
Italy is synonymous with culture. Throughout time Italy has made more contributions to the culture of Western Civilization than any other country. In almost every category, Italy has defined, created, or improved upon the culture of the world. The birthplace of the Renaissance movement and the beginning of modern western civilization, Italian culture is as tangible and exuberant today as it ever has.
Over sixty percent of the world's cultural treasures lie within Italy. One glimpse at Italy's extraordinary heritage explains how: the great artistic masters and masterpieces of the country include Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo de Vinci, Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini, Botticelli, Vivaldi, Puccini, Stradivari, Pavarotti. The bounteous foods and wines of Italy include Chianti, Valpollicella, pasta, pizza, and the modern fashions and styles of Armani, Gucci, and Ferrari also add to the magnificence of Italian culture…. Whether yesterday or today Italy has it all, and always has.