Mountains in Italy name on the map history. Traveling through the most beautiful places in mountainous Italy (63 photos)

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Italy is an amazing place. When you come here on vacation, you will be sure that you will have an interesting and exciting time. But do you know everything about the land of wine and sun? We've picked ten interesting facts about Italy that you may not have known about.

In fact, no one knows where Italy got its name from.

The word "Italy" comes from a word that translates as "land of calves." Historians still argue to this day about how the sunny country got its name. Some believe that Italy owes its name to one of the first sovereigns who ruled in ancient times in the territory of the present region of Calabria - Ital, while there is another version, according to which the Italoi people lived in the same region of the country. thanks to which Italy became Italy.

Italy ranks fourth in Europe in terms of population.

This trend is due to the high birth rate and low death rate. In terms of its territorial area, the country of wine and sun is comparable to the American state of Arizona, but the population on the Apennine Peninsula is ten times higher than the same figure in Arizona (about 60 million Italians and 6 million Arizonans). For every square kilometer in Italy there are about 200 inhabitants.

Italy lies on a tectonic fault line.

This is one of the reasons why the country is regularly “shaken” and filled with lava by volcanoes: in 2014 alone, Italy experienced three eruptions (Etna). Let's also not forget about the almost continuous eruption of the volcano (Stromboli) that has been going on for the last 20 thousand years and has been dormant since 79, but is ready to give a surprise at any moment (Vesuvio).

Italy has the highest mountain in Europe.

And it is called Mont Blanc (translated as “white mountain”). This peak is part of the Western Alps and is located on the border between France and Germany.

More than 50 million tourists visit Italy every year.

Tourism plays a very significant role in well-being warm country, influencing directly the gross national product. According to the latest data, more than 60% of the state treasury came from tourism.

Football is the most popular sport in Italy.

Residents of sunny Italy are very ardent football fans. They not only regularly go to matches of their favorite teams, but also often “chase” the ball themselves.

Christmas is the main holiday of the year.


Religious Italians have already acquired interesting and slightly unusual celebration traditions

The country's territory is occupied by two large mountain systems: the Alps in mainland Italy and the peninsular Apennines. In general, mountains occupy about 80% of the territory of Italy. The rest falls on the coasts and the large Padan Plain. Semi island part educated mountain ranges Apennines and Tyrrhenides. The Apennines, with their gentle eastern slopes and steep cliffs in the west, occupy almost the entire territory of the peninsula. These mountains are of medium height and have hilly terrain. The island part of Italy is considered the remnants of the once destroyed and flooded Tyrrhenides. The Alps, located in the north of the country, are usually divided into the Western Alps, those that border France, the Eastern Alps, located on the border with Switzerland, the Central Alps, neighboring Austria, and the Dolomites.

Geology

The Apennines, with their folded ridges, were subject to faulting in the Neogene and then strong uplifts in the Quaternary period. Also, the formation of the relief was significantly influenced by volcanic phenomena, which continue to this day. Earthquakes are not uncommon here, indicating the incompleteness of the mountain building process.

The northern part of the Apennines is formed by clays and sandstones, as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The axial zone of the central part of these mountains is formed mainly by limestones of the Mesozoic era. In the east it is adjacent to a zone formed in the Tertiary period from sandstone and clay.
The base of the Alps is formed from metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, as well as Precambrian granites. And the cover is formed by Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. IN eastern Alps There are deposits of polymetallic, antimony, and manganese ores. In the Apennines near Tuscany, mercury ores are mined.
Due to the prevalence of limestone, karst sinkholes, grottoes, and caves are found in different areas of Italy.

Climate in the mountains of Italy

The climate varies significantly in different parts of the country, which is quite natural for such a longitude. On the shores of the Ligurian Sea, the climate is rather subtropical. The peninsular part of the country, washed by Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by a mild climate with long, hot, sunny summers and warm, humid winters. Average temperatures reach +26 °C in July and +10 °C in winter. The southern edge of the Apennines and the island part of the country are exposed to hot winds from the Sahara in summer, and then the air temperature can reach 45 ° C. The Alps are dominated by a continental climate with hot summers and rather harsh winters. The peaks of the mountains hold back the clouds and regularly bring down snowfalls. Therefore, the snow does not melt on them even in summer. Average temperature The air here in summer is about +22 °C, and in winter -15 °C.

