3 of the Best Places in Italy to Visit, Other Than the Big Three

Here are 3 of the best places in Italy to visit, other thanhistorically important structures, the Byzantine mosaics
the big thee (Rome, Florence, and Venice), Volterra,found in the Basilica of St. Vitale and elsewhere and
Ravenna, and Orvieto. My family has made a fewthe National Museum with its many Roman and post
trips to Italy over the last few years and have foundRoman artifacts. Theodoric, greatest of the pagan
that as much as we enjoy stays in the big three, weKings of Italy rests here with his wife. There is also a
really loved getting out of the major tourist centers and16th century Venetian fortress nearby the Museum
exploring this ancient land. The three spots I am writingwhich today is used for concerts and such. Ravenna
about are lesser known tour sites with plenty to offeroffers a glimpse of post Roman Italy and that period
the visitor from history, shopping, and beauty.of Gothic and Byzantine/Venetian rule. A modern city
Volterra is an ancient city whose roots are Etruscanre-discovering it's varied and splendid past.
while its character is medieval Tuscan. Sites include theOrvieto is a tremendous hill town rising hundreds of
massive Etruscan gate and walls as well as anfeet above the surrounding area on a large tuff
Etruscan museum, a Roman temple in the city centerdeposit. Like Volterra in Tuscany, Orvieto finds its
and ampitheatre just outside of town, and beautifulorigins amongst the Etruscan Federation. In the 3rd
medieval churches, cobbled streets, and buildings.century BCE it was annexed by Rome until the fall of
Nestled on top of a large hill and surrounded by vastthe western empire. Orvieto, controlling the road from
walls, Volterra looks impregnable and timeless. TheFlorence to Rome remained strategically important to
shopping is wonderful (or so my wife tells me) withthe Goths and Lombards until ti eventually fell under
numerous shops selling everything from local crafts tothe authority of the Papacy and became an
antiques to shoes (my brides favorite). The crowdsindependent commune. This long and varied history
are half or less than those in the better know Siena oroffers the visitor a broad look at the development of
San Gimingano while the history, shopping, dining, andthis region over the last 2500 years. It also provides
asthetic appeal are comparable. Volterra is a greatsome unique opportunities found only in Orvieto. The
day trip, or base to explore the many treasures oftunnels beneath this town are fascinating and
southern Tuscany.extensive owing to the soft nature of the tuff on
Ravenna is south of Venice about an hour or two andwhich Orvieto was built. There is also a 16th century
is rich in history and beauty. Ravenna was the lastwell, dug for the Pope as he fled Charles V (after the
Byzantine stronghold in the west and later was asack of Rome), which has a double helix stair to allow
Venetian strongpoint. Ravenna is a great stop forone way travel both down and back. Visit and enjoy
those leaving Venice for either the beaches of thethe splendid Cathedral, the many lovely shops, or sip
Marche or to the Umbrian or Tuscan hill towns to thethe famous local white wine in the many romantic
southwest. Today, Ravenna is a modern city and acafés found on Orvieto's pleasant cobbled
hub for industry. Though neglected after falling to thestreets. Revel in the relaxed pace and rustic charm of
Lombards in the 8th century, since WWII much hasthis grand Umbrian hill town.
been done to protect and preserve the many