How many countries fit in a boot? Beginning of a bad joke or not, if we’re looking at that vaguely boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe, the answer is three.
Italy
With a name such as the “Italian Peninsula” it should come as no surprise that a majority of this landmass is home to the country of Italy. Italy is near the top of the list for tourists drawn in every year by the allure of a culture steeped in history, good food (pasta, pizza, gelato, anyone?), and scenery that’s not too hard on the eyes. Even Shakespeare fancied Italy a decent backdrop for 13 of his plays.
Italy does not disappoint: take a leisurely stroll here and you’re bound to come across a UNESCO World Heritage site or, at the very least, a decent place to watch the sunset. The country is home to Rome, former capital of the Roman Empire and currently a dizzying blend of modern city and ancient ruins. The city of Florence is exalted as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and gelato. Venice is a city woven through by canals, bridges, and gondolas. While these are some of the big tourist spots, smaller towns hold beauties entirely their own. Tivoli, just outside Rome, offers not only an Italian “charm” fantasized about in movies, but UNESCO sites such as the Villa d’Este whose gardens integrate nature and sculpture into captivating fountains. Not to be forgotten are the hundreds of islands that dot the waters around Italy’s mainland. These islands boast beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and histories of their own, and it might be worth stopping by Sicily to try a cannoli on the island where the tasty dessert was born.
Vatican City
Welcome to the home of the Pope. You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the history, art, and architecture that flourishes throughout the smallest country in the world.
The Vatican Museum’s maze of artwork has people waiting in sprawling lines (you’ll want to book in advance) to see artwork that ranges from the famed ancient sculpture of Laocoön and his sons dating from around 100 BC, the frescoes of the Raphael rooms, and even a small collection of modern art that includes, among others, works by Salvador Dali and Botero. Most famous, however, is Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment that envelope stunned viewers upon entrance to the Sistine Chapel. A tour is a great way to gain better knowledge of the rooms brimming with often un-contextualized artwork. There is no better place to learn a few fun facts—the figure of Minos in the lower right-hand corner of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment (AKA: Hell)? This is painted with the features of the Vatican official, Biagio da Cesena, who insulted the nudity of Michelangelo’s work. Unfortunately for this official, the photo that appears when Googling his name is now his nude, donkey-eared, and snake-entwined likeness as Minos.
Meanwhile, Saint Peter’s Basilica containing Michelangelo’s La Pietà and the twisting columns of Bernini’s altar is free of admission. Built on top of Saint Peter’s tomb and claiming the title of the tallest dome in the world, this is both a site of piety and an architectural marvel.
Not only is this country surrounded by Italy, but also the city of Rome. Visiting Vatican City goes hand in hand with an appreciation of the surrounding Roman ruins and artwork.
Republic of San Marino
A train ride to Rimini and a winding bus route up Mount Titano and you arrive in the country of San Marino. This country doesn’t have the books and films set in it like the previous countries do—it hasn’t been dramatized in a Angels & Demons or Under the Tuscan Sun—but the narrow, winding streets call to mind Disney fairytale lands. While the fact that tourism is one of the main aspects of their economy is apparent in the tchotchke shops and abundance of burgers, there is no denying that San Marino is a beautiful, albiet hilly place to walk through.
The somewhat isolated country has been able to keep its independence with the help of three towers which are symbolized on their flag. Climbing these towers allows, on a clear day, an expansive view over surrounding Italy, or, on a not so clear day, a swathing in eerily beautiful wisps of fog. If you want more than a quaint town and a pretty view, San Marino puts on crossbow exhibitions and has several small museums that vary in topics from archeology to torture.
While it may be tempting to travel to the Italian Peninsula for a bite of pizza and a visit to the Colosseum, the opportunity to travel beyond to different cities, islands, and even countries should not be missed.