Italy

ALGHERO

ALGHERO

The narrow, cobbled streets of Alghero’s medieval citadel,
packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants, slope towards
the harbour and sweeping bay. Built in a buttery sandstone
that glows a soft apricot shade in the setting sun, it’s
Sardinia’s most picturesque Old Town. Spanish-style
palazzos and street signs in Italian and Catalan reflect its
proud heritage - 300 years of Aragon rule. Fringed by pine
forests, long sandy beaches, hotels and bars curve away
towards green headlands. It’s an idyllic setting.

THE CITY

Protected by ancient walls with seven
fortifying towers, Alghero lies between the
sea and a green hinterland of olive trees
and vines. Although well geared for
tourism with its excellent fish restaurants
and countless little shops in the Centro
Storico (Old Town), it retains an unhurried
charm. With long beaches of soft sand
stretching along its winding coastline,
sheltered by quiet pine forests and dotted
with bars and hotels, it offers a relaxing
holiday mix of sun, sea, sand and small
city.
In the citadel’s web of narrow streets,
washing hangs beneath the shuttered
windows of tall, tightly packed houses and
peeling stucco reveal the ancient stone of
buildings inhabited for 800 years. Street
names are in Italian and Catalan, a dialect
that has been spoken here since the 13th
century.
Bars and restaurants spill out onto cobbled
streets and little piazzas, their tables
shaded by stylish cream umbrellas. They
line the great ramparts, too, affording
grand views and cooling sea breezes.
The real magic of Alghero comes with the
sunset. To stroll along the walls, or sit at a
bar and watch the old city’s buildings glow
a peachy-apricot colour as the sun sets in
a ball of orange fire behind the headland
across the bay, is one of life’s special
pleasures. Get an outdoor table at one of
the rampart restaurants, to dine by
flickering candlelight, and the romance is
complete.
DO & SEE
Cathedral of Santa Maria

The 16th-century Duomo is mainly
Catalan-Gothic and Renaissance, although
you wouldn’t guess that from its
Doric-columned frontage. Inside are
peach-coloured walls, 18th-century
chapels, and impressive Baroque marble
balustrades before the statue-filled high
altar.
Campanile

Climb the tall octagonal bell tower behind
the Cathedral for breath-taking views,
especially at sunset.
Diocesan Museum Of Sacred Art
The former Rosario church, next to the
Cathedral, is the ideal setting for an array
of priceless religious art
Torre Di Porta Terra
The tower – the remains of the main land
gate entrance into the old city – houses a
bookshop on the ground floor. Upstairs,
touch screens provide a virtual journey
through Alghero’s history, and a top floor
terrace offers panoramic city and harbour
views.
Chiesa Di San Francesco
Enchanting, restored 14th-century church,
a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and late
Renaissance, with a tranquil cloister where
summer concerts are held.
Piazza Civica
Walk through the Port a Mare (Sea Gate)
from the harbour and you’re into this busy
oblong piazza overseen by the grand,
late-medieval Catalan façade of the
Palazzo d’Albis.
Grotta Di Nettuno
Tour boats leave the harbour for Capo
Caccia and the amazing Neptune caves,
with 20m-long stalagmite and stalactite
formations decorating a cave lake.
Alternatively, take the bus to Capo Caccia
and negotiate the steep and dramatic 656
steps down to the caves, then climb back
up again!
Nuraghe Di Palmavera
The ruins of a nuraghe (stone tower)
village dating from 1500 BC, with a central
limestone tower and remnants of circular
dwellings.   
Food

Famed for its rock lobsters, Alghero is a
treat for lovers of fresh fish and seafood,
and its Catalan-Italian mix makes for some
excellent and more unusual dishes. Salami
and pecorino (sheep milk cheese) are
produced locally. Malloreddus, with
sausage and tomato sauce, is the standard
Sardinian pasta dish. Local honey appears
on desserts - try gattò, made from
almonds, honey and orange peel - and the
local red and white wines are excellent,
too.
BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Alghero’s bars are the focus of the town’s
nightlife. Be on the ramparts for sunset,
and stroll from bar to bar along the
Spiaggia di San Giovanni beachfront. Most
bars close around 01.00 or 02.00. After
that, head for the waterfront south of the
city, which stays busy until around 04.00
in summer.
Think bar-hopping, cocktail-sipping and
people-watching. In the summer months
(June to September) head for the outskirts
of the city to find the late night discos.

Public Transport

Alghero’s Old Town is made for walking,
but line AO buses are useful for reaching
the beaches. The fare is €0.70. Buy tickets
at a tabacchi, or from the bus kiosk in the
Giardini Pubblici.
Horses and their carriages line up on the
port side of the Bastioni della Maddalena.
For a summer clip-clop around town
(€3.50), while children love riding on the
Trentino Catalano miniature train (adults
€5, children €3).

