What is it that makes Italy so unique that it has always been chosen as one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world? What is the reason for its nickname, the Bel Paese, or "beautiful country"? This volume, accompanied by spectacular photographs of the Peninsula from different angles and points of view, attempts to respond to these questions, sketching a portrait of a country through its most thrilling landscapes, its most characteristic villages, the architectural marvels that punctuate its cities, the incredible archaeological vestiges from the past, and the extraordinary art masterpieces admired and envied throughout the world. Seas, mountains, lakes, volcanoes, history, artistic genius, palaces, churches, castles: a mosaic of marvels that invites the reader to undertake a "Grand Tour" through 80 of Italy's most spectacular and unforgettable attractions, from the Tower of Pisa to the architecture of Venice, from the ruins of Pompeii to Etna's volcanic rocks, and touching upon the many masterpieces that make Italy the richest country in the world in terms of artistic and natural heritage. AUTHOR: Giorgio Ferrero who has a degree in Egyptology with a thesis on ancient Nubia, cooperated with the Chair of Egyptology at the University of Milan and the Civic Archaeological and Numismatic Collections of Milan. For White Star Publishers he has published Egypt - History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization, Archaeology from the Sky and The Art of the Pharaohs. 280 colour photographs