Michelin - Italy Green Guide Michelin

THE GREEN GUIDE
Italy

Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Rene Mattes / Mauritius / Photononstop

THE GREEN GUIDE ITALY

Note to the reader Addresses, phone numbers, opening hours and prices published in this guide are accurate at the time of press. We welcome corrections and suggestions that may assist us in preparing the next edition. While every effort is made to ensure that all information printed in this guide is correct and up-to-date, Michelin Travel Partner accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential losses howsoever caused so far as such can be excluded by law.

The Regions of Italy

See the map opposite and on the Inside back cover.

How to

Green Guides - Discover the Destination

Main sections

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

The blue-tabbed section gives you ideas for your trip and practical information.

INTRODUCTION

The orange-tabbed section explores Nature, History, Art and Culture and the Country Today.

DISCOVERING

The green-tabbed section features Principal Sights by region, Sights, Walking Tours, Excursions, and Driving Tours.

Region intros

At the start of each region in the Discovering section is a brief introduction. Accompanied by the region maps, these provide an overview of the main tourism areas and their background.

Region maps

Star ratings

Michelin has given star ratings for more than 100 years. If youre pressed for time, we recommend you visit the three or two star sights first:

Tours

Weve selected driving and walking tours that show you the best of each town or region. Step by step directions are accompanied by detailed maps with marked routes. If you are short on time, you can follow the star ratings to decide where to stop. Selected addresses give you options for accommodation and dining en route.

Addresses

Weve selected the best hotels, restaurants, caffs, shops, nightlife and entertainment to fit all budgets. See the Legend on the cover flap for an explanation of the price categories. See the back of the guide for an index of where to find hotels and restaurants.

Other reading

• Green Guides to Rome, Venice, Tuscany, or Sicily
• Must Sees to Milan, Venice, Rome, or Italy
• Michelin Local Maps of Italy
• Michelin Regional Maps of Italy
• Michelin Italy Country Map or Road Atlas

Welcome to Italy

For centuries Italy has been one of the worlds foremost tourism destinations, attracting visitors for its art, cuisine, wine, design, fashion, and lifestyle. The Italian lifestyle, which prompts the enjoyment of these treasures to the fullest, extends to visitors as well. Culture enthusiasts will find more UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy than anywhere else in the world, while history buffs have the thrill of seeing mysteries revealed through archaeological excavations. Beauty abounds in nature, too, from the coastline prized by Italians for basking in their seaside vacations, to the craggy mountains in the North for climbing and skiing, voluptuous mountain meadows for picnicking and hiking in Central Italy, hillsides dotted with vineyards, volcanoes to climb or even observe erupting, while other thermal phenomena is transformed into sybaritic baths. Paths followed by religious pilgrims and crusaders offer tranquil retreats for all to enjoy, often leaving glorious tributes of art and architecture. The marvel of Italy being so densely packed with wonders is that one could do all of these in a single day. Its also a reminder that Italy caters to a wide range of ages and interests. Italys outdoor caffs and cosy wine bars beckon visitors to stop and savour these experiences in their myriad variety.

San Gimignano, Tuscany

Shargaljut / Dreamstime.com

Regions of Italy

Southern Italy

Rome and Lazio ()

More than a lifetime is required to explore Rome, the ancient city that serves as the capital of both Italy and the region of Lazio. The Coliseum and Vatican Museums vie for the largest number of visitors, while Romes many other treasures tend to overshadow Lazios other highlights, which include UNESCO heritage sites of an emperor and a Renaissance cardinal in Tivoli, medieval tranquillity in Viterbo and Etruscan ruins in Tarquinia. Montecassino houses a massive Benedictine monastery, a scene of conflict during World War II. Volcanic hills, forests, lakes and farmland give way to the coast, where vestiges of ancient Rome are in evidence even while sunbathers relax.

Abbazia di Montecassino, Lazio

Raimund Kutterimageb / age fotostock

Abruzzo and Molise ()

Mountains etched with tracks from ancient cattle-drives and sprawling parklands, like Parco Nazionale dAbruzzo, define most of Abruzzo and Molise. Dense forests give way to medieval towns. Along the way to monasteries, abbeys, and ancient ruins such as Pietrabbondanza and Saepinium, gourmet meals and superb wines await. The pleasantly rugged coast still preserves some spindly fishing wharves.