Vacation in Italy, what you need to know about tourism
Personal safety rules while resting in Italy
To enter Italy, citizens of the Republic of Belarus need a pre-arranged visa. Italy is part of the Schengen area, so entry to Italy is possible with a valid Schengen multi-visa of category "C" (issued by any country in the Schengen area).
How to get a visa yourself?
When filling out the fields, indicate your real data. After registration, you will receive a letter at the specified email address. From the letter, you need to go to the embassy page and log in to the system. Now you can make an online reservation from the left menu of the site. Select the type of visa you need. Therefore, we perform the following steps: online booking > Schengen visa > tourist visa. Fill in the fields "Passport number" and "Date of предполагаемого departure" and confirm the appointment booking.
Second stage: collecting documents to open a Schengen tourist visa.
For submission, you will need the following documents:
- an application form for a visa request, which you can download and print by following the link: https://ambminsk.esteri.it/ambasciata_minsk/ru/in_linea_con_utente/prenota-la-visita.html;
- a photo of the appropriate format;
- a passport valid for more than 3 months from the date of the visa request;
- round-trip ticket booking;
- demonstration of availability of accommodation in Italy: hotel reservation, tourist voucher or proof of hospitality;
- demonstration of economic means for stay during the holiday period, which you can confirm by providing a bank statement;
- documents confirming employment and income;
- health insurance, which you can arrange directly with one of the two agents (women) in front of the embassy;
- 60€ – the cost of a Schengen tourist visa.
Address of the Italian embassy: 220004, Minsk, Rakovskaya Street 16b Tel.: + 375 17 2202969
Website:
www.ambminsk.esteri.itE-mail: ambasciata.minsk@esteri.it
You can also open a visa through visa centers. You can contact the call center by phone +375 740 7409999. Call center operators will answer your questions regarding the visa application procedure in English or Russian.
Call center hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:00.
The calculation of funds for stay is based on the following table:
Italy is a large country in southern Europe. There are a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage sites here — historical monuments and works of art are located throughout the country. The country is also famous worldwide for its national cuisine, fashion, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, as well as beautiful coasts, lakes and mountains with numerous ski resorts.
There are two independent microstates on the territory of Italy: San Marino and the Vatican. Although they are not formally part of the European Union, both countries are part of the Schengen Area and the European Monetary Union.
Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with July being the hottest month of the year. Winters in the north of the country are quite cold compared to the mild winters of the south. In some areas of southern Italy, it doesn't rain at all in summer. Long mountain ranges have a significant impact on the climate, so the weather changes dramatically from city to city.
Northern Italy. The most densely populated and developed part of the country. Cities such as Turin, Milan, Bologna, Verona and Venice attract many tourists, as do wonderful landscapes like the Como Lake area, impressive mountains — the Dolomites and the Italian Alps, as well as first-class mountain resorts, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and others.
Central Italy. Here everything breathes history and art. Rome is famous for its preserved curiosities of the Roman Empire and such world-famous landmarks as the Colosseum. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is the most attractive city for tourists in Tuscany, although in nearby cities — Siena, Pisa and Lucca, those wishing to join the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country will find a lot of interesting things for themselves.
Southern Italy. Busy Naples, dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the romantic Amalfi Coast and calm Apulia, as well as developing agritourism make this least visited region an attractive destination for travelers.
Italian islands. These are primarily Sardinia and Sicily, a large island south of the peninsula, as well as Capri, Ischia, Elba, Procida, the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, the Tremiti Islands, and Pantelleria.
There are several hundred cities in Italy, but the most famous of them are:
Rome — the capital of both modern Italy and the ancient Roman Empire; the center of the Roman Catholic Church (Vatican City).
Bologna — home to the first university in history. A city with a rich history, culture, and advanced technology. Bologna is famous for its local cuisine. One of the most important university centers in the world.
Florence — the city of the Renaissance. It is known for its architecture and art, as well as its global influence. Here you can also find the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and many world-famous art museums.
Genoa — a wealthy and diverse city. The presence of a port has always contributed to the development of tourism and trade, as well as art and architecture. Genoa is a historic city, the birthplace of Columbus and jeans.
Milan — a world fashion center.
Naples — an important port city, full of life and sun. Local pizza is the best in all of Italy. In addition, here is the famous Vesuvius volcano.
Pisa — home to the easily recognizable Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city is very popular among tourists. The streets are full of vendors offering all sorts of goods.
Turin — the birthplace of FIAT cars. Turin is an industrial city, home to automotive and aerospace industries. This city hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
Venice — famous for its history, art, and world-famous canals. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy; here is the island of
Murano, famous for its hand-blown glass products. The Cathedral and St. Mark's Square are very popular with tourists, and there are a lot of people here in the summer season.
Among historical monuments, the most popular is the Colosseum, sprawling in its самобытном величии near the Roman Forum.
The capacity of this amphitheater by the standards of former years was quite impressive and amounted to about 50 thousand spectators. The Colosseum was known for its brutal spectacles, bloody performances, such as gladiator fights, public executions — early Christians were set upon by hungry and angry beasts.