Hydrography

The territory of Italy is tangled with a network of rivers and reservoirs, but due to the mountainous nature of the landscape, the rivers are not full of water. Unless in spring period melting snow on mountain tops. The Po, which carries its waters to the Adriatic Sea, is rightfully considered the main river of the country. Its length is 625 km, and has many tributaries originating on the slopes of the Alps and Apennines. In the spring, it tends to destroy everything in its path, which is why many dams have been built on the Po.
The second longest river in Italy is the Adige (410 km). It originates on the slopes of the Northern Alps and flows into the Adriatic Sea. It has a wild temperament, which makes it popular among kayakers. For the same reason, there are several hydroelectric power stations on it. But at the same time, in its lower part the river is navigable.

On the Apennine Peninsula there are many short mountain rivers, the largest of which are Metauro, formed from the confluence of two rivers Meta and Auro; Potenza, with its abrupt change of direction; Ezino, with a length of only 90 km; Ofanto, with its source at an altitude of 710 m. The longest river originating in the Apennines near Tuscany is the Tiber. The Tiber has a length of 405 km. Rome stands on its left bank.
Most of the rivers, especially in the south of the country, dry up in the summer. There are many underground rivers, due to karst rocks.
The most large lake The country, located in its northern part, is called Garda. The mild climate coupled with picturesque landscapes attracts lovers of a relaxing holiday. The sharp, high teeth of the Alpine mountains protect the lake from the winds. Como is one of the deepest European lakes (up to 410 m), also located in northern Italy. Various breeds of fish are bred on the lake and numerous coastal villages, surrounded by high alpine mountains, happily welcome fishing enthusiasts. Lake Lago Maggiore borders Switzerland, and it is the lowest Swiss point (193 m). The length of the lake is 60 km. Its peculiarity is the presence of many small islands.

Flora and fauna

Animal and flora Italy varies significantly between regions. The Padan Valley has been almost entirely cultivated for hundreds of years and there is no talk of wildlife here. There is a clear division along altitudinal zones. On the coast of the Apennines and the islands, vegetation typical of the subtropics is common - oaks (holm and cork), succulents, various palm trees, agaves. Among the cultivated plants here you can find citrus fruits, fig trees, olives, and almonds. As you rise to a height of 700 m, they are replaced by broad-leaved oak forests, diluted with patches of beech, ash, and chestnut. There are cultivated fruit trees and vineyards. At an altitude of one and a half thousand kilometers, typical coniferous forests of pine, spruce, and fir predominate.

The same division along zones is observed in the Alps, but the altitude is slightly different and the vegetation characteristic of the subtropics is absent. Closer to the peaks and snow are the famous emerald alpine meadows.
The fauna is also very diverse. In the center of the Apennine Peninsula they rule brown bears, ferocious boars, wolves and foxes. The middle altitudes of both mountain systems are inhabited by ferrets, wild cats, stone martens, and chamois. Hares and squirrels are often found here. Wild forest cats have taken root on the islands; wild boars, fallow deer, and mouflons live there. Various lizards and snakes crawl everywhere. Turtles are common. In the south of the peninsula you can stumble upon scorpions.

About 400 species of migratory and nesting birds have been spotted in Italy. Eagles and falcons, hawks and golden eagles soar proudly over the mountains. You can also see a vulture here. The Alpine highlands are inhabited by wood grouse, ptarmigan, swifts, and hazel grouse. Ducks and geese can be seen near the lakes. Carp and trout are common in mountain rivers.

Mountain regions of Italy

Apennine mountains

The Apennines stretch for 1000 km along the eastern coast of the peninsula. The average heights of the Apennine mountains are 1200-1800 m. The highest point of the peninsula is Corno Grande with a peak at 2912 m in the Gran Sassov mountain range. This mountain is loved by mountaineering athletes for its steep slopes. The massif also includes the southernmost European glacier, Calderone.

Mount Amaro (2793 m), located in the Maella mountain range in the central part of the peninsula, has a slightly lower height. National Park Mayella is called upon to preserve beautiful scenery and the biodiversity of the area. These mountains are home to about 1,700 species, most of them endemic.
Oldest mountain range Apennines Apuan Alps, belongs to northern Tuscany. The peak of Monte Pisanino (1946 m) is the highest point of the ridge. On their slopes there is the Apuan Alps National Park, designed to preserve the unique ecosystem of the ridge.

Alps

The Herzen Massif is called the highest ridge Italian Alps. It is represented by three peaks: Monte Rosa (4634 m), Monte Bianco (4807 m), Cervina (4478 m). Famous ski resorts are located on their slopes. On northern slopes The Monte Rosa massif with its compacted snow originates from the Gorner glacier. Its area is 68.9 km2, and it looks like 8 streams merging into a single whole.