Airport

Alghero Fertilia Airport is about 11 km
from town.
Orange FdS bus AA leaves for Piazza della
Mercede in town, with departures between
05.45 and 22.40, but does not link with all
flight arrival times. Journey time: 20
minutes. Fare: €0.70. Taxi from the
airport, about €20, journey time 15
minutes.

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code: 079 (always include the zero)

ANCONA   
ANCONA

As capital of a rich and historic region, Ancona is, above all,
a city of the sea. The city is blessed with a magnificent
coastline to the south, with clean and accessible water and
unspoilt white beaches. Close by are the beautiful towns of
Loreto, Recanati, Jesi and Urbino as well as the rolling hills of
the hinterland and the world-famous grotto of Frasassi.

THE CITY

A port city, capital of the prosperous
Marche region, Ancona has a rich history.
Its name comes from the Syracuse word
for elbow – Ankon – and the city has been
a trading centre for at least 3,000 years,
linking both coasts of the Adriatic Sea. This
activity has left traces on the city’s
monuments, its buildings and its urban
fabric. The city is surrounded by a beautiful
landscape, with hills rolling into the sea.
Ancona’s mountain – Mount Conero –
descends steeply into the water, and is
now a regional park which protects its
natural habitat.
Ancona is a perfect base for visiting
innumerable towns in the region, such as
the historic centres of Loreto, Recanati,
Senigallia, Jesi (the city of Federico II),
plus the stunning natural grotto of
Frasassi, as well as Fabriano and Urbino,
the capital of the Montefeltro.
Ancona is also a capital of theatre – and
historic theatres can be found across the
region and offers all kinds of shows.
Finally, the region boasts a delicious
cuisine and some of the best wine in Italy,
such as the Cornero red, Verdicchio and
the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba.
DO & SEE
Mole Vanvitelliana
Built in 1732 as a shelter, today it’s the
heart of the city as far as art and culture
are concerned.
Duomo Di San Ciriaco
This medieval cathedral dominates the city
and the port from the top of Guasco hill.
La Loggia Dei Mercanti
A medieval palace and former meeting
place for merchants.
Chiesa Santa Maria Della Piazza
A Romanesque church built above two
Paleochristian churches (whose remains
are still visible).
Pinacoteca Comunale
This is the most important art gallery in
Ancona and boasts masterpieces by Tiziano
and Guercino.
Museo Archeologico
This palazzo hosts the National
Archaeological Museum which contains
many relics dating back to the Palaeolithic
and Iron Ages, as well as Greek sculptures
and Roman mosaics and sculptures.
Anfiteatro Romano
This amphitheatre was built during the
Augustan Age (I century AD) and bears
witness to the Roman influence on the city.
Visits just for groups.
Arco Di Traiano
This elegant arch, some 18 m. high, was
erected at the entrance to the causeway
atop the harbour in honour of the Emperor
Traian.
Parco Del Conero
A beautiful park in the South of Ancona
where you’ll find rock caves and white
limestone cliffs unlike any others on the
Adriatic coast. Don’t miss Portonovo, Sirolo
and Numana.
Food
The Marche (or the Marches) region has a
rich, varied cuisine that has developed out
of poverty and the need to make the most
from what little there was. Here you will
find many rustic, tasty recipes, often with
a fish base. Typical dishes include:
brodetto all’Anconetana (a hearty Adriatic
fish soup, similar to bouillabaisse) and
stoccafisso all’Anconetana (salted cod –
Ancona style). Don’t miss stuffed Olives
Ascolana Style.
Osteria Teatro Strabacco
One of the most well-known restaurants of
the city. Meat based dishes are fantastic.
It’s not unusual to spot the rich and
famous dining here.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
As in most Italian cities, even in Ancona
the aperitivo has taken over, especially
during weekends. But, unlike other cities,
it starts quite early – around 18.30 – and it
doesn’t last long. After an aperitivo people
go to restaurants or pizzerias for dinner.
Ancona’s locals say that the city offers a
tame nightlife. Usually, they chill-out and
chat in bars and restaurants of the city
centre until 10pm. Then, they go to the
famous discos in Riccione or Rimini (about
an hour’s drive away or accessible by
train) or to the coastal towns nearby such
as Falconara and Senigallia.
Airport
Ancona’s Raffaello Sanzio Airport is near
Falconara, around 19 km from the city
centre.
Info: www.ancona-airport.com
A bus (Line J) gets you into the city centre
(Railway station) in around 30 minutes for
1,95 Euro (from 6,53 to 18,45). You can
reach the city centre also by train in
around 15 minutes from Castelferretti
Station (1,30 Euro).

