Travel Destination: Italy

As one of the more popular destinations in Europe, it's a good bet that Italy has more tourist attractions per capita than any other country in the world. Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you're bound to find yourself gaping at a famous landmark you learned about in school.

Usually, when we think of Italy, we think of the Roman Empire or the Renaissance. Before either of these, however, there were civilizations on the Italian peninsula that left monuments which can still be seen today.

About the time Rome was being founded, colonists from the Greek city-states were settling the coasts of southern Italy. About 50 miles south of Naples, itself a former Greek colony, you'll find the city of Paestum. Once known as Poseidonia, Paestum boasts some of the finest Geek temples outside Greece itself.

The Temple of Poseidon, the most complete and best known of the Paestum temples, was built around 450 BC, and was originally dedicated to Hera. An earlier Temple of Hera and a Temple of Athena make a visit to Paestum a must for any vacationer.

While the Greeks were building their Magna Graecia in southern Italy, the Etruscans were busy extending their empire in the north. About 85 miles northwest of Rome, the town of Civita di Bagnoregio provides a classic example of an Etruscan hilltop stronghold. Why not see it for yourself? This is another one you don't want to miss.

Of course, many of Italy's most famous attractions can be found in Rome. The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater, was completed in 80 AD and immediately began to host the brutal gladiatorial events with which it has become synonymous. The history of the site is equally fascinating. After the great fire of 66 AD, the Emperor Nero built the notorious Domus Aurea, or Golden House in the vicinity where the Colosseum stands today. In fact, the Colosseum was built on the site of Nero's private lake. After seizing power in 69 AD, the Emperor Vespasian drained the lake to make room for a stadium that could be enjoyed by ordinary citizens. The result is truly awesome. The Colosseum is definitely one to add to your list.

Let's fast-forward here to the 5th century, when a barbarian tribe known as the Huns were first making their presence felt in Europe. Some of the people living on Italy's Adriatic coast were forced to move onto offshore islands in order to escape the new threat. The result of this forced relocation is the city of Venice.

Of course, it would be impossible to visit all of Italy's historic sites in one lifetime. The few that have been mentioned should give an idea of how amazing a trip to Italy can be.