Monte Bianco, better known as Mont Blanc, is located on the border between France and Italy. Many travelers think White Mountain the heart of the Alps, it’s not for nothing that poems are written about it.

Adamello is a picturesque mountain in the Middle Alps, covered with green lush meadows, a network of small streams and rivulets and sheltering lakes. At the same time, the peak of the mountain reaches a height of 3539 m. This mountain is chosen by connoisseurs of rock climbing and hiking tours.

The Dolomite Mountains extend over quite large area, bounded by the valleys of the Adige and Piave, Pusteria and Brenta rivers. The Dolomites are known throughout the world for their distinctive steep cliffs rising against the backdrop of alpine meadows. The color of these mountains is also unusual; in the rays of the sun they acquire cream and pink colors. It is believed that these rocks are ancient coral reefs that rose from the depths of the seas along with the Alps. The highest point of the Dolomites is Mount Marmolade (3343 m). Also worthy of attention are the peaks of Lavaredo and the Cinque Torri ridge.

Mountains of the islands of Sardinia and Sicily

The central zone of the island of Sardinia is represented by mountains and hills. The highest point of the island of La Marmora (1834 meters) in the Gennargentu mountains. The remaining mountains of Sardinia are significantly lower. Thus, the Iglesiente massif reaches a height of only 1236 m on Mount Linas.

About 90% of the area of ​​the island of Sicily is occupied by mountain ranges of volcanic origin. On the northern coast of the island are the Peloritan Mountains.
In the east stretches a chain of volcanic mountains. Here is the highest active volcano on the island, and in all of Europe, called Etna (3340 m). There are a number of dormant volcanoes nearby.

There are no less rocky cliffs and mountain peaks in Italy than there are seas with beaches and vineyards. This is very beautiful country, but they have a special attraction ancient cities, built on hilltops or mountain slopes. In them historical architecture blends harmoniously with majestic landscapes that will take the breath away of any wanderer. These are the best mountain towns in Italy.

1. Manarola , where to stay

This one is incredible beautiful city, which climbed onto the rocks, was once very popular among travelers, despite the fact that there were no recreation areas or landscaped beaches. In this ancient town, life flows very calmly and measuredly, which is the best bait for a certain category of tourists.
Manarola has winding, narrow ancient streets without the noise and stench of cars with annoying traffic jams. But there are many generously fruiting vineyards. Many types of wines that are popular all over the world are made from local grapes. To see this cozy town, you need to cross the Lovers' Bridge along the most picturesque tourist route in this region.

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2. Roccascalegna , where to stay

A three-hour drive from Rome in the province of Chieti is the small commune of Roccascalegna. It is located 455 meters above sea level. Tourists come here to enjoy the cleanest mountain air and magnificent Mediterranean nature. The sudden appearance of the castle, as if transported to the tops of two limestone cliffs that rise from the valley of the Secco River, causes indescribable delight among travelers. Locals This castle is simply called La Rocca, that is, “the fortress.” It was built by the Lombards to protect against attacks by the Byzantines. At first it was simple watchtower, but gradually, due to additions, it turned into a castle of decent size.
This castle is associated with a legend about how Baron Corvo de Corvis died in 1646, who decided to revive the feudal tradition of the “right of the first night” (any bride from the feudal lord’s domain had to spend her wedding night with the lord). Legend has it that either the newlywed herself, or her new husband, dressed in a woman’s dress, killed the lustful aristocrat, and he, dying, allegedly left an indelible imprint of his bloody hand on the wall.

3. Urbino , where to stay

2 hours from Bologna in the Marche region there is a cultural and historical center - ancient city Urbino. The architecture of the buildings here is very interesting, among which the house in which Rafael Santi, one of the geniuses of the Renaissance, was born and spent his youth, especially attracts attention. At that time, Urbino was one of the centers of education, culture and politics in Italy. Now the UNESCO center has included it in its list World Heritage as a specially protected area.
What makes Urbino unique is its location on the slopes of two hills at once - the narrow cobblestone streets here either climb steeply up or down. Local palaces and medieval residential buildings are also interesting.