Public Transport
The best way to get around the city is on
foot. The city centre is compact and is full
of monuments and other sights. The local
transport company is Conerobus
(www.conerobus.it). The ticket costs 1
Euro (1,20 Euros on board) and is valid for
90 minutes. A week subscription costs 12
Euro.

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code: 071

 BARI

BARI

Bari, a typical maritime and market city, is the capital of the
Apulia region and the second biggest city in the Italian
south. The city developed industrially in the second half of
the twentieth century and now boasts an important trade
fair, the largest in the south. Tourists visit Bari for its historic
buildings, art works and fascinating town centre, as well as
for the beaches which surround the area.

THE CITY

The people of Bari love to repeat this
phrase: "If Paris was on the sea, it would
look like a small Bari." Obviously, this is an
exaggeration, but it tells us a lot about the
pride (and sense of humour) in this area.
This is a city with a deep sense of history
and art, with rich cultural roots and a
modern business outlook. An important
city under the Greeks, Bari became a
Roman municipality, and was later
governed by the Saracens, the Venetians,
the Normans, the Aragons and finally the
Bourbons before becoming part of Italy. As
a link between the Greek and
Middle-Eastern worlds, Bari experienced its
Golden Age during the medieval period.
The glories of that age are perfectly
symbolised by the stupendous Cathedral
and Church of San Nicholas.
The Emperor Augustus Promenade is also
worthy of note – it is the main
thoroughfare in the city – as is the Nazario
Sauro Promenade, which provides a
magnificent walkway along the sea front,
as well as superb views over the city itself.
To the left, is the S. Nicola jetty where
every year, on the 8th of May, the
ceremony of the thaumaturgy statue takes
place. The statue is taken to sea on a boat
where it is worshipped by pilgrims and
believers. In this area, you can sample the
marvellous seafood in the working class
bay area known as the “nderre a la lanze.”

DO & SEE
La Città Vecchia (the Old City)
The extraordinary Old City largely consists
of narrow and winding streets. You will find
all the important medieval monuments,
such as the Swabian castle and many
churches, including the Cathedral of San
Sabino and the Basilica of San Nicola.
Il Castello Svevo (the Norman
Swabian Castle)
This building was begun by Roger II
(1139), and destroyed at least twice by the
people of Bari, in protest again the tyranny
of the Normans. Frederick II rebuilt it
almost completely between 1233 and
1240.
Basilica Di San Nicola
The basilica was constructed between 1087
and 1197, and has always held the
remains of San Nicola (who is also known
as Santa Klaus). It is both a Catholic and
an Orthodox church, and partly for this
reason, it’s a place of annual pilgrimage for
many people from all over the world.
Cattedrale Di San Sabino
This building was originally built in
Byzantine style in 1062, and rebuilt in
Romanesque form in 1170 after the
destruction at the hands of William the Evil
in 1156.
Castel Del Monte
70 km far from the centre of Bari, this
unique medieval manor house stands on
top of a hill in the Apulian Murgia, 540
metres above sea level and 18 km from
Andria. It was probably built as a hunting
residence by Frederick II between 1229
and 1249 and is a national monument.
Grotte Di Castellana (caves of
Castellana)
This series of grottoes (40 km southeast of
Bari) are the biggest in Italy. They are 3
km long and 71 mt. deep, and include long
underground passages and deep caves
covered with hundreds of stalactites and
stalagmites formed over thousands of
years by water erosion of the calcareous
rock.
Alberobello
60 km far from the centre of Bari, this is
undoubtedly one of the most picturesque
towns in the world, as it consists entirely of
tiny trulli houses.

Food
Pugliese cuisine is usually associated with
orecchiette (little-ear shaped) pasta
accompanied by cime di rapa (turnip-tops),
but there is much more to this region than
that one dish. The fresh vegetables found
here are often prepared with oil and garlic
and other specialities include fish,
homemade pasta and vegetable and
cereal-based soups. Most dishes are served
with very good bread or taralli (similar to
breadsticks). The burrata (mozzarella
cheese with a cream centre) should not be
missed. Pugliese cuisine with its delicate
flavours is generally considered to be
amongst the best in Italy.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Apéritivo venues tend to open late, at
around 20.00-21.00, because in Bari
people usually eat dinner at around
21.30-22.00, and if you arrive earlier you
will probably find a lot of empty seats.
People generally eat outside because it’s
almost never cold.
Bari’s people like to chill-out and chat in
Piazza del Ferrarese or along the old walls.
They also like to visit to the small villages
by the sea, such as Trani, Poliniano a
Mare, Molfetta and Bisceglie, for a walk
and a drink. In Bari, there are a few dance
clubs but for discos it’s worth a trip out to
the famous Divinae follie in Bisceglie, 40
km from Bari.

