Italy Italy is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its cities have spectacular churches and large central plazas. Their museums contain some of the world's best known art. The countryside has warm, sandy beaches, high, glacier-topped mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards. Italy has made important contributions to the arts since the early middle ages. The country's greatest artistic achievements came during the Renaissance, the cultural movement that began in the early 1300's and ended about 1600. During that time Italy produced some of the greatest painters, sculptors, composers and architects in art history. It is mainly the large residue of their works that make Italy one of the most charming cities to visit.

Rome