In the city you can walk through the narrow cobbled streets full of stairs and steps. Portoferraio is also known for its numerous old churches. Since the city was reconstructed in 1548 in a military style, its main attractions are fortresses Stella, Falcone and Bastion della Linguella. Another interesting sights are the Church of Reverend Mercy and Napoleon’s museum. In the old city there is also one the residences of Napoleon. If you rent a car or a motorcycle in Portoferraio, you can take a circuit around the island and visit some of the most interesting places, including hidden and remote beaches. Portoferraio has good ferry connections with Livorno, Piombino and with many other islands of the Tuscan archipelago.

In the area of ​​Portoferraio there are one of the most popular beaches for scuba diving. However the whole island of Elba is actually a paradise for divers. Therefore you can find almost everywhere a dive shop, where you can add an oxygen or rent diving equipment. Even if you have no experience with diving and would like to try it, you can subscribe to any of the courses in the local diving schools. The local beach has a gentle declivity towards the sea, which is especially appreciated by families with small children and less able-bodied swimmers. Swimming is allowed in the crystal clear water of the Ligurian Sea.

You can try out a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, paragliding, water skiing, scooters and pedal boats. The port city of Portoferraio is also an ideal place for sailing, there are regularly held international sailing races.

Not surprisingly, Portoferraio fascinated visitors since the Middle Ages, however the increasing number of tourists is the only disadvantage of this great island.

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The first records of settlements in the island of Corsica comes from the times of ancient Greece, when the island was inhabited by Greeks, Etruscans and Carthaginians. The entire island of Corsica contains of a huge mountain massif, which dominates the hill of Monte Cinto, which is with his elevation of 2706 m the highest mountain on the island of Corsica. The administrative center is the city of Ajaccio. The biggest and most important port is Bastia.

Corsica is the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. It offers a beautiful diverse nature. There you will find high mountains with lakes and meadows with streams and creeks, as well as beautiful white beaches and clear sea. Parts of the island are registered on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best known is the Gulf Port, where is the Gulf Girolata, Cape Porto, and Scandola Nature Reserve. These sites provide habitat for protected plants and animals such as gulls, cormorants and sea eagles. Gulf Port is therefore registered on UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.

Among the most important monuments on the island of Corsica is a prehistoric menhirs and dolomens, mountain cascades, and the historic city of Bonifacio.

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The oldest monument in Orvieto from the Etruscan period are remnants of the temple Tempio del Belvedere. Impressive is also the Etruscan Necropolis located under the Orvieto rock. The most representative medieval sight is Duomo from the late 13 century. From modern monuments there is a well Pozzo di San Patrizio.

In Orvieto local residents still maintain their traditions. Almost in every part of the year, there are held various cultural events and celebrations. Every year in mid-May, there is for example the Festa della Palombella – celebrations established by noble family already in the 15th century. There is also Palio dell’Oca – competition established by noble families. At the beginning of October you can attend celebrations Orvieto con gusto, where you can taste their typical products.

The famous products are olive oil and excellent wines, red, white or rose.

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Crete Senesi means clay of Siena. And right this very unusual composition of the local soil is responsible for the enchanting harmony of colors, which is so typical for this area. It’s a real paradise for every photographer. The medieval towns are spread over the hilltops.

The largest town in Crete Senesi, Asciano, has retained its medieval atmosphere. It is felt everywhere, even in the narrow streets, or in ancient churches. Of all these churches you should visit at least Basilica Sant’Agata, which construction began in the 11th century, then churches San Francesco and San Bernardino. The best time for your visit to Asciano, is september, when the town hold a historic celebration – Palio dei Ciuchi. Palio dei Ciuchi includes a donkey race and parade, in which the local residents perform in medieval costumes.

On the outskirts of town lies the most important monastery in the province of Siena – Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

At the south of monastery there is the favorite fortified village – Buonconvento.

Another interesting point is Monteroni d’Arbia, the town at whose center lies an impressive mill dates from 1322. The building of mill has been preserved almost complete, including the brick tower and a mill-race.