4. Civita di Bagnoregio , where to stay

In the metropolitan region of Lazio, 140 km from Rome, in the province of Viterbo, there is the medieval castle town of Civita di Bagnoregio. It has a picturesque location on top of a hill separating two valleys. You can get there only through a 300-meter pedestrian bridge, which appeared here only in 1965.
In 2006, UNESCO included Civita di Bagnoregio on its list of 100 sites in danger of destruction. This little one locality over 2500 years old - it was founded by the Etruscans, after which it became part of the Roman Empire and survived the Middle Ages. Now it is practically deserted, but it has become a lively tourist place with accompanying trattorias, pizzerias, hotels and souvenir shops.

5. Erice , where to stay

This Sicilian commune is located 1.5 hours drive from the island's capital, Palermo. In this medieval city there are three castles at once: Balio, Pepoli and Norman, and besides them there are several more equally ancient temples. There is an observation deck from which a gorgeous panorama of the coastal town of Trapani with its turquoise beaches, barely visible in the blue sea haze as the Aegadian Islands, opens up in full view, and in a clear day good weather at the very edge of the horizon you can see the African coast of Tunisia.

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6. San Gimignano , where to stay

In the province of Tuscany there is a medieval town of San Gimignano, proudly flaunting its towers on a hill, as symbols of the former government. Its ancient palaces and stone-paved streets attract huge numbers of tourists every year. It is no coincidence that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This city was first mentioned in documents from 929. At that time, it was a stopover for pilgrims traveling from England to Rome, as well as on the way from Pisa to Siena, thanks to which it grew and prospered for a long time. As soon as you turn a little away from the main street in San Gimignano, you immediately find yourself in the Middle Ages, as if time has stood still here. The peculiarity of the town is large number towers on its streets.

7. L'Aquila , where to stay

In the central part of the Apennines, the ancient town of L'Aquila climbed to a height of over 700 m above sea level. It is located in the Apennine Mountains, in the picturesque valley of the Aterno River. This place contains many attractions: palaces, fountains, monuments, bridges, museums, a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, vividly reminiscent of the medieval life of the city.
L'Aquila has several educational and cultural institutions, including a conservatory and an art academy. Around historical center The city has a powerful fortress wall, which seems to be trying to protect a corner of medieval culture from the onslaught of modernity. L'Aquila is located in a seismically active area, so strong earthquakes periodically occur here. So, on April 6, 2009, a powerful earthquake occurred here, destroying part of the historical buildings and killing over 200 city residents.

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8. Pitigliano , where to stay

Not so far from Rome in Tuscany is the commune of Pitigliano. Already upon approaching it, a wonderful panorama opens up that you can admire for a long time. Many of the cars passing on the road slow down on a specially prepared observation deck. Tour guides like to call the view from here the most luxurious not only in Tuscany, but throughout Italy.
From here it seems that Pitigliano literally grows out of the rocks, especially since some of the houses here are actually carved right into the rocks. About 4,000 people live in Pitigliano, who earn their living mainly from tourism and agriculture. The city is sometimes called “little Jerusalem” - apparently due to its long and interesting story, and also for the fact that Jews historically settled here.

9. Sorano , where to stay

A two-hour drive from Rome is the commune of Sorano, which is a tangled labyrinth of tiny streets, courtyards, stairs and arches. A famous landmark of Sorano are the wine cellars, carved right into the rock. But the main one is still considered to be built in the 14th century. royal castle Orsini, who in 1552 was rebuilt by Niccolò IV Orsini. This castle is considered a typical example of Renaissance military architecture. There is also an unusual attraction here - Masso Leopoldino - a natural fortified tuff terrace, which was cut down here by order of Prince Leopold. Not far from Sorano are the Vittosu fortress and a cave settlement.

10. Aosta , where to stay

The capital of the Valle d'Aosta region is the small medieval town of Aosta, located 585 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pennine Alps near the confluence of the Butir and Dora Baltea mountain rivers. In Aosta, the entire perimeter of the walls, the layout, all the towers have been preserved; there are many monuments from the Roman period. The entrance to the city from the east is the famous Praetorian Gate. The local monument from the Middle Ages is temple complex Saint Orso, built here between 994 and 1025. A large Romanesque three-nave church, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes, replaced an older temple from Carolingian times.
The patron saint of Aosta is considered to be Saint Orso, who traveled with a bird on his shoulder. For his kindness to people, he was ranked among the saints. The residents of Aosta greatly revere this saint; on New Year's Eve they regularly organize fairs dedicated to him.

