Italy is a sovereign state in Europe. The Renaissance began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe, bringing a renewed interest in humanism, science, exploration and art. Rome is the capital city of Italy and home to the Vatican.
The european country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
Italy was the birthplace and heart of the Renaissance during the 1400s and 1500s. The Italian Renaissance marked the transition from the medieval period to the modern age as Europe recovered, economically and culturally, from the crises of the Late Middle Ages and entered the Early Modern Period.
The name of Italy is at least 3000 years old and its nicknames are Stivale and Bel Paese. The name Stivale (the boot) is due to its shape and it is the Bel Paese (the beautiful country) because of its climate, its landscapes, its culture and its renaissance history.