Blending sheer spectacle with a plethora of architectural remains, the south of Italy presents much to enchant today's visitor. See the breathtaking Roman ruins preserved at Pompeii, the Greek influence and magnificent beaches of Sicily and the mystifying ancient structures in Sardina called nuraghi. Admire the Romanesque and Baroque stylings from Puglia to Campania. Bliss out on the Amalfi Coast or lose yourself in the forested landscape of Abruzzo and Molise, the rugged countryside and bustling fishing ports of Basilicata and Calabria.
Campania
This region is renowned for having one of Italy's most beautiful
coastlines, backed by irregular massifs punctuated by valleys and
plains. Among Campania's riches are the isles of Capri, Ischia and
Procida in the Gulfs of Naples (the regional capital) and Salerno, as
well as examples of classic antiquity, such as those in Herculaneum,
Pompeii, Parstum and Cuma, where amphitheaters, triumphal arches,
villas, bridges and tombs are plentiful. Baroque design is strikingly
expressed in The Royal Palace of Caserta, and even Paleolithic Art is
represented in Naples and Nocera, while relics of the Longobard Age can
be found in Capua and Benevento.
Molise
Molise is a hilly continuation of Abruzzo's landscape, crossed by many
rivers that flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region's place in the
history of Italian art is secured by the cycle of ninth-century frescoes
in the crypt of San Lorenzo in San Vincenzo al Volturno. Elsewhere
there are plenty of examples of Romanesque, medieval and Baroque-style
architecture - of which Roman - and Neapolitan influenced design can be
seen in the civic palaces.
Basilicata
An arid, rocky region of two coastlines, one in the center of the Gulf
of Taranto in the Ionian Sea, and a tiny one on the Tyrrhenian Sea, with
the famous resort of Maratea. Potenza is the capital of this
archaeologically blessed area. Relics of the Greek era can be found in
Metaponto (the Palatine Tables), while ruins of the Roman Age can be
seen in Venosa. Medieval art is featured in Venosa and Cerenza
(Romanesque style), with Arab-Byzantine and French-influenced
architecture in Melfi and Lagopesole and Matera - where visitors can
also see the "Sassi," typical houses and churches literally dug into the
"tufa" crag.
Apulia
Occupying the easternmost part of the peninsula with a long coastline on
the Ionian and the Adriatic Seas, Apulia is essentially flat and dry,
with occasionally plunging cliffs. Of great cultural interest are the
megalithic monuments at Dolmens and Menhirs, as well as the great
archeological complexes at Canne della Battaglia and Ignazia. Roman
remains are especially noteworthy throughout the region, and there are
superb Romanesque cathedrals at Trani, Barletta, Molfetta, Bitonto and
Ruvo di Puglia and Bari - where majestic castles of thirteenth-century
Byzantine-Arab style can also be found. Also unmissable is Alberobello
with its typical "trulli" houses.
Calabria
The extreme south-western region of Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian and
Ionian Seas, dominated by a high central Apennine ridge, overgrown with
thick woods, and wild coastal landscapes. Catanzaro is the capital of
this region, which yields abundant evidence of previous artistic
civilizations and ancient colonies in Sibari, Crotone, Catanzaro, Locri,
Vibo Valentia. In Cosenza and Reggio Calabria are baths, theaters and
bridges of the Roman Age, while the religious buildings show Byzantine
influence, reflecting the region's time under the Empire of Byzantium.
Gothic, Renaissance and baroque influences and styles are also well
represented in art, design and monuments.
Sicily
Less than two miles from the Italian mainland, Sicily is the largest
island in the Mediterranean and the southernmost region of Italy. Famous
for its blue skies and mild winter climate Sicily is also home to
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. This fertile paradise was
settled by Siculi, Phonecians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors,
Normans, Spaniards and Bourbons amond others, and the remnants of these
astounding cultures cover the entire island; from the temples of
Agrigento to the priceless mosaics of Piazza Armerina and the ancient
capital of Siracusa. Smaller islands, such as the Aeolian, Aegadean and
Pelagian chains as well as Pantelleria, just 90 miles off of the African
coast, are also part of Sicily, offering superb beaches and local lore.
Sardinia
The second largest island in the Mediterranean, formed by a series of
mountainous massifs, hills and narrow highlands, has jagged, rocky
coasts concealing marvelous beaches and countless picturesque inlets and
islets. Cagliari is the capital, ruled by a special statute. Pre- and -
post historic eras are expressed by the megalithic "Tombs of the
Giants"; the "domus dejanas" (houses of the witches), tombs dub into the
rock; and the mysterious "nuraghi," around 7,000 truncated cone towers
found all over the island. Phoenician and Roman remains have come to
light at Tharros and Nora; there are Roman relics at Porto Torres and
Cagliari and the Gothic-Catalonian style survives from the rule of the
Spanish House of Aragon.
Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations
