This site is dedicated independent study Italian from scratch. We will try to make it the most interesting and useful for everyone who is interested in this beautiful language and, of course, Italy itself.

Interesting about the Italian language.
History, facts, modernity.
Let's start with a few words about the current status of the language, it is obvious that Italian is official language in Italy, the Vatican (simultaneously with Latin), in San Marino, but also in Switzerland (in its Italian part, the canton of Ticino) and in several districts in Croatia and Slovenia, where a large Italian-speaking population lives, Italian is also spoken by some of the inhabitants on the island of Malta.

Italian dialects - can we understand each other?

In Italy itself, even today you can hear many dialects, sometimes it is enough to drive only a few tens of kilometers to encounter another of them.
At the same time, dialects are often so different from each other that they can seem like completely different languages. If people from, for example, the northern and central Italian "outback" meet, then they may not even be able to understand each other.
What is especially interesting is that in addition to the oral form, some of the dialects also have a written one, such as the Neopolitan, Venetian, Milanese and Sicilian dialects.
The latter exists, respectively, on the island of Sicily and is so different from other dialects that some researchers distinguish it as a separate Sardinian language.
However, in everyday communication and, in particular, major cities you are unlikely to experience any inconvenience, because. today the dialects are mainly spoken by older people in the countryside, while young people use the correct literary language, which unites all Italians, the language of radio and, of course, television.
It may be mentioned here that until the end of the Second World War, modern Italian was only a written language used by the ruling class, scientists and administrative institutions, and it was television that played a large role in spreading the common Italian language among all inhabitants.

How it all began, origins

The history of the formation of modern Italian as we all know it is closely connected with the history of Italy and certainly no less fascinating.
Origins - in Ancient Rome, everything was in the Roman language, commonly known as Latin, which at that time was the official official language Roman Empire. In the future, from Latin, in fact, the Italian language and many other languages ​​\u200b\u200bof Europe arose.
Therefore, knowing Latin, you can understand what a Spaniard is saying, plus or minus a Portuguese, and you can even make out part of the speech of an Englishman or Frenchman.
In 476, the last Roman emperor Romulus-Augustula abdicates the throne, after the capture of Rome by the leader of the Germans Odoacar, this date is considered the end of the Great Roman Empire.
Some also call it the end of the "Roman language", however, even today disputes still do not subside, because of what exactly the Latin language has lost its relevance, due to the capture of the Roman Empire by the barbarians, or was it a natural process and in what language itself spoke towards the end of the Roman Empire.
According to one of the versions, ancient rome by this time, along with Latin, the spoken language was already widespread, and it is from this folk language of Rome that Italian comes, which we know as Italian of the 16th century, according to the second version, due to the invasion of the barbarians, Latin was mixed with various barbarian languages ​​and dialects and it is from this synthesis that the Italian language already originates.

Birthday - first mentioned

960 is considered the birthday of the Italian language. The first document is associated with this date, where this "proto-folk language" is present - vulgare, these are court papers related to the land litigation of the Benedictine abbey, the witnesses used this particular version of the language so that the testimony was understandable to as many people as possible, up to this point in all official papers we can see only Latin.
And then there was a gradual spread in the ubiquitous life of the vulgare language, which translates as a folk language, which became the prototype of the modern Italian language.
However, the story does not end there, but only becomes more interesting and the next stage is associated with the Renaissance and with such, all famous names like Dante Alighiere, F. Petrarch, J. Boccaccio and others.
to be continued...

Online translator

I suggest that all guests of my blog use a convenient and free Italian online translator.
If you need to translate a couple of words or a short phrase from Russian to Italian or vice versa, you can use the little translator on the sidebar of the blog.
If you want to translate a large text or need other languages, use the full version of the online dictionary, where there are more than 40 languages ​​on a separate blog page - /p/onlain-perevodchik.html

Italian self-instruction manual

I present a new separate section for all learners of the Italian language - Italian Tutorial for Beginners.
Making a full-fledged Italian tutorial out of a blog is, of course, not easy, but I try to give the most convenient and logical sequence of interesting online lessons so that you can learn Italian from them yourself.
There will also be a section - an audio tutorial, where, as you might guess, there will be lessons with audio applications that can be downloaded or listened to directly on the site.
How to choose an Italian language tutorial, where to download it, or how to study it online, you will find information about this in my posts.
By the way, if someone has ideas or suggestions on how best to organize such a tutorial on our Italian blog, then be sure to write to me.

Italian via Skype

Secrets of how to learn Italian via Skype for free, whether a native speaker is always needed, how to choose a teacher, how much it costs to learn Italian via Skype, how not to waste your time and money - read about all this in the section "Italian via Skype.
Come, read and make the right choice!

Italian phrasebook

Free, Fascinating, with a native speaker - a rubric for those who want to learn words and phrases on certain topics.
Join, listen, read, learn - voiced Italian phrasebook for tourists, shopping, airport, everyday situations and much more
In chapter "

Rocky cliffs and mountain peaks in Italy are no less than seas with beaches and vineyards. This is very beautiful country, but have a special attraction in it ancient cities built on hilltops or mountain slopes. In them, historical architecture is harmoniously combined with majestic landscapes, from which any wanderer is breathtaking. Those are the best mountain towns Italy.

1. Manarola , Where to stay

This one is incredible beautiful city, climbing the rocks, was once very popular among travelers, despite the fact that there were no places for recreation and refined beaches. In this old town, life flows very calmly and measuredly, which is the best bait for a certain category of tourists.
Manarola has winding, narrow old streets without noise and the stench of cars with annoying traffic jams. But there are many generously fruitful vineyards. Local grapes are used to make many types of wines that are popular all over the world. To see this cozy town, you need to go through the Bridge of Lovers along the most picturesque tourist route in this region.

What did wonderful Italy give to the world? It is the birthplace of a huge number of famous scientists and brilliant artists, it is located most of all in ...

2. Roccascalegna , Where to stay

Three hours from Rome, in the province of Chieti, is the small commune of Roccascalegna. It is located 455 meters above sea level. Tourists come here to enjoy the purest mountain air and magnificent Mediterranean nature. The suddenly opening view of the castle, as if transferred to the tops of two limestone cliffs that rise from the valley of the Secco River, causes indescribable delight among travelers. The locals call this castle simply - La Rocca, that is, "fortress". It was built by the Lombards to protect against attacks by the Byzantines. At first it was just a watchtower, but gradually, due to additions, it turned into a castle of decent size.
A legend is connected with this castle about how Baron Corvo de Corvis died in 1646, who decided to revive the feudal tradition of the “right of the first night” (any bride from the feudal lord’s estate had to spend her wedding night with the seigneur). The legend says that either the newlywed herself, or her newly-married husband dressed in a woman's dress, killed a lustful aristocrat, and he, dying, allegedly left an indelible imprint of a bloodied hand on the wall.

3. Urbino , Where to stay

At 2 hours from Bologna, in the Marche region, there is a cultural and historical center - ancient city Urbino. There is a very interesting architecture of buildings, among which the house in which Rafael Santi, one of the geniuses of the Renaissance, was born and spent his young years, is especially noteworthy. At that time, Urbino was one of the centers of education, culture and politics in Italy. Now the UNESCO center has included it in its list. world heritage as a specially protected area.
What makes Urbino unique is its location on the slopes of two hills at once - narrow cobblestone streets here either climb steeply up or go down. The local palaces and medieval residential buildings are also interesting.

4. Civita di Bagnoregio , Where to stay

In the metropolitan region of Lazio, 140 km from Rome, in the province of Viterbo, there is a medieval castle town of Civita di Bagnoregio. It has a picturesque location on top of a hill separating two valleys. You can get there only on a 300-meter footbridge, which appeared here only in 1965.
In 2006, UNESCO listed Civita di Bagnoregio as one of the 100 sites in danger of destruction. To this little locality over 2500 years - it was founded by the Etruscans, after which it became part of the Roman Empire, survived the Middle Ages. Now it is almost deserted, but it has become a bustling tourist spot with accompanying trattorias, pizzerias, hotels and souvenir shops.

5. Erice , Where to stay

This Sicilian commune is located 1.5 hours drive from the capital of the island - Palermo. In that medieval city there are three castles at once: Balio, Pepoli and Norman, and besides them there are several other equally ancient temples. There is an observation deck here, from which, in full view, a gorgeous panorama of the coastal town of Trapani opens with its turquoise beaches, the Aegadian Islands can hardly be seen in the blue sea haze, and in clear good weather, on the very edge of the horizon, you can see the African coast of Tunisia.

During the winter and summer sales in Europe, you can afford to significantly update your wardrobe, spending a minimum of money on it. In Italian cities, buy...

6. San Gimignano , Where to stay

In the province of Tuscany there is a medieval town of San Gimignano, proudly flaunting its towers on a hill as symbols of the former power. Its ancient palaces and stone-paved streets annually attract huge masses of tourists. It is no coincidence that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This city was first mentioned in documents dated 929. At that time, it was an intermediate stop for pilgrims traveling from England to Rome, as well as on the way from Pisa to Siena, thanks to which it grew and prospered for a long time. Worth turning into San Gimignano a little away from main street as you immediately find yourself in the Middle Ages, as if time has stopped here. The peculiarity of the town is a large number of towers in its streets.

7. L'Aquila , Where to stay

In the central part of the Apennines, the ancient town of L'Aquila climbed to a height of over 700 m above sea level. It is located in the Apennine mountains, in the picturesque valley of the river Aterno. Many attractions are concentrated in this place: palaces, fountains, monuments, bridges, museums, a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, vividly reminiscent of the medieval life of the city.
L'Aquila has several educational and cultural institutions, including a conservatory and an art academy. Around historical center The city is surrounded by a powerful fortress wall, which seems to be trying to protect a corner of medieval culture from the onslaught of modernity. L'Aquila is located in a seismically active area, so strong earthquakes periodically occur here. So, on April 6, 2009, a powerful earthquake happened here, which destroyed part of the historical buildings and claimed the lives of over 200 residents of the city.

Not all compatriots know that Rome was not always the capital of modern Italy. The Italian kingdom appeared relatively recently - expanded ...

8. Pitigliano , Where to stay

Not so far from Rome in Tuscany is the commune of Pitigliano. Already at the entrance to it, a wonderful panorama opens up, which you can admire for a long time. Many of the cars passing along the road slow down on a specially prepared observation deck. Tour guides like to call the view from here the most luxurious not only in Tuscany, but throughout Italy.
From here it seems that Pitigliano literally grows out of the rocks, especially since some houses here are really carved right into the rocks. About 4,000 people live in Pitigliano, who earn mainly from tourism and agriculture. The city is sometimes called "little Jerusalem" - apparently for a long and interesting story, and also for the fact that Jews historically settled here.

9. Sorano , Where to stay

A two-hour drive from Rome is the commune of Sorano, which is an intricate labyrinth of tiny streets, courtyards, stairs and arches. A well-known attraction of Sorano are wine cellars, carved right into the rock. But the main one is still considered to be the royal castle of Orsini built in the XIV century, which in 1552 was rebuilt by Niccolò IV Orsini. This castle is considered a typical example of Renaissance military architecture. There is also an unusual attraction here - Masso Leopoldino - a natural fortified tuff terrace, which was cut down here by order of Prince Leopold. Not far from Sorano are the fortress of Vittosu and the cave settlement.

10. Aosta , Where to stay

The capital of the Valle d'Aosta region is the small medieval town of Aosta, located 585 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pennine Alps near the confluence of the Butir and Dora Baltea mountain rivers. In Aosta, the entire perimeter of the walls, the layout, all the towers have been preserved, there are many monuments of the Roman period. The entrance to the city from the east is the famous Praetorian Gate. The local monument of the Middle Ages is temple complex Saint Orso, built here between 994 and 1025. The large Romanesque three-aisled church, whose walls are decorated with frescoes, has replaced an older Carolingian church here.
The patron saint of Aosta is Saint Orso, who traveled with a bird on his shoulder. For his kindness to people, he was ranked among the bosom of saints. The inhabitants of Aosta greatly revere this saint; on New Year's Eve they regularly organize fairs dedicated to him.

Hands to Feet. Subscribe to our group

In Italy, the summer period is coming, which means it's time to choose a place for your future vacation! And where and how do the locals relax? Let's get a look!

Every summer, the Italians are divided into 2 “fronts”: the “sea team” and the “mountain team”. Half prefer a beach holiday under the hot summer sun, and the other half - escapes from the stuffiness of big cities in the mountains. And the higher the better!

Where to go?

Sea in Italy

Without a doubt, the Italians are very fond of beach holiday it is in your own country, in Italy, that you can immediately go to 4 seas, because it is surrounded by the Ligurian, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Adriatic.

Such a huge marine diversity in just one country: choose what you want!

In addition to choosing which sea to go to in Italy, you also need to decide on the type of vacation: mainland and island. So, if you want to stay in the main territory of Italy, then go to the following regions:

• Calabria region (for example, in Tropea),
• Liguria region (for example, Alassio or San Remo)
• the region of Emilia-Romagna (to the mecca of the Italian beaches of Rimini).

If you prefer to visit the islands of Italy, then give preference to Sardinia, Sicily or Capri: there you will find incredibly beautiful nature and excellent conditions for summer holidays.

By the way: during your vacation you may need a car to see the entire coast and nearby towns, you can rent a car in Italy through this site.

Mountains in Italy

In addition to the 4 seas, the mountains in Italy are also popular for recreation: the Apennines are stretched along the length of the “boot”, and the Alps are wide from above. Therefore, if you want to enjoy an active holiday and reconnect with nature, then you can go to the Emilia-Romagna region with its famous Carno alle Scalle (province of Bologna), in Dolomites in the Trentino Alto Adige region (for example, in the mountain town of Andalo) or in the famous Cortina. All these and other mountainous regions of Italy are available for summer holidays and will give you many ideas for entertainment!

Interesting fact: if in winter a huge part of the southern inhabitants of Italy moves north to ski and snowboard in the Alps, then in summer the opposite is true: the north of Italy “migrates” to its south, since in the large cities of northern Italy it is very stuffy, humid and hot in summer .

Things to do?

Sea

What to do on the beach? Relax, have fun, swim, sunbathe, enjoy incredible beauty sea ​​and spend great time with friends and family!

Interesting fact: Quite a lot of Italians don't really like to swim, but prefer to just go knee-deep into the water and chat with each other about everything in the world. At least all day long! Very few people really actively swim for half an hour or more (as our compatriots often do with pleasure), and in order to freshen up a little, they quickly get into the water, rinse and continue to stand under the sun :)

Mountains

In the summer in the mountains you can find entertainment for every taste: climbing, relaxing on lakes, hiking, especially in the mountains of Italy trekking trips are popular. You also have the opportunity to go skiing. Yes, yes, even in the height of the hot season, you can go to the glaciers where skiing and snowboarding is available all year round! Italy's glaciers are located in the Stelvio and Senales.

Where to go next to Italy?

Sea

Let the Italians love their summer holidays at home, but sometimes they are happy to visit other countries. For trips from Italy to the sea, frequent destinations are Spain, Greece and the Côte d'Azur.

Mountains

Even taking into account the fact that both the Apennines and the Alps are located in Italy, but sometimes for the sake of diversity, local residents go for mountain holidays and to the “Holy Trinity”: Austria, Switzerland or France. However, mountain holidays in these countries will cost more than in Italy.

What type of summer vacation do you prefer: sea or mountain? Or maybe even combine?

Leave your comments and stay with us: website - this is the most interesting thing about the life of Italy!

A mountainous country whose beauty and suffering have similar roots is Italy. Earthquakes that occur here are associated with the contact of lithospheric plates deep in the bowels of the Mediterranean. But Italian geology has another side - the beauty of the mountains beyond human comprehension. As well as the dangerous majesty they breathe active volcanoes Italy... Even today they often remind us that far from all the forces in the world are subject to people.

Mountain peaks occupy more than a third of the surface of Italian land. Alps, Apennine mountains, dormant and active volcanoes - all this captures the eye of the traveler. But humming that " better than mountains there can only be mountains”, do not forget that in this world there are not many places more formidable and dangerous than mountain peaks. Maybe the mountains are beautiful because it is here that a person acutely feels not only his strength and greatness? ..

Mount Blanc, Valle d'Aosta

Mount Vesuvius, Campania

Mount Corno Grande, Abruzzo

This is the highest mountain peak in the Apennines, the height of which is 2912 m. mountain peak The Corno Grande (Great Horn) is a favorite climb for climbers. They chose the expanses of the Gran Sasso massif back in the 16th century! Interestingly, the southernmost European glacier, Calderone, lurks in the mountainous crust of Corno Grande. And next to it is Corno Piccolo, or the Little Horn.

Photo source: summitpost.org.

Stromboli Volcano, Sicily

The small Sicilian island of Stromboli also has its own potentially dangerous one. Stromboli ("Round Island") is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and belongs to the Aeolian Islands. The volcano is constantly active: mini-eruptions regularly occur on Stromboli, which are visible both on the island and from the sea. Especially big eruption happened here in April 2009.

Photo source: carbonbrief.org.

Mount Etna, Sicily

If you do not take into account the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus Mountains, it is not only the highest European volcano, but also the highest point in Europe. Its height changes due to eruptions, and now it is about 3330 m. About once every three months, lava erupts from some volcanic crater of Etna onto the surface of the earth.

Photo source: youtube.com by Naturaleza Salvaje HD.

At the foot of Etna, you can stop at. Hotels with a view of the volcano are located, for example, in, and hotels are invited in the foothills of Etna.

Mount Monte Leone, Piedmont

Between Switzerland and Italy, the mountain peak of Monte Leone is located - the most high mountain(3552 m) in the Lepontine Alps. They are shrouded in legends about the Lepontians. This ancient people once inhabited this area, and he gave it a name.

Photo source: manuelpermonti.blogspot.com.

If you liked this particular place, then you need to stay in Piedmont in the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola (commune).

Volcano Vulcano, Sicily

Volcano Solfatara, Naples

Solfatara is perhaps the most mysterious volcano in Europe. It is located on the Phlegraean Fields (or "Campi-Flegrei"). This is the name of the unique territory in Naples, which actually “floats” on lava, the earth of this (densely populated, by the way) territory is so close to the magmatic melt. Solfatara is one of the few supervolcanoes on earth that is located here. A supervolcano is a volcano whose eruption is likely to lead to climate change on the entire planet Earth. And this volcanic region really threatens to become a second Vesuvius and a pan-European catastrophe... If the Phlegrean fields suddenly wake up.

Photo source: guideturistichenapoli.com.

You can stay in Naples near Campi Flegrei at the hotel. If you want to explore the city and its attractions in more detail, as well as get acquainted with other hotel offers, then use.

Mount Liskamm, Valle d'Aosta

The Liskamm mountain range is one of the most dangerous in the Pennines. The highest mountain peak here reaches more than 4,500 m. Avalanches are frequent here, on the border of Switzerland and Italy, and many huge snow blocks hang down on the ridge itself. For this, climbers nicknamed this mountain range "Cannibal". Despite the danger, brave mountain lovers go here regularly. Liskamm was first conquered by 14 British and Swiss in 1861.

Photo source: abenteuersuechtig.de.

This region is very popular with tourists. Therefore, hotels offer unique opportunities for ski holidays- choose the best!

Volcano Epomeo, Naples

Officially, the volcano is considered extinct. But still, perhaps this is another "vigilant" Italian volcanic dome. Last eruption Epomeo happened in 1301 - more than 700 years ago. However, in 2001, he nevertheless threw out sulfur. Epomeo is located on the Neapolitan island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the highest point of the island (789 m).

Photo source: fotoeweb.it.

On volcanic island Ischia is enough - you can choose the one that you like the most.

So, where is it better and more interesting, in the Alps or in the Apennines, near Etna or at the foot of Vesuvius? Many travelers agree that best mountains in italy Those are the ones you've been to. And the hottest volcano is the one near which for the first time you feel like a small part of a huge and exciting mountain world!

Tourists regard Italy primarily as a country of sightseeing, educational rest. The eternal City Rome, no less ancient Florence, Verona, Naples, bewitching Venice, mysterious island Sardinia, luxurious Milan... From trips to these places, tourists bring a huge amount of knowledge and impressions. Italy is also famous for its seaside resorts. Summer holidays on the lakes of the north of the country - Garda, Lago Maggiore, Como are also popular. But no less than cities and beaches, tourists are attracted by the mountains of Italy. What are their names? Even a schoolboy knows that the Italian "boot" is called the Apennine Peninsula because of the mountain system of the same name. On its northern border are the majestic Alps. The snow-covered four-thousand-meter peaks look like the fur edge of an Apennine boot in pictures from space. But the list does not end there either. What mountains are in Italy, what are they called and what are they characterized by - read in this article.

Alps

This is a huge mountain system that stretches across the territory of not only Italy, but also Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. It is in the Alps that the highest point in Europe, Mont Blanc, is located. A reservation must be made here: this leadership takes place if we consider the Caucasus Range as part of Asia. The height of the "White Mountain" (as the name Mont Blanc is translated) is 4808 meters, while Elbrus rises above sea level at 5642 m. The Alps are considered a mountain system. It consists of many ridges. What is the name of alpine mountains Italy? The list is quite extensive. We can say that the Alpine part of the country is divided into Western, Southern and Eastern. The boundaries between them are rather arbitrary. We will consider in order all the Alps, Apennines, mountains and volcanoes of Sicily. Let's start from the highest point in Italy, and at the same time the whole Western Europe- Mont Blanc.

Western Alps

The conditional border in the east of this mountainous region runs along the line connecting lakes Como and Lake Constance. The Western Alps are heterogeneous. They, in turn, are made up of smaller parts. From such mountains of Italy as the Maritime and Ligurian Alps. If we follow the map further to the northeast, we will see that the mountains in this part are getting higher. These are the Kotsky, Provencal, Dauphine, Bernese, Gray, Pennine, Glarn and Lepontian Alps. These mountains are characterized by steep slopes and deep gorges. This is where the ski resorts that welcome tourists all year round. Indeed, in the Western Alps there are massive glaciers. In this part there are also independent mountain ranges - Pelva and Vercors. highest peaks located in the Pennine Alps. These are such four-thousanders as Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Cervinha. The last peak has another name - the Matterhorn.

Central Alps

This part of the mountain system extends along that northern border of Italy, which is adjacent to Eastern Switzerland and the Austrian province of Tyrol. She is also very tall. But the peaks here reach only 3899 meters above sea level (Ortles). What are the mountains of Italy in this area called? Allocate the Lombard Alps, and in them - Bergama. Here the highest point is Mount Coca (3052 m). The border between Italy and Austria runs along the massif called the Ötztal Alps. The highest point of this ridge - Mount Wildspitze - reaches 3768 meters in height. In the east, the Ötztal Alps merge into the Stubai. In this massif, the Zuckerhüll peak (3507 m) is considered the highest point. Glaciation also occurs in the Central Alps (in the Ortles, Adamello and Bernina massifs). These ranges are characterized by a wide band of foothills. They are occupied by alpine meadows. Where the slopes dissect the spur valleys, there are the most beautiful

Eastern Alps

This is a small area. And not the highest in the Alps. But that doesn't make it any less picturesque. Eastern Alps subdivided into Julian and Dolomitic. The first mountain system is partly located in Italy (the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia), as well as in Slovenian Krajina. The name of these Alps comes from Julius Caesar, who marched here with an army and founded Cividale with the capital. The highest point of this massif (and at the same time Slovenia, and the entire former Yugoslavia) is Mount Triglav. Its height is 2864 meters above sea level. But the Julian Alps should not be underestimated. This is a paradise for cavers. Here is one of deepest caves of the world - Checks-2. It goes underground for one and a half kilometers. And in the Vrtoglavice cave there is the deepest continuous natural well (six hundred meters). In this part of the Alps there are such mountains of Italy, which deserve special mention.

