Introduction 3

Main part 3

Chapter 1. 4

Chapter 2. Sights of Italy 4

2.1 Amazing cities top attractions in Italy 5

2.2 Interesting places 5

Chapter 3 Cuisine of Italy 7

Chapter 4. Traditions of Italy 8

4.1 folk traditions 8

4.2 Family traditions 8

4.3 Wedding traditions 8

4.4 New Year traditions 9

Chapter 5. Italians 10

5.1 What is an Italian like? ten

5.2 What does an Italian do on weekends? ten

Chapter 6. INTERESTING FACTS: 12

References 13

Introduction

Italy is one of ancient countries world and at the same time it is a relatively young state that appeared on political map only a little over a hundred years ago, after the final unification in 1871 of the separate duchies and kingdoms that previously existed on its territory. Today it is a large capitalist state, one of the "big seven countries of the West."

The glory of modern Italy is created not only by the beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, the snow-white peaks of the Alps, the orange groves of Sicily, the vineyards of Tuscany and Lazio, not only

gold placers of countless monuments of centuries-old Italian culture

Italy is good for travel at any time of the year. This is a country of classical tourism, a paradise for travelers. Everyone is happy here - rich and not very rich, young and old, art lovers and admirers of beach holidays. Golden placers of countless monuments of centuries-old culture, picturesque ancient ruins, beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, snow-white peaks of the Alps, orange groves of Sicily. It does not matter for what purpose tourists go to this beautiful country - to go to museums or sunbathe on the beach, ski or swim in the sea.

The purpose of writing the work is to give a country-specific description of the country of Italy.

Main part

Chapter 1. Geographical position countries

Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world, every corner of this country is inimitable and unique. Italy is a muse for artists and poets, its air is saturated with an atmosphere of creativity and freedom. Sunny Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula, which from space resembles an elegant long boot with over the knee boots and heels. Italy is located in the south of Europe, borders Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and France, washed by the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ligurian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Italy owns the islands of Elba, Sicily and Sardinia, as well as several small islands. Two independent states - San Marino and the Vatican - are located on the territory of the Apennine Peninsula and are completely surrounded by Italy. The territory of the country from north to south is 1,170 km, from west to east - 260 km. The total area of ​​the country is 301302 sq. km.
Beautiful and varied landscapes, family beaches, numerous historical and cultural monuments enchant travelers coming to Italy from all over the world.

Chapter 2. Sights of Italy

2.1 Amazing cities the main sights of Italy

True Italy is traveling through cities of amazing beauty, relaxing on the amazing beaches of Sardinia, unforgettable sightseeing tours to Sicily, and, of course, eternal Rome. In all languages ​​of the world, the phrase "all roads lead to Rome" has long become a catchphrase. Rome cradle catholic faith, one of the oldest cities on our planet, where the most iconic and therefore especially desirable sights of Italy are concentrated for a real traveler. Poets, artists, composers of all nationalities drew inspiration here, the succession of names of great masters of art who passed through Rome and were struck by its grandeur and beauty is truly endless.

Undoubtedly, the heart of Rome its ancient ruins the ruins of a former civilization: "Eternal Rome is here", Herzen argued, looking at the majestic Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Today, these historical monuments are the most recognizable sights of Italy.

Giacomo Casanova, Venetian courtesans, gondoliers' serenades all this is the heart and soul of Italy Venice, the most stunning and most famous city peace! Venice is a city on the water that has retained its medieval appearance, a city that was so often predicted to die, but which lives on. Winding canals and countless gondolas sliding along them, romantically curved bridges, palaces, churches and small houses, labyrinths of narrow streets, carnivals filled with bright colors masks all these are fragments of a marvelous Italian fairy tale called Venice! Venice the famous landmark of Italy, sung by Byron, immortalized by many painters, is full of mystery and romance!

Another symbol of Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is a high bell tower, which is one of the oldest structures in the country. Ancient Roman ruins can also be found in the city of Pompeii in southern Italy. One of the most visited attractions in Italy is St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The Vatican is an unusual city. This is the smallest city in the world, which is located inside the city of Rome. St. Peter's Cathedral is the largest church in the world, and the most famous example Renaissance architecture. When visiting Rome, people, of course, go to see the Colosseum. This is an ancient Roman amphitheater in the center of the city. While in Florence, people visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest art museums, and Ponte Vecchio is a beautiful medieval arched bridge. Cathedral The Duomo in Milan also attracts tourists from all over the world. This is a great example gothic architecture. The list of Italian attractions is endless, but these are the most famous and most visited of all.