Airport
Bari’s International Airport is located
around 11 km from the city centre. The
local city bus (Amtab bus 16) gets you into
the city for €0,77 (from 05.00 to 23.00,
every 60 minutes) or you can catch the
Tempesta bus company shuttle to the railstation
(ticket: €4,15, every hour). Taxis cost around €20-€25.

Public Transport
The company which operates Bari’s local
transport system is Amtab. One ticket
costs €0,77 (valid for 75 minutes), but you
can get a one-day travel card for €1,81.    

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code: 0805

BERGAMO SKI
REGION

BERGAMO SKI REGION

Val Brembana takes its name from the river crossing it,
Brembo. The Bergamo Alps constitute its northern limits,
notably by the Tre Signori and Diavolo di Tenda Peaks, while
at south lies the plain of Bergamo. At East the valley borders
with the Valle Seriana and at West with the Valle Imagna.
Valle Seriana area includes the Orobie Alps, the Presolana
Peak, the Formico Peak and the Val Vertova. The natural
landscape is enriched by the historical and cultural elements
such as trails, manors and noble house, mines and religious
sancturies. The Valle di Scalve, offers a landscape with
several little glacial lakes, naturalistic trails and kilometres of
snow-covered ski tracks.

THE REGION

Put your skiing boots on and race down the
snowy white mountains. The Bergamask
mountains offer many ski runs for the
perfect skiing holiday and is within easy
reach of the Orobie mountains, in some
cases only a few dozen kilometres away. A
visit to the Brembana, Seriana and Scalve
ski resorts lets you choose between runs
that together extend for more than two
hundred kilometres.
The Val Seriana winds its way along the
Serio river, surrounded by not only
spacious snow-covered fields and
enchanting woods, but also mountains of
unrivalled beauty, which ends in the
rugged Val di Scalve. Here you will find
about ten winter resorts, both large and
small, that make up the Orobie skiing area.
The resorts are included in both the
Seriana valley and Scalve valley, with
many kilometres of runs. Here you can
practice everything from alpine skiing to
cross country and off-piste.
From Milan- Orio al Serio airport you can
easily visit the very popular ski area Monte
Pora, where the rounded mountain with its
slopes and lack of vegetation lets the sun
bathe the runs in sun. The Presolana pass
offers classic winter resorts and is perfect
for beginners and children, while also being
close to the Scalve valley in the shadow of
the north face of the Presolana mountain.
Here you can enjoy the high altitude runs
such as Pista Italia, and the beautiful
mountain refuge while Schilpario has a
wonderful cross-country piste.
With snow-white oases dotted over the
untamed slopes, Val Brembana offers an
enchanting environment with its closed
valley and folds of wild mountainsides.
Here the rough slopes have been tamed for
skiing, but without compromising their
natural beauty. Here a mix of ski resorts
caters to all tastes. Why not try
ski-mountaineering in Carona, the 47
kilometres of runs in Foppolo, the half-pipe
in San Simone, or visit Valtorta-Piani di
Bobbio skiing area. Valtorta is the only
skiing area in the Orobie mountains to
have developed on the slopes of two
different valleys, Brembana and
Valsassina, and has become one of the
most popular winter resorts of the Orobie
mountains.
Have a relaxing or adventurous ski holiday
in the mountains of Bergamo.

DO & SEE
The Orobie Mountains provide breathtaking
views and an extraordinary variety of
wildlife. Wild goats, roe deer, golden
eagles, foxes, marmots, owls and many
more can be see in the local woods.
Trekking and walking tracks are available
at the various resorts. If you don’t want to
take off your skis there are ski schools that
offer lessons for beginners, advanced and
children. There are also many routes
throughout the resorts for cross country
skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding,
alpine skiing, ice skating and snowtubing.
After a day’s skiing there are full
rogrammes of events that span through
the winter season, filling the days and
nights with fun, sport and laughter. Sledge
and night skiing, excursions by moonlight
and offpiste runs are just a few examples.
If you are interested in art and history, a
stroll through Città Alta (Bergamo upper
town) is a good place to start. Old
buildings, museums and historical
examples offer an idea of the city’s history
and culture. Visit the Piazza Vecchia, the
Venetian walls and lose yourself along the
valleys dotted with old villages. Choose
between Arlecchino’s house in Oneta or the
Accademia Tadini in Lovere, or a visit to
the village of Cornello dei Tasso. There is
plenty to choose from and discover
between hitting the slopes.
After a day’s skiing an evening of
relaxation in a spa of your choice is the
perfect ending after an active day.
Bergamo has spas and resorts that have
been famous for centuries. The spa town of
San Pellegrino Terme is the most
important. The spa is still popular thanks
to its therapeutic properties of its
watersand a walk along the banks of the
river Brembo is sure to relax you.
San’Omobono Terme in Valle Imagna is
another known spa town where you can
receive a relaxing massage or take a swim.