The territory of Italy is very diverse, and its mountainous regions captivate with their beauty, both in summer and winter. From North to South, the Italian mountains enchant tourists with their landscapes, with their alpine lakes, fabulous forests, charming towns, rich in tradition and history, and gastronomic delights. Sports, entertainment and relaxation - all this is part of the holidays spent in Italy, both in winter and in the warm season.
From amazing places like Carnia, Piancavallo, Tarvisio located in Dolomites Friuli, to the kaleidoscope of the Trentino and Alto Adige valleys, such as Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Val Badia, from where thanks to the largest ski resort in the world Dolomiti Superski, you can reach the famous Cortina D'Ampezzo and Madonna Di Campiglio.Moving west we find ourselves in the Lombardy Alps: in the valley Valtellina with the towns of Livigno (one of the highest located in Italy), and Bormio- a place that became famous thanks to the World Cup held there in 1985 and 2005 alpine skiing, and also Santa Caterina Valfurva- main ski resort valley of the same name.

And among the most high mountains in Europe, in Valle d'Aosta, at the foot of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa And Cervino, there are famous secular resorts Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia, La Salle and La Thuile bordering France.
Along the French-Piedmontese border Val Susa, there is a fabulous ski area Via Lattea with towns Sous d'Oulx, Cesana and Bardonecchia, formed back in the 30s, when the Agnelli family built the first ski lifts in Sestriere.
Descending down the peninsula, we find ourselves in Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with their famous resort Abetone, one of the most visited in central Italy, along with Mount Amiata And mountain peaks National Park Monti Sibillini located in the Marche region.
But the most beloved mountainous region of Central Italy is still Gran Sasso and the adjacent territory, forming the highest mountain range Continental Apennines and known for such places as: Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice and the tops of the canyon Campo Pericoli.

Further south, between Basilicata and Calabria, are National Park of Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte- places where you can practice any winter sports and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature. Further along the Continental Apennines, the ideal journey through the mountains of Italy ends on Etna, the most high volcano Europe, with a height of 3343 meters, from which a breathtaking view of Taormina opens, Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. What could be more unique than summer excursions and winter sports on the slopes of a volcano?
In almost all mountainous regions of Italy there is the possibility cultural recreation and outdoor sports, both summer and winter: skis, mountaineering, snowboarding, hiking, nordic walking, mountain biking, etc., also all resorts are well equipped with everything necessary for ice skating, swimming, tennis games, horse riding and much more. It is also worth noting the large selection of hotels and guesthouses suitable for any type of holiday: be it a romantic holiday or a relaxing one family vacation, among the mountains and

tell me the names of the largest islands and mountains of Italy and got the best answer

Reply from °. °. Little Mermaid.° . °[guru]
The largest islands of Italy are Sicily, Sardinia, and Ischia.
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Mountains
In the north of the country there are the southern slopes of the Alps with the highest point in Western Europe, Mount Mont Blanc (4808 m).
In the Western Alps on the territory of Italy, the Ligurian and Maritime Alps are distinguished, then the Cottian, Graian and Pennine and Lepontine Alps stretch to the northeast. The steep slopes of this part of the system are dissected by narrow and deep gorges, in which several large valley glaciers are located.
The Eastern Alps, up to 3899 m high (Mount Ortles), also have glaciation, mainly in the Bernina, Adamello and Ortles massifs. This part includes the Bergamo Alps, the Livigno Alps, the Dolomites, the Julian Alps and a number of others. The ridges have a wide strip of foothills, their slopes are dissected by trough valleys, some of which are occupied by lakes.
South of the Padanian Plain, along the entire Apennine Peninsula, stretch the Apennine Mountains, the highest point of which is Mount Corno Grande (2,914 m).
This mountain system contains several extinct and active volcanoes, for example Amiata (1734 m) and Vesuvius (1277 m).
There are lava plateaus. In the southeastern part are the karst limestone plateaus of Gargano and Le Murge. In the southern part of the peninsula are the Calabrian Apennines (altitude up to 1956 m).
The relief of the Italian islands is mountainous. In Sicily there are the Iblean mountains, the mountains of Le Madonie, Nebrodi, Peloritani and the volcano Etna (3340 m), nearby are the volcanic islands of Stromboli and Vulcano. In Sardinia there are the Gennargentu Mountains with Mount La Marmora (1834 m).

Reply from Yergey Vladimirovich Fedotov[guru]
The largest mountains are Kilimanjaro and Chomolungma. The islands are Mauritius, Java and Shikotan.

Reply from 3 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: tell me the names of the largest islands and mountains of Italy