Chapter 3 Italian cuisine

Tasting dishes of national cuisine is one of the opportunities to get to know the country and the life of its inhabitants from the inside, along with the study of history and sightseeing.

Italian cuisine is one of the most ancient and revered. Most often, for many of us, the dishes of this cuisine are associated with pizza, pasta (pasta), olive oil. In fact, it includes the use of many ingredients: various vegetables, herbs, seafood, olive oil and others. The formation of modern Italian cuisine was also influenced by the geographical location of the country (south of Europe, proximity to the sea), and the favorable Mediterranean climate, which allows several harvests per year.

One of national dishes it's pizza. Previously, only tomatoes and cheese (“Margarita”) were used in its preparation, but now many other types of pizza are known.

Italy produces a variety of cheeses. This ingredient is a component of almost all dishes. The most common cheeses are parmesan and mozzarella these two names have long been legends in Italy. Of the vegetables, tomatoes are most often used, both fresh and for making sauces, to which a lot of greens are also added. Various seasonings and spices give unusual taste to dishes. Italians make excellent sausages from meat. This is the famous Parma ham, and Bologna sausages, and the most delicate salami everything is only the most natural. Most often, pasta or risotto is served as a first course for lunch. Pasta amaze the imagination with the variety of its forms. They are served with various sauces, sprinkled with grated cheese. Next comes the second course (usually vegetable). And at the end, according to tradition, excellent black coffee and famous Italian desserts are served. Tiramisu and delicious homemade ice cream deserve special attention.

Along with olives, Italy has a huge number of beautiful vineyards. Therefore, many world-famous wines are produced here. Italian wines is a whole culture of drinking this divine drink. As a rule, these are fairly light drinks, which begin to be consumed already during the lunch meal.

Chapter 4. Traditions of Italy

4.1 Folk traditions

Ceramics has been practiced in Italy for a long time. Moreover, in each region of the country, ceramic products are unique in their own way. They differ significantly in artistic decoration and form. Glass production has a rich history. Products made on the island of Murano (Venice) are known far beyond the borders of Italy. These are mainly chandeliers, vases, decanters, etc.

In Florence and on the island of Sardinia, wickerwork is produced - wallets, bags, caskets, belts, Florentine hats with wide brim, etc.

It is also worth noting that leather production in Italy has traditionally been associated with high quality since ancient times. Just one number worth mentioning about 70 percent of leather goods in the European Union are now made in Italy. This country is a real leader in this industry in Europe.

4.2 Family traditions

Among the cultural traditions of Italy, traditions associated with family values. Italians are very peculiar people. On the one hand, these are talkers who are very eccentric and always actively gesticulate, and on the other calm people who value their family and their home. In relation to all women, men in Italy are very gallant, but the family comes first here, and they always have a photo of their beloved wife and children with them.

¾ of the population does not change the established tradition of dining in the family circle. Children are mostly at home under the supervision of relatives with grandparents. And only in the absence of such they are sent to kindergarten.

4.3 Wedding traditions

Until the 70s of the 20th century, divorces in Italy were banned. If the marriage was unsuccessful, then it was only possible to officially live separately.

At all times, courtship consisted of evening and morning singing under the windows of a beloved girl. With a guitar, the boyfriend performed a traditional serenade (in the evening) or mattinata (in the morning). If the girl accepted courtship, then she had to throw a flower to the guy in love with her. It was possible to enter into marriage in any of the months of the year, except for May. It was also forbidden to marry during Lent. The main time for marriages in Italy is autumn. Best days weekends. Marriage on Friday or Tuesday is not welcome.

The bride should have an outfit in which there should be green or red colors (these can be elements of the toilet).

After the wedding is over, the newlyweds are traditionally showered with rice, millet, bread crumbs, flowers, coins, salt, sweets or nuts. The traditional italian wedding dances that the bride had to start. This symbolizes the strong bond between the newlyweds, as well as with the guests present at the wedding.

4.4 New Year traditions

Celebration of the New Year is the real national tradition of Italy.