Airport
Orio al Serio International airport is only 5
Km away from Bergamo and 45 km from
Milan.
An Airport Bus/Shuttle goes to the city
centre every day from 6.00 to midnight,
departures every 30 minutes. There are
special tickets and fares for tourists:
3-Zone-Ticket/C fare (single trip
Bergamo-airport and the whole urban zone
including funiculars – within 90 minutes
from the validation); Daily ticket/Q fare
(one return trip Bergamo –airport and the
whole urban zone including funiculars – on
the day of its validation). 3-Day Ticket/T
fare (one or more return trips
Bergamo-airport and the whole urban zone
including funiculars – including the day of
its validation).
You can also take a taxi which should cost
around €20. See below the main
companies.
Public Transport
All the buses to the ski resorts leave from
Bergamo Bus Station (Stazione Autolinee).
To reach the Bus Station from Orio al Serio
Airport, you need to take bus n°1 (Airport
Bus), get off at the train station and then
walk few steps to the nearby Bus Station.
For further information visit the website.

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code Val Brembana: 0345

BOLOGNA
BOLOGNA

As capital of the Emilia Romagna Region, Bologna is an art
city, a university centre and a place renowned for its
excellent cuisine. It hosts important international trade fairs
and is a one of the world’s great motor cities. Ducati,
Lamborghini and Maserati were all born in Bologna and
Ferrari’s headquarters can be found in nearby Modena.

THE CITY

Italians love to define Bologna as a learned
city, a fat city and a red city. The learned
label refers to the site of the world’s oldest
university (1088). The fat label alludes to
Bolognese food, with its tagliatelle and
tortellini. Finally, Bologna is a red city
because of the colour of its houses and
also thanks to the political traditions of the
city’s administration.
But Bologna is also a city of porticos, which
stretch for nearly 40 km in the city centre,
and of the Garisenda tower, the only real
leaning tower in Italy (the leaning tower of
Pisa is in fact a bell tower). As a student
city and as the symbol of the good life,
Bologna is well known for the efficiency of
its services and the welcoming nature of its
people, who are somewhat envied for their
joie de vivre.
As an Etruscan settlement, Bologna later
became a Roman town (Bononia). During
the medieval period, the city developed
into a free commune which reached the
peak of its power in the 13th Century.
Despite falling under the control of the
Papal states in the 16th Century, the city
maintained legal and political autonomy.
Its town centre is one of the best
conserved in Europe, and is full of beautiful
palaces and churches packed with art
works which bear witness to the cultural
importance of the city over the centuries.

DO & SEE
Torre Degli Asinelli and Torre Della
Garisenda
These two leaning towers - built in the
12th century - are one of the main
symbols of Bologna. The tallest tower is
the Torre degli Asinelli (98 metres). It’s
worth making an effort to climb this tower
because of the magnificent views from the
top.

Palazzo Comunale
The Palazzo Comunale is Bologna’s town
hall and is home to a large collection of
Renaissance paintings and other pieces of
art.

S. Petronio
It is one of the largest medieval churches
in Italy. The inside is full of Gothic
archways, stained glass windows and doors
from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Santo Stefano
Extraordinary edifice consisting of four
medieval churches. The most interesting is
the church of the Sepolcro, which
preserves a representation of the Holy
Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

S. Domenico
This is the birthplace of the Dominican
order and the resting place of the remains
of its founder. Beautiful Romanesque
façade and Gothic chapels.

Pinacoteca Nazionale
This is the most important art gallery in
Bologna and boast one of the richest
collections in Northern Italy. Materpieces
by Giotto, Raffaello and others.

Food
Bologna is renowned for its rich cuisine.
You should at the very least try mortadella
(a sort of salted pork meat), tagliatelle
(handmade noodles) with meat sauce and
lasagna, which, by the way, was invented
in this city.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Don’t miss the apéritivo venues (usually
from 18.30-21.30) - today one of the most
important habits both for young and old.
It’s also an easy way to talk to Italian
people.
In Bologna, nightlife starts at 19.00 (from
the apéritivo) and goes on until late (to
discos for young people or music bars for
older).

Airport
The Bologna airport "G. Marconi," is
located 9 km from the city. The airport
coach gets you into the city for €5. There
is a bus every 15 minutes from 08.00 to
20.30, and every 20 minutes thereafter
until 23.40 - if the last flight
Roma-Bologna is late, the bus waits until
24.00.
Cabs takes you to and from the ariport for
about €20 (with a €3 supplement during
the night).
You can also arrive at the Forlì airport "L.
Ridolfi," which is located around 80 km
from the city. From there you can get a
bus, they run between 08.50 and 21.50
daily or rent a car.
Train
There is an excellent high speed rail
connection between Florence and Bologna
which takes 37 minutes. There are 70 daily
connections.
Public Transport
Atc is the company which operates
Bologna’s local transport system. One
ticket (valid for one hour) costs 1 euro but
you can get a one-day travel card for 3
euros.

