Italian Culture, DaVinci to Michelangelo

Italian Culture

When one thinks of Italy it is hard not to think of its many cultural facets. As a country that has been the home of birthplace of great artists and artworks, from DaVinci to Michelangelo, Italian Culture is not only reflective of the past, but of the present and future. For Italian Culture lives on today, and today's visitor to Italy will see evidence of renaissance works next to new and exciting displays of culture.
St. Peter's Basilica - Michelangelo's Pieta

Most outsiders consider Florence the heart of Italian Culture. This is where the great thinkers, artists, engineers, composers and other cultural icons made their name and created their greatest works. This is not even to mention the famous foods from this part of Italy. For example, Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Vivaldi, Puccini, and others came from this great center of Italian culture.
Another famous cultural spot in Italy is Milan, long considered one of the true fashion capitals of the world. Milan, unlike it's older sister Florence, is a thriving metropolis immersed in modern Italian Culture. This hip and fast-paced city, as such a fashion center, also has a surprising array of old world culture as well; with museums, famous cinema houses, and, of course, amazing food. Milan is easy to visit since so many airlines fly into Milan directly from other cities around the world; take advantage of this opportunity by taking time while in Milan; you will be overwhelmed with Italian Culture at its best – the old and the new, side by side.
Although many of us are familiar with great icons of Italian Culture, there are so many famous, and famously talented individuals that, themselves, reflect the variety of culture found from Italy. For example, Antonio Vivaldi, the great baroque composer, hailed from Italy. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori educational philosophy, was born and lived in Italy. More modern Italian cultural icons include the great movie maker, Federico Fellini, the incomparable opera star, Luciano Pavarotti and the more contemporary Andrea Bocelli.
Italy is the epitome of culture and class, both old and new, and all can be found in today's Italy.
Photo by David Paul Ohmer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-o/

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Italian Movies, Simply the Best

Italian Movies, Simply the Best!

Known for it's beautiful countryside, world-class cities, rich arts and culture, and of course its food and wine, Italy can also be considered a mecca of movies.

Ever since movies have been made for popular viewing, Italy has been involved either as a setting or as the subject itself. Many well known and talented movie makers, directors and producers have come from this beautiful land, and today Italy holds a warm place in the hearts of many because of scenes and stories filmed in and about Italy.

Some of the great movies to catch that feature Italy include “Malena;” set in this small Sicilian coastal hamlet, the movie tells about the towns local beauty, and her whims a life choices, as narrated by a small villager boy. Another classic (almost instant from the moment of its release) is “A Room With a View” starring Helena Bonham Carter and Daniel Day Lewis (currently married to each other) the movie wraps itself around the main character who has requested the title 'room with a view,' and to her dismay doesn't receive one. She changes her room at the hotel, and her life changes as well. A fascinating tale of love and where one of the characters is Italy herself.

Italian movies have been made by some well known directors, more recently and notably Roberto Benigni for his “Life is Beautiful/La Vita e Bella” tale of an Italian commoner, his beautiful wife and loved son through the joys and perils of life during the second world war. Other notable Italian movie directors include Vittorio De Sica (“The Bicycle Thief,” and “Today and Tomorrow”), Massimo Troisi (“Il Postino”), and Federico Fellini (“La Dolce Vita,” and “Nights of Caribia” among many others).

Take in the sights and sounds of Italy through its wonderful Italian movies.

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Tuscany Tourism 2010

Tuscany Tourism 2010

Located in north-central, Tuscany is perhaps one of Italy's most famous regions, and Tuscany tourism opportunities are profound. You may be considering a trip to this area for a variety of reasons. Some come to Tuscany to explore the amazing countryside, while others are more interested in the experience of seeing world famous, beautiful artwork. Still others want to feel the sensation of living in cultural rich cities like Florence. Tuscany has so much to offer, that you can do it all.

Of course, another reason that people are drawn to this region is, not surprisingly, the food and wine. Its reputation as a world class food and wine region is no mistake. You might want to study Italian cooking while in Italy, and learn about the unique flavors and dishes of this region, like pappa al pomodoro (a rich, hearty bread thickened soup), risotto (a creamy, herbed rice), and tiramisu (Tuscany's famous dessert cake made with Mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers, cocoa and liquor – yum!) Of course, the Tuscany region also boasts world class wineries .

The city of Florence is the best known city in Tuscany, and for many reasons. Home of architectural wonders such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery. Of course, you must also visit Pisa, and the well known Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pisa Cathedral. Visit Chianti, namesake for the sparky red wine famous around the world as the perfect vin for northern Italian eating.

In addition to its cities, the Tuscany region is also known for its gorgeous countryside. Between the heights of the Apuan Alps, rolling valleys and grotto like nooks, the Tuscany region has an extremely wide variety of vistas and experiences. And, you can experience this region by car, plane, train, bicycle, horseback and hiking.

As the most famous region of Italy, Tuscany is one of the treasures of Mediterranean Europe.

Photo by Alaskan Dude http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2776361245_91461bfc76_b.jpg

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Italian Spas - Spend Vacation in Italy

Italian Spas - Spend Vacation in Italy

Have you ever dreamed of a vacation to Italy? With its world renown food and wine, ancient cultural sites and beautiful countryside from valleys to the tallest mountains, Italy is a vacationers dream. Did you know, however, that Italy has rich and beautiful spas to visit, making this country an all encompassing vacation destination.

From the very top of the country, and even down to the tip of Italy's 'boot,' spas pepper the land. And, of course, with the thousands of miles of shoreline, there are dozens of seaside spas to escape the stresses of every day life. No matter if your preference is the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, bustling cities or quiet hamlets, Italy has spas in every area of the country to please your every whim.

For centuries, Italians have known the benefits of therapeutic body work, and some of these therapies are exclusive to an Italian spa experience. For example, there are hundreds of thermal and mineral-rich springs known throughout the world for their healing properties. The waters in these life giving springs help to lesson the symptoms of many ailments, including skin problems, arthritis and related stiffness, vascular abnormalities and more.

Fitness and sports are a part of many Italian spas, including spas that specialize in yoga practice, Pilates, hiking in the countryside, and other fitness activities. You can build your strength and your level of relaxation at these types of spas.

Italian spas are also known for their use of Fango mud. (Actually a redundant term since “fango” means mud in Italian.) The use of this type of treatment using the mud that is found within the natural springs of Italy is helpful for many conditions such as arthritis, skin health, and as a general relaxant. To take part in a Fango treatment is truly an exclusive Italian spa indulgence.

Italy has so much to offer, and its spas are top-of-the-line, and can be found to fit every buget, preference and personal need.

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