A visit to the Vatican is particularly memorable. Many call it a state within a state. It is the residence of the Pope, as well as numerous Catholic universities and seminaries that train priests. This tiny city-state has its own borders, issues its own coins, and half of its residents have clergy status. Until the mid-70s, the Vatican even had its own army, but now only a hundred soldiers of the Swiss Guard protect the Pope.
One of the famous Catholic shrines is the Basilica of St. Peter. This architectural monument is the largest church in the world. One of the features of the basilica is a "ruler" located on the floor, from which the lengths of all churches in the world are measured, such as Notre Dame Cathedral. The basilica has places most recognizable to tourists: the tomb of St. Peter, Michelangelo's sculpture "Pieta", the Loggia of Blessings. It is here that many sacred relics are kept - the relics of John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian, the heads of Saints Andrew and Luke, as well as the iron spear of the Passion of Christ and two large pieces of wood that are revered as parts of the Cross of Christ. These shrines from all over the world bring pilgrims of different Christians from all churches to the Basilica. The world cultural significance is also given to the well-known frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel - nine compositions from the Old Testament.
The Pantheon is a symbol of the unification of all world religions. It is no coincidence that this cultural monument is called the temple of all gods. Built in 125, the temple is located on Piazza della Rotonda and is a great achievement of engineering thought. From an architectural point of view, the Pantheon is famous for its dome, its diameter is equal to the height of the building. The complete absence of windows in the temple gives it a mysterious appearance inside, and light penetrates through the "oculus" - the only unglazed hole in the dome, symbolizing the all-seeing divine eye.
Not counting the Italian cities filled with attractions, there is still a lot to see in Italy. At least nature - the famous islands in the Gulf of Naples, the picturesque lakes of Garda and Como in northern Italy, the Italian Alps, including the magnificent ski resorts of Italy, and much more. However, the main treasure of the country is its richest cultural heritage. It is more than possible to see all the attractions on your own, or order a couple of detailed excursions, since the prices for excursions in Italy are quite affordable.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Safety
The security situation in Italy is quite ambiguous. On the one hand, it is one of the most criminalized states in the European Union with a high crime rate for such a developed country. In large cities, you should always be wary of pickpockets and petty thieves, and cases of fraud on transport and in restaurants are not uncommon. You should not carry large amounts of cash or withdraw them from an ATM in plain sight.
It is recommended to keep documents and money in hotel safes, or, if necessary, place them in the most inaccessible place. It is better to carry valuables in a waistbag or backpack – briefcases.
It is not recommended to leave anything valuable in the car, and it is better to park the car itself in guarded parking lots or on well-lit streets. On the other hand, in provincial Italy, away from noisy metropolises, almost complete idyll reigns. Here it is quite enough to follow general security measures. Cases of petty theft or fraud are extremely rare (usually teenagers are guilty of this) and are quite easily solved by the police.
Smoking
Italy has a state monopoly on the sale of tobacco products - they can only be purchased in kiosks with a special emblem. Smoking is prohibited in public places (including stations), public transport, taxis, most theaters, cinemas, as well as in stores. In most bars and restaurants, smoking is also prohibited, with the exception of establishments with special rooms for smokers, as well as street cafes. A fine is imposed on violators. Upon arrival, ask the staff where the smoking areas are.
In the territory of the Vatican, it is forbidden not only to smoke, but also to simply light cigarettes, and this applies to everyone without exception, regardless of citizenship, position and rank.
Police
Italy has a rather extensive and multi-level system for ensuring public security. The Carabinieri are the largest unit of the Italian criminal police, with fairly broad powers. The distinctive uniform of the Carabinieri - semi-military cut with a white belt - catches the eye of all visitors to the country. Their powers include combating crime, protecting public order and controlling the non-proliferation of drugs. They should also be contacted with statements in case of robbery. To do this, you should find the address of the police station in the local telephone directory (Questura, in small towns - Commissariato) and call an investigator to the crime scene or file a report directly. In some cases (Italian justice is slow), you will need to obtain a permesso di soggiorno (permission to extend your stay in the country).
Reference phones
The National Association of Hotels - (06) 420-34-610.
The "hotline" for tourists Easy Italia - 039-039-039. You can call this number in case of poor service, request medical assistance, or intervention from law enforcement agencies. Operators will also provide addresses of tourist centers in different regions (in English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, and Italian), consult on tourism legislation, provide information about museums, exhibitions, and attractions, and tell about places equipped for people with disabilities. The service operates daily, including holidays and weekends, from 9.00 to 22.00.
Information tourist service of the Lazio and Rome region (Info point call center turistico) - 06-4828-612 or 06-4891-6614. With this service (available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish), you can get information about performances and exhibitions, transport schedules, opening hours of tourist sites, and even purchase tickets (credit card payment, delivery from 4.5 to 12 euros).
Emergency services
Carabinieri (military police) - 112.
Emergency rescue service Soccorso Pubblico di Emergenza - 113.
Ambulance - 118 (in Rome - 5510).
Police - 113 (in Rome - 4686).
Fire department (Vigili del Fuoco) - 115.
Useful information about Italy:
Calls and written inquiries are temporarily not accepted.
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