Sunset, Venezia-Murano-Burano, Venice, Veneto, Italy © Kelly Burke
“Italy will never be a normal country. Because Italy is Italy. If we were a normal country, we wouldn’t have Rome. We wouldn’t have Florence. We wouldn’t have the marvel that is Venice. ”
A number of years ago I travelled to Italy and was awestruck by the antiquity of Rome and the beauty of Venice. That trip however was cut short and Venice became an overnight stopover rather than a place to explore. Heading back in 2016 it was still a brief experience but one that I was determined to make the most of. So for now I will relive Italy through memories past and present.
Rome Station - Fast Train to Venice
Osteria alla Frasca - A hidden gem in Venice
Italy, officially the Italian Republic is a unitary parliamentary republic in Europe. Italy covers an area of 301,338 km2 (116,347 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal climate or Mediterranean climate; due to its shape, it is often referred to in Italy as lo Stivale (the Boot). With 61 million inhabitants, it is the third most populous EU member state. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy shares open land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino and Vatican City.
Commanding a long Mediterranean coastline, Italy 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 treasures such as Michelangelo’s "David" and its leather and paper artisans; Venice, the sinking city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.