Taxi
Taxi cabs are yellow with taxi signs on the
roof. They have meters with two different
rates. From midnight and 06.00 it can be
up to 50 percent more expensive than
during daytime.

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code: 051 (include the zero when
dialling locally)
 

 BRESCIA
BRESCIA

Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town
with a modern business satellite – Brescia Due – it is
prosperous and lively. Located between two of Italy’s most
famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often
overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head
straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as
Brescia has one of the most beautiful historic centres in the
region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in
northern Italy.

THE CITY

Brescia is a delight! Known as a city for
culture lovers for the quality of its
architecture, museums and exhibitions, it’s
a perfect town for strolling. Small, with
much of the historic centre pedestrianized,
it is full of ancient buildings, attractive
shops and piazzas. Unlike many other
cities, the modern business development
has been kept out of the city’s heart,
giving the historic centre great visual
appeal. Founded by the Gauls, the city
became part of the Roman Empire in the
2nd century BC. It enjoyed great
prosperity in the Middle Ages, and in 1426
it was conquered by the Venetian Republic,
who governed for nearly 400 years.
Throughout the city centre, there are
superb examples of Brescia’s heritage:
from stunning Roman remains and
Medieval churches and streets to
beautifully-decorated Renaissance and
Baroque palaces. As a university town,
Brescia has a lively atmosphere –
particularly in the Medieval area just north
of the historic centre – the area is full of
tiny cafés, restaurants and small,
international stores, many serving
Brescia’s immigrant community.

DO & SEE
Piazza Della Loggia
Not the oldest piazza in the city, but the
most beautiful – possibly even the most
beautiful piazza in Northern Italy. Here you
can find Brescia’s town hall, the Palazzo
della Loggia. The palazzo was begun in
1492, and the work lasted four centuries.
Its huge, bulbous white roof is very
distinctive. Opposite the palazzo, at the
eastern end of the piazza is the Torre dell
Orologio, a 16th century copy of the clock
tower in St Mark’s Square in Venice.
Piazza Paolo VI
Formerly known as Piazza del Duomo, this
is one of the oldest piazza’s in Brescia and
home to a number of superb buildings,
including two cathedrals: the Duomo, La
Rotonda (formerly the old Duomo) and the
Palazzo del Broletto.
La Rotonda, also known as the Duomo
Vecchio, was built in the 11th century on
the remains of the Basilica of San Filastrio.
This is the only building of its kind in Italy
– a huge cylindrical tower supported by
eight pillars. The interior is simple and very
beautiful. Head down to the very cold crypt
to see the Roman remains!
Capitoline Temple And Roman
Ampitheatre
Some of the best Roman remains in
Northern Italy, the Capitoline Temple was
constructed by the Emperor Vespasian in
73 AD. Alongside are the remains of the
theatre, thought to have held 15,000
spectators in its heyday. It was in use as a
theatre until the 12th century.
Santa Giulia - City Musuem
One of the most important archaeological
museums in Italy, housed in the
8th-century monastery of Santa Giulia,
founded by the Lombard King, Desiderio.
This museum is well-worth seeing, not only
for the enormous quantity of exhibits, but
also for the beauty of the buildings: the
8th-century Basilica of San Salvatore, the
12th century church of Santa Maria in
Solario (see the stunning 16th-century
frescoes in the oratory) and the
16th-century church of Santa Giulia.
Closed on non-holiday Mondays.
Brescia Castle
High above the city on Cidneo Hill, the
castle was built between the 13th and 16th
centuries. There are a number of museums
up here, the views over the city and the
Brescia plain are great – well worth the
effort of the climb up here!
Church Of St Francis Of Assisi
A 12th-century church with a beautiful
14th-century cloister. The church also
contains the remains of medieval frescoes.
The cloisters are open from 8.00-12.00
and 14.45-18.15 Monday-Saturday. The
Church: 10.30-11.30 and 15.00-17.00
Monday-Sunday.
Theatre
Brescia’s Teatro Grande is one of the most
prestigious theatres in Lombardy – lots of
red velvet, gilt and five tiers of boxes, its
interior inspired by La Scala in Milan.
Construction of the theatre began in 1803.
Phone for visits.
Tosio-Martinengo Gallery
A huge collection of primarily Italian art
from the 14th-18th centuries housed in a
16th-century palace. The collection
includes work by Raphael, Lorenzo Lotto
and Tintoretto.