Naturally, the tradition of the New Year in Italy is, first of all, filled with various dishes festive table. In this, the Italians differ little from the Slavs. But, of course, there are some peculiarities. For example, in Italy they believe that the New Year should be celebrated, freed from everything old, bad, sad, accumulated over the past year. Therefore, most Italians adhere to the custom at midnight on December 31 to throw old things out of the windows, be it dishes or furniture. The custom of putting on new clothes on the morning of the first day of the new year has the same meaning. Also, on New Year's Eve in Italy, it is customary to wear red underwear (new!), Which should bring personal luck and love, as well as fertility to the whole country as a whole.

Chapter 5. Italians

5.1 What is an Italian like?

Italians are expansive, hot, impetuous, and very sociable. Communication in the life of Italians occupies a leading position, communicating, Italians show their emotionality and liveliness. They colorfully tell some story and in every possible way help themselves in this with gestures. There is a saying that an Italian with his hands tied will not be able to speak.
Italians are often slow and inattentive, they can, having met their old acquaintance and in the course of a lively conversation, block the exit in the store without even noticing it.
The Italian character combines pride and irascibility, friendliness and goodwill.
Italians have no equal, in any situation, be it friendly communication or a dispute, they very clearly and competently build sentences.

5.2 What does an Italian do on weekends?

On weekends, Italians visit their numerous relatives and spend them together in a noisy family circle or go out of town, to nature. Football is considered one of the most important entertainments for Italians, followed by motorcycle and bicycle rides in the surroundings, tennis, and of course relaxing on ski resorts. Opera, theater, art galleries, cinema are always in the circle of interests of a true Italian.
Vacation Italians spend in nature, more often on the Italian Riviera. They love to travel especially in Italy.
A huge number of festivals are held in Italy, the most popular of which are: the International Film Festival in Venice, the Venice Biennale, the Venice Carnival of Masks, the Historical Regatta - which gathers the best gondoliers of the city, and a grandiose parade of historical boats is held. "Festival of Two Worlds" - opera and ballet performances, theatrical performances, concerts, numerous exhibitions.
In many cities there are local holidays that have become very famous and popular: Siena Palio - horse racing, held 2 times a year: July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Rodentore in Venice on July 18, etc.
Many places hold "sagra" - weeks in honor of a composer or poet, a week of grape harvest or local sport competitions. February is the month of carnivals that take place in almost every city - the celebration of Maslenitsa begins before Lent, on the so-called Ash Wednesday, the festive processions and festivities continue until Shrove Tuesday
Every spring, Courmayeur hosts the "Carnival of Masks"; on St. Valentine's Day, festive procession With folk dances. The opening of the ski season is marked by a colorful spectacle of a mass "torch" descent from the top. The Eurochocolate Festival takes place in Perugia on October 13-21. On about. Sardinia hosts Carnival in February-March, Easter holidays in April, countless autumn harvest festivals in September-October. On August 23, the “Tomato Festival” takes place in Bunol, during which not only numerous fairs and exhibitions dedicated to this vegetable are held, but also a fun “tomato battle” is arranged.

Chapter 6. INTERESTING FACTS:

1. Every fourth bottle of wine produced in the world is produced in Italy, which is Europe's leader in the cultivation of grapes;

2.Italian wisdom says that four chefs should prepare a salad: a miser, a philosopher, a spendthrift and an artist. The miser must season the salad with vinegar, the philosopher must salt, the mot must pour in the oil, and the artist must mix the salad;

3. In addition to the dough, Italian pizza must be present: fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese and parsley leaves. These three components of pizza have not only culinary but also symbolic meaning - they form color scheme Italian flag.

4. The first plumbing appeared in Rome. He was held in 312 BC. censor Appius Claudius

5. In the Italian city of Siena it is forbidden to work as a prostitute for women named Maria;

6. In Italy Mickey Mouse is known as Topolino;

7. Every year on January 17 on the day of St. Anthony in the small medieval town of Capena, north of Rome, the whole city, including small children, traditionally lights up a cigarette.

8. Italians produce the most expensive and prestigious cars in the world. The most famous brands are Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Bugatti and De Tomaso.

9. At Christmas, it is customary to give each other red shorts. Yes, and in order to be happy, you need to sleep in them on Christmas night.

10. Italians are not punctual. Time is nothing to them. Better come later so you don't have to wait.

11. When applying to public universities in Italy, you do not have to take exams. They take everyone.

12. Italians do not just love children, but allow them to do whatever they want. If someone's little one throws tomato sauce at you, you should smile and say how cute it is.

Bibliography

1. Zalessky, K.A. Most interesting countries world / K.A. Zalessky. - AST Publishing House, 2009. - 224 p.

2. Moskvin, A.G. Italy. Country of the sea and the sun (Historical guide) / A.G. Moskvin. - Veche Publishing House, 2011. - 512 p.

3. Okladnikova, E.A. International tourism / E.A. Okladnikov. Korona Print Publishing House, 2011. - 382 p.

4. Official website of the Italian National Tourism Authority [Electronic resource] - Site access mode: www.enit.it.

5. Randall, Theo Where and when to go. Italy / Theo Randall. - Astrel Publishing House, 2011. - 336 p.

6. Sapozhnikova, E.N. Regional studies. Theory and methodology of tourist study of countries / E.N. Sapozhnikov. - Moscow.: Publishing Center "Academy", 2008, - 237 p.

7. Foreign Europe. Series "Countries and peoples". - M. : Thought, 1983

8. Smirnova, A.A. Shibanova. On continents and countries: a book for reading on the geography of the continents. - M.: Enlightenment, 1981. - article "Raging element".

9. Galkina T.A., Krasnovskaya N.A. Italy. Series "At the map of the world". - M.: Thought, 1985

10. Brook. Population of the world: an ethno-demographic guide. - M.: Nauka, 1981

11. Great encyclopedia of Cyril and Methodius 2003

So, the first thing that catches your eye when looking at Italians is their openness and sociability. Yes, they are mostly very positive, relaxed people who like to enjoy good communication, sunny weather, delicious food, tart coffee in the morning, fine wine in the evenings and a pleasant emotional atmosphere.

Italians quickly close the distance in communication with other people. Once you get to know an Italian, after a while you may already notice that you are casually chatting with him as with a long-term acquaintance.

Such openness, goodwill, friendliness and ease of communication make Italians very pleasant and cheerful interlocutors. At the first meeting, it is customary to always shake hands, and when parting, even at the first meeting, it is customary to kiss twice on the cheeks. In general, it is customary for Italians to kiss each time on the cheeks when meeting and parting.

The mentality of Italians primarily reflects their sociality. The social circle is always very wide, they communicate as much as possible and often like to meet new people. It is considered perfectly normal to chat about life with a salesperson, waiter or bartender.

The sociality of Italians gives rise to various family and friendly traditions. So, in Italy it is customary to get together after school or work and go somewhere with the whole family or with friends - to a restaurant, bar or cafe, or just take a walk along the promenade, go to the theater or to a concert. In general, Italians are largely extroverted people.

Family traditions in Italy

Family means a lot to any Italian. Moreover, the family is understood not only as close relatives, but also as distant brothers, sisters, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Grandparents are traditionally the main members in the Italian family who take on the role of moral authority. In general, in fact, matriarchy is developed in families, although outwardly it may seem that a man is considered the main one.

In the Italian family, it is customary to pamper children. They are allowed to do almost anything they want, to express themselves openly. Thanks to this, they grow up sociable, uncomplexed and free.

Very often in Italian families you can find a situation where sons even over 30 years old live with their mothers. The fact is that a caring and pampering attitude of mothers towards their sons throughout life is accepted here, just as sons are very kind to their parents. Thus, Italians are in no hurry to get married and leave their home as soon as possible. The situation when Italian children stay in their home for a long time is considered absolutely normal.

By the way, divorce in Italy is a very difficult process, which can last almost seven years. In addition, you need to spend a large number of money for a lawyer and other costs associated with a divorce, plus alimony in the amount of 50% of the income. Therefore, Italian men choose their life partner very carefully and do not at all seek to marry quickly.

The Italian lifestyle is to get the most out of it

Italians tend to have a special attitude towards the pleasures in life. They strive to get the most out of the very process of life - sunny weather, walks and trips to restaurants and bars with the whole family or many friends, fine food and wine, afternoon siesta, and, of course, have a nice chat and get the most out of it.

Italian men have a special reverent attitude towards women and admiration for their beauty. Here it is customary to admire women no matter what.

Eating with Italians turns into a real cult. In Italy, the choice of restaurant and time for lunch and, of course, the dishes prepared are taken seriously. Usually lunch in Italy is considered more important than dinner and should be plentiful, with a glass of wine. The variety of Italian food, its quality and excellent taste - this is an extensive topic for a separate article!

In general, the lifestyle of Italians is as relaxed as possible. Less worries and worries, more pleasures and pleasant communication - perhaps this can be the motto of the Italian way of life. Goditi la vita!

Italy is famous for the richest cultural traditions in the world. The achievements of the Italians in art, architecture, literature, music and science had a great influence on the development of culture in many other countries.

Long before civilization ancient rome the cultures of the Etruscans in Tuscany and the Greeks in southern Italy developed. After the fall of the Roman Empire in Italy, culture fell into decline, and only in the 11th century. there were the first signs of its revival. It reached its new heyday in the 14th century. During the Renaissance, the Italians played a leading role in European science and art. Then they made such outstanding artists and sculptors like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, writers Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio.

Literature. Italian literature entered the European arena late. Latin was used as a literary language until the 13th century. and retained its significance until the 16th century. Spoken Italian slowly strengthened its position in literature. The origins of Italian literature go back to the traditions of the court love lyrics laid down by the Sicilian school in imitation of Provençal patterns. This poetry flourished at the court of Frederick II in Palermo in the early 13th century. Around the same time in Umbria, under the influence of the writings of St. Francis of Assisi created poems on religious topics.

However, it was only in Tuscany that the foundations of the literary Italian language were laid. The most outstanding Tuscan poet was Dante Alighieri, a native of Florence, the author of the Divine Comedy, one of the greatest masterpieces of world literature. He played an outstanding role in the development of the literature of the late Middle Ages, which in many ways contributed to the transformation of the Tuscan dialect into a common Italian literary language. Following Dante, other writers appeared early renaissance- Francesco Petrarca, author of lyrical poems and sonnets, and Giovanni Boccaccio, world famous for his collection of short stories Decameron.

Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio predetermined further development literature on Italian, and in the 15th c. again temporarily revived interest in the Latin language. In the 16th century created by two outstanding Italian poets - Ludovico Ariosto, the author of the heroic knightly poem Furious Roland, which is an example of the High Renaissance, and Torquato Tasso, the author of the poem Jerusalem Liberated, permeated with the spirit of militant Catholicism. In the 18th century classic comedy (Carlo Goldoni), tragedy (Vittorio Alfieri) and poetry (Giuseppe Parini) are revived. In the 19th century the reform and independence movement stimulated the development of literature. Alessandro Manzoni - poet, playwright, critic and novelist - became famous for his outstanding historical novel Betrothed. The poetry of Giacomo Leopardi was permeated with a deep sense of love for the motherland. After the unification of the country, Giosue Carducci became the main figure in Italian literature. In 1906 he became the first Italian to receive Nobel Prize for his poems, poems and studies on the history of Italian literature.

Gradually, Italian fiction began to master new literary genres. Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga, author of stories about the life of peasants and fishermen in southern Italy, founded the school of verismo (realism). His story Rural Honor inspired the composer Pietro Mascagni to compose an opera of the same name. Grazia Deledda, who received the 1926 Nobel Prize in Literature, wrote more than 30 novels and several collections of stories about the life of the people in her native Sardinia. At the beginning of the 20th century the writer Gabriele D "Annunzio stood out, in whose novels the cult was glorified strong personality and criticized Italian society.

Art. The origins of the artistic greatness of Italy date back to the 14th century, to the works of painting of the Florentine school, the greatest representative which was Giotto di Bondone. Giotto broke with the Byzantine painting style that dominated Italian medieval art and gave a natural warmth and emotion to the figures depicted in his large frescoes in Florence, Assisi and Ravenna. The naturalistic principles of Giotto and his followers were continued by Masaccio, who created majestic realistic frescoes with a masterful rendering of chiaroscuro. Other prominent representatives of the Florentine school of the early Renaissance are the painter Fra Angelico and the sculptor and jeweler Lorenzo Ghiberti. At the beginning of the 15th century Florence has become a major center of Italian art. Paolo Uccello achieved high level skill in conveying linear perspective. Donatello, a student of Ghiberti, created the first free-standing nude sculpture and equestrian statue since ancient Rome. Filippo Brunelleschi transferred the Renaissance style to architecture, Fra Filippo Lippi and his son Filippino painted elegant paintings on religious themes. The graphic skill of the Florentine school of painting was developed by such artists of the 15th century as Domenico Ghirlandaio and Sandro Botticelli.

At the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century. in Italian art three outstanding masters stood out. Michelangelo Buonarotti, the greatest of the Renaissance figures, became famous as a sculptor (Pieta, David, Moses), a painter who painted the ceiling Sistine Chapel, and the architect who designed the dome of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome. Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci The Last Supper and Mona Lisa are among the masterpieces of world painting. Rafael Santi in his canvases (Sistine Madonna, St. George and the Dragon, etc.) embodied the life-affirming ideals of the Renaissance.

The flowering of art in Venice came later than in Florence, and lasted much longer. Venetian artists, compared with Florentine ones, were less associated with a certain direction, but on their canvases one can feel the boiling of life, emotional richness and a riot of colors that provided them with unfading fame. Titian, the greatest of the Venetian artists, significantly enriched painting by applying free writing with an open brushstroke and the finest colorful chromatism. In the 16th century along with Titian, Giorgione, Palma Vecchio, Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese dominated Venetian painting.

Leading Italian master of the 17th century. was the sculptor and architect Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, who created the design of the colonnade in the square in front of the Cathedral of St. Peter, as well as many monumental sculptures in Rome. Caravaggio and Carracci created new important directions in painting. Venetian painting survived short period rise in the 18th century, when the landscape painter Canaletto and the creator decorative paintings and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Among the Italian artists of the 18th-19th centuries. stand out are the engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi, who gained fame for his paintings of the ruins of ancient Rome; sculptor Antonio Canova, who worked in the neoclassical style; a group of Florentine painters, representatives of the democratic trend in Italian painting 1860-1880s - Macchiaioli.

Italy gave the world many talented painters, and in the 20th century. Amedeo Modigliani famous for his melancholic nude figures with characteristic elongated oval faces and almond-shaped eyes. Giorgio de Chirico and Filippo de Pisis developed the metaphysical and surrealistic trends in painting that gained popularity after the First World War. Many Italian artists, including Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carra, Luigi Russolo, Giacomo Balla and Gino Cerverini, belonged to the futurist movement that was fashionable in the 1910s-1930s. Representatives of this trend partially inherited the Cubist technique and widely used regular geometric shapes.

After the Second World War, the younger generation of artists in search of new ways turned to abstract art. Lucio Fontana, Alberto Burri and Emilio Vedova played a key role in the post-war revival of Italian painting. They laid the foundation for what was later called "the art of poverty" (arte povere). AT recent times Sandro Chia, Mimmo Paladino, Enzo Cucchi and Francesco Clemente won international recognition.

Among the prominent modern Italian sculptors, Swiss-born Alberto Giacometti, known for skillfully executed works in bronze and terracotta, Mirko Basaldella, who creates monumental abstract metal compositions, Giacomo Manzu and Marino Marini, stand out. In architecture, Pier Luigi Nervi is most famous, using new engineering principles in the construction of stadiums, aircraft hangars and factories.

Music. Starting from the 4th c. AD, when St. Ambrose introduced the Greek style in church singing in the West, Italy began to lead in the creation and development of new vocal forms. It was here, thanks to the work of Pietro Casella, a friend of the great poet Dante Alighieri, that the madrigal arose. This form reached its highest development in the 16th century. in the lyrical and emotional madrigals of Luca Marenzio, reminiscent of the dissonant works of the composer Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa. In the area of church music Renaissance Italy gave the world one of the the greatest composers Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina, whose masses and motets are still used as perfect examples of musical skill. Italian musical art reached the highest point of its development primarily in the opera. Probably the first opera was Daphne by Jacopo Peri, written in 1594. Together with another opera by Peri, Eurydice, she served as an impetus for the work of the great Claudio Monteverdi, who then became famous for his famous madrigals. In Orpheus, Monteverdi first created a truly modern musical drama. Since that time, opera has been the dominant form of musical art in Europe for more than 100 years, with Italian composers setting the tone.

Italian opera reached its peak in the 19th century. The great composers at the beginning of this century were Gioacchino Rossini, famous for the Barber of Seville and Semiramide, and his contemporaries Gaetano Donizetti and Vincenzo Bellini. In the middle of the 19th century a new upsurge of operatic music began. Giuseppe Verdi demonstrated mastery in such dramatic masterpieces as Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida and Otello. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. realism in opera reaches its highest stage of development in the works of Pietro Mascagni (Country Honour), Ruggero Leoncavallo (Pagliacci), Umberto Giordano (André Chenier) and Giacomo Puccini (La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly). Although the Italians still prefer famous operas past, gradually growing in popularity contemporary works. Among the best opera composers 20th century note Ildebrando Pizzetti (Clytemnestra and Iphigenia); Franco Alfano (Doctor Antonio and Sakuntala); Pietro Canonica (Corinthian bride and Medea); Luigi Dallapiccola (Prisoner) and Goffredo Petrassi (Cordovano).

The Teatro del Opera in Rome and La Scala in Milan, where opera performances are staged, have gained worldwide fame. Along with many opera houses Italy, they are subsidized by the state. Magnificent opera seasons take place in Naples, Palermo, Venice, Florence, Bologna and Turin. During the summer, outdoor performances are held in the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, in the ancient Roman arena in Verona, in the Sforza Castle in Milan, on the island of San Giorgio in Venice and at the Teatro Mediterraneo in Naples. Italy has given the world many outstanding opera singers including tenors Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Tito Skipa, Mario del Monaco, Carlo Bergonzi and Luciano Pavarotti; baritones Antonio Scotti, Tito Gobbi and Giuseppe Taddei; basses Ezio Pinza and Cesare Siepi; sopranos Adeline Patti, Amelita Galli-Curci, Renata Tibaldi, Renata Scotto and Mirella Freni; mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli.

The Italians showed musical talents not only in the art of opera. They acted as innovators in other areas of music as well. In the 11th century monk Guido D "Arezzo invented a system of musical notation (including key signs), which became the forerunner of modern musical literacy. Development instrumental music in the West, the work of the Renaissance composer Andrea Gabrieli and his nephew Giovanni Gabrieli greatly contributed. In the 17th century Girolamo Frescobaldi enriched organ music. Arcangelo Corelli and Antonio Vivaldi were the creators musical genre concerto grosso, Alessandro Scarlatti laid the harmonic foundations of symphonic music, and his son Domenico Scarlatti was one of the founders of virtuoso harpsichord playing.

In modern musical life Italian conductors played a prominent role. Arturo Toscanini and Victor de Sabata are among the outstanding conductors the first half of the 20th century In 1992, three of the five most prestigious conductor positions were held by Italians: Claudio Abbado in Berlin, Riccardo Caili in Amsterdam and Riccardo Muti in Philadelphia. Carlo Maria Giulini (b. 1914) reached the pinnacle of this profession.

Italy is the cradle of the Renaissance. And, thanks to this era, the culture of Italy is known to the whole world.

Renaissance or Renaissance- This is the heyday of Italian culture after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Renaissance began around the 13th century. A conditional division of this period into four parts is accepted: Proto-Renaissance, continuation of the Proto-Renaissance, early Renaissance, high Renaissance.

Proto-Renaissance- this is a preparatory stage before the emergence of a real Renaissance. At this time, medieval Gothic traditions in art are illuminated more light colors hope for the beautiful.

One of the outstanding creations of this time is Dante's Divine Comedy. In this work, the fear of the circles of hell is intertwined with the despondency and hope of souls on the mountain of Purgatory and with the bright joy and happiness of Paradise.

During the continuation period Proto-Renaissance light and joyful motifs in art increase, a person becomes the crown of nature, one with it, and in the center of all compositions are human emotions, his feelings.

Around the 15th century begins early renaissance period. At this time, art in the life of Italians came to the forefront, everything in a person and the world around him was inexpressibly beautiful, charming, sublime. Artists, architects, musicians, writers have completely moved away from the gloomy, oppressive Gothic art.

All works are imbued with bright, joyful feelings. Cathedrals, churches of this period amaze with their grandeur, sublimity and lightness. The most famous creators of the early Renaissance are the artist Masaccio, sculptor Donatello and architect Brunelleschi. We can say that these people are at the origins of the early Renaissance.

Culture of Italy unimaginable without great Leonardo da Vinci, without his mysterious "Mono Lisa" or "La Gioconda".

The work of Leonardo da Vinci belongs to the high Renaissance. The interests of this great man were so versatile that his works and works are still used not only in art, but also in scientific works.

Speaking of the high Renaissance, it is impossible not to recall the Rafaele and Michelangelo. It is generally accepted that Raphael personified harmony, Michelangelo - the power of the High Renaissance, and Leonardo da Vinci - intellect.

It is difficult to refute this statement: the most grandiose work monumental painting of this era created precisely Michelangelo- paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, in the writings Leonardo da Vinci many descriptions of inventions have been found that are far ahead of their time, and all the works of Raphael are imbued with extraordinary harmony, the desire for everything most beautiful and perfect.

Culture of Italy- this is an interweaving of simple, "earthly" themes with the beautiful and sublime. Artists, sculptors, writers, musicians of Italy have turned man from a low, dependent creature into the crown of nature, the most beautiful creation of God.

Having survived many wars and having been part of several empires, this country was able to maintain its uniqueness. The original culture of Italy has remained the same as at the dawn of civilizations: people still love to eat delicious food, know a lot about beauty and beauty. good rest. Despite the fact that the country is a stronghold of Catholicism, and 96% of the population consider themselves Catholics, there are almost no zealous guardians of the faith here.

Ancient culture of Italy

The dark ages that replaced antiquity could not eradicate the traditions of ancient Rome. , like a seed, was waiting for favorable conditions to blossom into a beautiful flower of the Renaissance. After the gloomy austerity of the Gothic, luxurious palazzos and temples seemed to Europe a breath of fresh air. It was here, under the hot Mediterranean sun, that Da Vinci and Michelangelo worked, the intrigues of Borgia and Medici were woven, Boccaccio and Petrarch wrote their masterpieces. culture, once ignited by the Etruscans, could no longer go out.

Religion in Italy

played an important role in the development of art religion of italy. This is where the history of Christianity in Europe begins. Thanks to religion, Rome retained its influence on neighboring states at all times: not a single union was concluded without the approval of the Pope. It was the church that welcomed numerous artists, sculptors and architects - until the Renaissance, all art was subject to its needs. Today, Catholicism is one of the most loyal and adapted to modern realities offshoots of Christianity.

Economy of Italy

Through countless ups and downs, Italian economy survived, mainly due to the inexhaustible flow of tourists. Now the country does not have its own currency - since 2002, the Italians began to use the euro instead. Until that moment, Italian liras were in circulation on the peninsula. Established by Charlemagne, the lira came into circulation only in 1862 and was the national currency until the transition to the euro.

Science of Italy

Here are located (and still operate) the first European universities located in the towns of Sorbonne and Bologna. But these are not the only ones educational establishments: Now almost every city can boast of a university or college. Italy has always been famous not only for its scientists, but also for the level of education. Science of Italy never lacked bright minds - in the shadow of amazing architectural structures, Galileo, Bruno, Da Vinci made discoveries, talked about the structure of Machiavelli's state.

Art of Italy

The Apennine Peninsula is famous not only for its pundits. Art of Italy you can begin to learn, barely leaving the airport. Italian architects were invited to build palaces and cities in all corners of the mainland. Therefore, at first glance, the architecture may seem familiar. It seems to me geography of italy, the very nature of this region directs thoughts Italian architects and they create unusual, beautiful and eternal. But only for the first - in the homeland, the creators dispersed to the fullest and each town is unique in its own way. Tired of turning your head around, you can go to museums or look into one of the many cathedrals: even the most run-down church is a unity of the skill of architects, artists and sculptors.

Italian cuisine

It seems that Italian cuisine known (and loved) since childhood. But, firstly, after tasting pizza and pasta (as pasta is actually called), you can understand that these are completely different dishes. Secondly, in addition to these popular flour products, Italians consume countless traditional dishes. The main products in the coastal regions are fish and seafood; meat and game dishes are more popular in those far from the sea. Risotto (a rice dish with various additives), a variety of cheeses, ravioli, marinated o. Italians do not shy away from sweets: ice cream, zabaione and tiramisu.

Customs and traditions of Italy

Many Italian customs and traditions may seem strange. In order not to get into trouble, it is better to study this issue in advance. Italians love to celebrate holidays in a big way. Most Popular - New Year, Epiphany, the day of liberation from the fascist invaders (April 25), Easter week, May 1, on the first Sunday of July they celebrate the Day of the Republic, then the day of Saints Peter and Paul, the Assumption. November 1, like most European countries, All Saints Day is celebrated (preceded by a costumed evening on October 31st).

Sports of Italy

National sports of Italy football. During the broadcast of the match of the “native” team, the streets are empty, and the whole next day the Italians discuss the game, forgetting about work. Every city has its own football club. However, for them it is more than a national sport or game - it is the most important part of the life of the country.