Beautiful, noble, and dynamic Italy welcomes countless visitors in every season of the year. A journey along the peninsula never ceases to fill the eyes with wonder: the spectacular ruins of Roman civilization, the sumptuous art of Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, the rugged Alpine ranges, and the light reflected on Mediterranean beaches. Italy has modern cities and simple villages, a rich tradition of folklore and the latest in technology, and a heritage mediated by centuries of culture. Famed for its art and archeology and for its natural beauty, Italy is above all a nation of varied and thrilling human landscapes. One of the major industrial countries in the world, Italy is also noted for its refinements and style of everyday living and for its dreams for the future. It is a country that stirs the emotions. It charms with its history, and at the same time it amazes and puzzles even the shrewdest observers with is chaotic and irregular pace of life. But perhaps the principal attraction of the country lies in its extreme variety. Italy will never lose the charm of its people, famous for their zest for life and their extravagant genius.