Monte Pallidi

This was the name of this system of ridges until the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu arrived there in the eighteenth century. He investigated the mineral from which these Monte Pallidi, the Pale Mountains, were mainly composed. The breed has an interesting property to reflect the sun's rays. The mineral was named after the French geologist dolomite. Perhaps it is Italy. Photos of dolomites, illuminated by the setting sun and shimmering in different colors, from red to cream, are the hallmark of this massif. Monte Pallidi stretched for one hundred and fifty kilometers. They have eighteen peaks, the height of which overcomes the mark of three thousand meters (Mount Marmolada). It should be said about the unusual origin. These are coral reefs that have risen up as a result of volcanic activity. In Monte Pallidi, which in 2009 were fully included in the list natural heritage humanity, many nature reserves. Dolomiti Bellunesi is the most famous of them.

Apennines

The question of where the mountains are in Italy is idle. They are everywhere, except for the wide Po valley and the lowlands near Venice. Along the entire Italian “boot”, the Apennines stretched for one and a half thousand kilometers, giving the name to the entire peninsula. They are inferior to the Alps in height. The most high point Apennines - the peak of Corno Grande - does not even reach three thousand meters above sea level. However, these are the youngest mountains on our planet. A very extended system, of course, is divided into massifs, chains and ridges. The highest is the Gran Sasso. Name of this mountain range translates as "Big Stone". It is in it that the top of Korno (2914 meters) is located. Since the Apennines are young mountains, volcanic activity has not died out in them. Unfortunately, earthquakes are also frequent. Vesuvius is one of the famous volcanoes. Its height is only 1277 meters, but the eruptions are very powerful. Amiata is another of the Apennines with volcanic activity. In the southeastern part of this system, there are the karst and lava plateaus of Le Murge and Monte Gargano. The Apennines, merging with the Ligurian Alps in the north, smoothly pass to the mountains of Sicily in the south. The mountains on the toe of the Italian "boot" reach a height of 1956 m. They are called the Calabrian Apennines.

Mountains of the Italian islands

Consider first Sicily - the "pebble" that kicks the "boot". The relief of this island is also very mountainous. In a relatively small space, several arrays fit at once. These are Peloritani, Nebrodi, Le Madonie and the Ibleian Mountains. This whole system is related in origin to the Apennines. Here, too, volcanic activity has not died out, which is manifested in the obstinate and unforeseen nature of Etna. The height of this mountain reaches 3340 meters above sea level. Near Sicily are the islands of Vulcano and Stromboli. Scientists associate their origin with the underground activity of the bowels. Sardinia in relief is not much different from Sicily. Here are located such mountains of Italy as Gennargentu. This is a low chain. The main peak - Mount La Marmora - reaches 1834 meters.

Ski holidays in Italy

Surprisingly, the most popular are the Alpine resorts, although there is no shortage of them in the Apennines. Probably the reason is that in Lavigno, Cervinia you can ski all year round because of the glacier. The Apennines attract not only skiers. Alternative species are developed here active rest: climbing, trekking, orienteering. The Alpine resorts of Italy are not much inferior to the world-famous Swiss Courchevel. And their prices are lower. And no matter what mountains in Italy you choose for winter holiday, - everywhere you will find first-class service. It is interesting that, having risen on the lift to the top ski slope in Cervinje, you can famously move out ... to Switzerland. Tourists are popular with resorts such as Bormio, Dolomites-Superski and Cortina d "Ampezzo. In the long Apennine mountains there is an array of Abruzzo. It is famous not only ski resorts, but also picturesque villages, clinging, like swallows' nests, over the cliffs. People come here to ride and visit National parks, because virgin nature with numerous lakes has been preserved here.

Holidays in the mountains of Italy on thermal waters

The youth of the Alpine and Apennine systems, not extinct volcanic activity contributed to the emergence of many hot springs. Resorts appeared in their place in the Middle Ages. They are called "terme" (baths). These are not saunas and not Russian steam rooms, although recently there are also plenty of such spa services. The most famous thermal spas in the Alps are Sirmione (on Lake Garda, in Lombardy), Abano Terme (in the province of Veneto), Erbusco and Merano (in South Tyrol). IN mountain system The most popular Apennines are Monsummana and Montecatini.