‘Journey through Italy’ (II)
This week, we’ll continue with the remaining parts of 'Journey through Italy’ by Anita Ganeri.
6. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and lies off the south-west tip of Italy’s ‘toe’.
With its rich history, stunning scenery and sunny climate, Sicily is a popular holiday destination.
At 3329m, Mount Etna is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. It rises high above the landscape in the east of Sicily and erupts almost constantly. Despite the dangers, many people have settled on Etna’s slopes because the fertile soil is good for growing oranges, lemons, olives and vines.
7. Naples is home of the pizza. A simple Greek dish of flat bread, topped with oil and herbs evolved over the centuries in Naples into the pizza we know today.
Traditional Neapolitan pizza is made with soft, light dough, expertly stretched by a master pizza-maker and cooked in a very hot wood-burning brick oven for just 90 seconds.
8. Fashion and design are hugely important industries in Milan. Stop off at one of Milan’s most glittering shopping arcades, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This arcade has a glass and metal dome and ceiling that was designed in 1865.
Italy’s main stock exchange is located in Milan along with over 200 banking companies. Manufacturing, media and tourism also make a large contribution to the money pouring into this city.
9. The River Po is Italy’s longest river, flowing from the Alps in the west to Italy’s east coast. The river’s vast flood plain is very fertile and the area around Vercelli is a centre for rice growing.
10. Turin Cathedral is home to one of the most famous holy relics in the world. The Turin Shroud is a linen cloth that shows the image of a crucified man. Many people believe that it is the cloth in which Jesus Christ was wrapped after his death on the cross. The shroud is only rarely displayed to the public.
11. Bologna’s nickname in Italy is ‘the fat one’, because of its links to food. Local specialities include mortadella (cooked pork salami), handmade pasta, such as tortellini, lasagne and tagliatelli and the delicious Bolognese sauce (ragu), made from minced beef, tomato paste and vegetables. Just off the Piazza Maggiore, you’ll find the old medieval market and food shopping area.
Picture source: https://www.berggruen.com/artists/isca-greenfield-sanders/artworks?view=slider#1
Picture source: https://www.widewalls.ch/artwork/isca-greenfield-sanders/canoes-fall