The best place for relax is Rapolano – wonderful town with spa that served already to Old Etruscans. There are several swimming pools with thermal water in different temperatures.

Crete Senesi is ideal for growing corn and vine. E.g. Brunello di Montalcino comes from this area.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gabriele Cantini

Volterra is called also the city of alabaster, since the mining tradition of pure white stone comes to the time of the Etruscans. Tradition and processing of alabaster are passed on from generation to generation. Local artisans create beautiful white alabaster statues and other art objects. In Museo Etrusco Guarnacci you can see a collection of more than 600 Etruscan urns of alabaster and terracotta. It is one of the best collections of Etruscan art in Italy. Ticket to the museum allows you to enter also the nearby Pinacoteca Gallery, exposing Rosso Fiorentino’ masterpiece titled “Descent from the Cross” from 1521. However, there are also other important works of Italian artists, such as Luca Signorelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Major attractions include seven city gates. The most important of these is Porta dell’Arco Etrusco, which is decorated with the heads of basalt, which represent the Etruscan deity. In the center lies the Piazza dei Priori, where you will find a variety of monuments. For example Pallazo dei Priori is the oldest seat of government in medieval Tuscany. The palace dates from 1208 and its interior has frescoes from the 14th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gabriele Cantini

On the Piazza San Giovanni is the cathedral built in the Tuscan Romanesque style, which includes the pulpit from the 13th century, decorated with reliefs. Very interesting is Palazzo Pretorio of 13th century with the tower of a little Pig. The baptistery is located opposite the cathedral and boasts a font by Sansovino. In town you can see cliffs of Balze di Volterra, or visit the archaeological park with finds from the Roman Empire.

Volterra is an ideal place for a holiday, because from here you can explore the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. By car you can also get to Florence, Siena and San Gimignano.

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In the city of Modena you will find the factories for all of the top sports cars in Italy. The Ferrari and Lamborghini are the most notable of these manufacturers. But the town is also home to De Tomaso, Maserati and Pagani. The corporate headquarters of all but Lamborghini are also located in Modena.

Palazzo Comunale e Duomo, Modena, Italy by Hierakares

The first inhabitants of Modena were the Villanovans. They would be followed by the Ligurian tribes as well as the Etruscans. While the exact date that Modena was founded is not known, the existence of the town has been known since the 3rd century B.C. The Gaulish Boii were known to have revolted against Hannibal shortly after his invasion of Italy.

In 183 B.C., the area would be re-founded and called Mutina. It was at first used as a military stronghold and as a result, was sacked by the Ligurians in 177 B.C. then rebuilt once again.

Today the largest military academy in Italy can be found in Modena at the Baroque Ducal Palace; most officers in the Italian service are trained at the palace. The nearby University of Modena which is also a popular university in the nation dates back to 1175.

There are many different museums located throughout the city of Modena. However, perhaps the most popular of these are those which house the collections of the finest and most exotic sports cars that the world has ever known. There is also a museum which is dedicated to the many fine archeological finds in the area surrounding Modena.

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Piazza di Ferrari, Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Hpschaefer

In the Roman Era, Genoa was one of the most powerful states in the Empire. Their power continued on for centuries and it is even said that the flag of England was adopted from Genoa back in 1190. They were considered to be a super power back in the 10th century. Their power would finally come to an end in 1381 when the Venetians conquered the city.

While the city went through countless busts in development, much of the more historically significant buildings were left standing and were well maintained over the centuries. In the old city center, you will find most of the city’s most notable monuments and structures. Here you will find the Piazza de Ferrari, the Via Garibaldi as well as Doge’s Palace. There is also the 16th century Musei di Strada Nuova and the 5th century St. Lorence Cathedral. The largest sea aquarium in Europe can be found in the old port area which has recently been converted into a shopping center.

Duomo di Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Idéfix

Along the edges of the Piazza de Ferrari, is where you will find the home of Christopher Columbus. While it is unclear as to whether or not Columbus was born in Genoa, what is known is that he spent most of his childhood in the city before becoming the navigator touted as having discovered America. There is also a monument nearby that has been dedicated to the world famous navigator.

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