Hundreds of full-color photographs bring to life the spectacular ruins of Roman civilization, the sumptuous art of Renaissance palaces, and the rugged Alpine ranges of Italy. Young armchair travelers will glide through the canals of Venice, feel the heart-stopping excitement of Siena's annual Palio horse race, and gaze in awe at the ancient treasures of Pompeii. A lively text supplements the photographs, providing fascinating insight into the artistic, architectural, natural, and human legacies that make Italy so compelling.