Lake Garda
Brescia is a great jumping-off point for
discovering the beauty of Italy’s lake
district. Lake Garda is the biggest lake in
Italy, and is well-known for its pretty
lakeside towns and villages, and the
excellent windsurfing and sailing it offers.
Take the regular train (a short 15 minute
trip) from Brescia to Desenzano. From
Desenzano there are local buses or the
lake ferries.
Gardaland
Italy’s biggest theme park, located
moments from Lake Garda. Take the
regular train from Brescia to Peschiera del
Garda (around 25 minutes). From here,
there is a shuttle-bus to the theme park.

Lake Iseo
One of the least known lakes in northern
Italy, and much quieter than Garda. Check
out the Franciacorta wine-growing district
to the south of the lake, or head to Monte
Isola – the largest lake island in Europe,
mercifully free of cars! To get here take
the frequent train from Brescia to Iseo, the
lake’s prettiest town, and from here take
the lake ferry.

Brescian cuisine is well-known for its
authenticity and some might say, its
richness. Thanks to the cities history and
its geographical variety of the province –
rivers, lakes, plains, and mountains – the
range of local produce is huge: meat, fish,
cheese, olive oil and of course wines from
the famous Franciacorta region. Many of
the popular dishes on offer have been
eaten since the 15th century, such as
grilled meats, rich meat stews, risotto, and
polenta. The area just north of the historic
centre has a number of very cheap
trattorie popular with students and
workers.

Airport
Brescia is well connected with the following
airports:
Gabriele D’Annunzio Airport, Brescia
–Montichiari (20 km)

Valerio Catullo Airport, Verona (50 km)

Orio al Serio Airport, Bergamo (50 km)

Milano Linate Airport, Milano Est (100 km),
Milano Malpensa Airport, Milano Ovest (150
km)
Public transport
Getting around Brescia is best done on foot
or by bus. It is better to buy your tickets
before you board the bus (the exception is
the airport shuttle) at news-stands and
some automatic machines. € 1,00 for 75
minutes. You can also hire bikes at the
Parcheggio Biciclette outside the train
station. Phone +39 030 3061224. Online
bus timetable & info on bike hire at
www.bresciamobilita.it Brescia is
connected with its province by bus (bus
terminal SIA viale Stazione 14 and bus
terminal Autostazione via Solferino 6)
Taxi
There’s a taxi rank outside the railway
station. Expect to pay around €10 for a
10-minute trip around town.

Telephone
Country code Italy: +39
Area code, within and outside of Brescia:
030

BREUIL CERVINIA

BREUIL CERVINIA

Nestled side by side in Northwest Italy, Piedmont and Valle
d’ Aosta are two of the most spectacular regions in the
country. Bordering the French and Swiss Alps, these areas
are characterised by towering mountains and verdant
valleys, atmospheric castles that dot the landscape and food
and wine that will tantalise the taste buds of every
gastronome.
Of course this area is also home to some of the finest skiing
in Europe with the Il Cervino/Matterhorn and Monte
Bianco/Mont Blanc mountain ranges as its playgrounds.

THE REGION

Visitors to this corner of the country will
find that the Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont
are quite distinct in character from the rest
of Italy. The long history of geo-political
power struggles with their French
neighbours and the mountainous alpine
environment have created a unique
identity among the inhabitants. French was
the official language in Piedmont only a
century ago, while in Aosta, it still remains
the administrative and legal language to
this day, despite the majority of people
speaking Italian. Add to this Aosta’s
autonomy from central government and it
becomes clear why this area is seen as the
most un-Italian part of Italy.
This is perhaps most obvious in the Gothic
castles that dot the landscape of these two
regions. Dating back to the reign of the
Royal House of Savoy, the imposing
fortifications set among the majesty of the
mountains, help lend a fairy-tale air to the
surroundings, which is far removed from
the suave sophistication of the Italian
Riviera and the grandiosity of Rome.
Fortunately, this ‘otherness’ doesn’t have
any bearing on the region’s gastronomic
standards, which more than hit the heights
expected of Italian cuisine. Throughout the
two regions there is a pride in the
traditional dishes that have been passed
down through the ages and this manifests
itself in an abundance of excellent
restaurants. The region also produces
some excellent wines that will ensure that
the connoisseurs among you will be well
catered to.
Finally, before we forget… this spectacular
alpine landscape also encompasses two of
Europe’s greatest mountains – I’l
Cervino/Matterhorn and Monte
Bianco/Mont Blanc.
These two magical giants will undoubtedly
make all your dreams come true by
providing some of the best skiing
opportunities in Europe.

