks.

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