Northern-Italy.com

Discover Northern Italy, a land of marvellous mountains and art cities that will host the Winter Olympics 2026

	Padova, an undiscovered jewel, with many World Heritage Sites - Prato della Valle (literally, vallery lawn, in Padova called: grassless lawn) one of the biggest squares of Europe, including an island surrounded by a channel and 78 statues. Near it, St Justine Basilica (ninth biggest church of the world) and the Bothanical Garden (founded 1545, world oldest one), recently expanded. St Anthony Basilica, a unique mixing of byzantin, romanesque and gothic style, pilgrimage destination from all the world. Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni family Chapel), the Masterpiece of Giotto, with wonderful XIV century frescoes. The medieval twin squares: Piazza della Frutta (Fruit Square) and Piazza delle Erbe (Herbs Square) divided by Palazzo della Ragione, a palace with the shape of reverse hull, 80 meters long, internally painted by Giotto. Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square), the city lounge, with the astronomical clock tower. The Ancient Pedrocchi Caf�, built 1831 with his magnificent halls. Few minutes by car from Padova you can find: Abano and Montegrotto - thermal towns particullary known for mud treatments. Piazzola sul Brenta - with wonderful Villa Contarini, which hosts the biggest antiquity market of Italy the last sunday of every month. Villa Pisani in Stra - the biggest Venetian Villa comparable to a Royal Palace.

	Turin / Torino - An European Capital - First Capital of Italy, 4th largest city of the country, Turin it's only at 1 hour of high speed train (Frecciarossa) from Milan.The city centre, hearth of the House of Savoy (Italian Royal Family between 1861 and 1946) was rebuild from the 16th century. Many historical building are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.The main points of interest are: The Mole Antonelliana (built between 1863 and 1889) , originally conceived of as a Synagogue, it now houses the National Movie Museum. You can see all the city panorama from her 167 metres top. The Egyptian Museum, second only to Cairo Museum, restyled in 2015. In front of the Museum the Baroque masterpiece Palazzo Carignano. Near the Egyptian Museum, San Carlo (Saint Charles) Square with the twin baroque churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo. Around Piazza Castello (Castle Square) - Palazzo Madama (with one side Baroque and one side Medieval Castle) - Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre. Around Piazza San Giovanni (Saint John) - The Renaissance style Cathedral with the Baroque Chapel of the Holy Shroud of Jesus - The Roman Porta (Gate) Palatina with the archaeological park. Parco del Valentino - a big park along the Po river (the longest of Italy) with the French style Valentino Castle and the medieval village. In the suburbs: the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale and the Neoclassical Basilica of Superga on the homonymous 672 metres hill.

	Cortina d' Ampezzo, the Dolomites Pearl - Cortina is located at the centre of the Ampezzo Vallery and surrounded by the Dolomites Alps, UNESCO World Heritage Site.This small but pretty town is the paradise for mountain enthusiast. That's why it was chosen for Winter Olympics of 1956 and 2026. The elevation is 1224 m. Cortina can be reached by car or by bus. A local bus company connects the town to Venice Airport and Train Station, and to nearest mountains, ski implants and points of interest. It's one of the most exclusive Alps destinations. In the small but ancient and well cared center you can find luxury shops and high standard hotels and restaurants. For modern art lovers: don't forget to visit Mario Rimoldi Museum. Sports implants in Cortina include the Trampolino Olimpionico Italia (ski jumping hill) and the Ice Olympic Stadium.