THE RESORT
Located high in the mountains surrounding
Il Cervino/Matterhorn, Breuil-Cervinia is
virtually guaranteed good snow coverage
throughout the season. A modern
purpose-built resort, Breuil-Cervinia may
not have the same Alpine charm as some
of its neighbours – however, it more than
makes up for it with some of the best
skiing in the Aosta Valley region, with
slopes catering to all abilities. Around town
there are plenty of activities to keep the
snow-shy occupied with ice climbing and
ice skating facilities, a swimming pool,

cinema and plenty of boutiques selling that
"must have" fashion accessory.
Tourists started to visit the area around
Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche more than
two hundred years ago. Excursionists and
academics were the pioneers of this
tourism that developed into what it is
today.
The Breuil-Cervinia resort was created in
1936, and at about the same time the first
cable car came. Hotel Gran Baita, by the
foot of the slopes, had a departure station
annexed to it and it has by over half a
century been the concept of a complex for
skiing.
Slope Life
Sitting at an altitude of 2050 m and with
the highest trail the Gobbad di Rollin
reaching 3889 m, the resort of
Breuil-Cervinia is one of the safest bets for
good snow coverage from December
through May. The resort has over 300 km
of pistes linking the resorts of
Valtournenche and Zermatt in Switzerland,
and catering to all levels of abilities. There
are plenty of long, winding low-gradient
runs that are excellent skiing for those at a
beginner’s or intermediate level, while
more experienced skiers looking for an
adrenalin rush should either hire a guide
for some off piste skiing or head for the
more severe pistes into Zermatt. The
mountain is served by 57 lifts of varying
degrees from gondolas to drag-lifts.
Ski passes can be purchased covering
anything from 1 day through 30 days. For
a ski pass covering the areas of
Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche with
Aosta Valley extension, the price for 1 day
is €36 and for a 6-day card €190. There
are also international passes for those
wanting to take the slopes into Zermatt.
See website for more information:
Internet: www.cervinia.it
There are three excellent ski schools in
Cervinia, all of which have multilingual
instructors and cater for all abilities and
ages. Prices vary depending on whether
you want individual or group tuition. Check
the websites for details.

DO & SEE
Ice Cave At Klein Matterhorn
Hidden at the arrival of the Klein
Matterhorn cable-car in Switzerland. It can
be reached only by skiers. This transparent
ice palace is one of the wonders of the
natural world

Castello di Fenis
Built by the Challants, the ruling clan of
Aosta during the Middle Ages, Castello di
Fenis is the best preserved of all the
castles perched atop the mountains in the
Valle d’Aosta. The views across the Alps
and the valleys are spectacular and are
worth the visit alone.

Snowshoe Excursions
Ditch the skis and get out and enjoy the
scenery at a more relaxing and sedate
pace. A great way to see some of the local
fauna.
Snowshoes excursions are organized also
by the ski teachers of the ski school del
Cervino.

Heli-skiing
The ultimate adrenalin rush! A panoramic
helicopter flight around the Matterhorn
Valley with the added bonus of skiing some
of the best off-piste slopes in the region!
Not for the faint-hearted! Operates
throughout the season.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE
There are many Bars available
Airports
Turin Airport: is 117km from
Breuil-Cervinia.

To and from the Airport
Train from Turin Airport-Turin Central
Station (every half hour/duration 19mins).
Turin Central-Chatillon (1hr 53 mins). Take
a bus from Chatillon-Breuil-Cervinia
(55mins). The service starts at 06.10 and
terminates at 19.25.
Bus Savda
Turin Airport to Chatillon-twice daily (1hr
35 mins)

Public transport
All resorts have free or cheap public
transport, especially in the winter for skiers
needing to go or get back from the slopes
from more distant parts of town.

Telephone
Country code: +39
Area code: 0166

BRINDISI

BRINDISI

Brindisi is the gateway to an Italian province packed with
fascination and the relics of vanished civilization. This
cultural inheritance ranges from the relics of ancient Roman
highways. Here you can find Gothic and Baroque churches,
cathedrals, frowning battlements of Swabian castles and
fortresses which are dated back to the 13th century, reign of
the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II.

THE CITY

For more than 2000 years, Brindisi has
been a maritime crossroads and its
lifeblood has always been the trade
between the Italian peninsula and the
ports of the Ionian Sea. Ferries and cargo
vessels bustle between Brindisi and Greece
24 hours a day. In ancient times this was
the terminus of the Via Appia, one of the
Roman Empire’s most important highways,
and the city has a handful of ancient
remnants of Rome’s imperial apogee, along
with some more recent memorials.
Beyond Brindisi - and within easy reach
using public transport or a rented car - lies
the countryside of Puglia, Italy’s
southernmost region. The Baroque period
of the 18th century has left its own stamp
on towns such as Francavilla Fontana,
Lecce and Ostuni. These towns are set on
sunlit hilltops that rise like islands above a
rolling landscape of olive groves and
vineyards. The coastline is a striking
mixture of ruggedly beautiful cliffs and
grottoes interspersed with a scattering of
long, sandy beaches.

Duomo
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