2. Italy is a peninsula in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, so it has a strategic position. In fact it is surrounded by water on three sides, while in the North there are the Alps, which are shared with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The capital is Rome, which is one of the most ancient cities in the world and a famous cultural centre. Italy is known for the arts and literature, which found their roots in the classical culture. Italy extends for 301,338 km² and has a population of about 60,157,214 people. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, Alpine in the far North and hot or dry in the South. There are twenty regions, two of them, Sicily and Sardinia, are islands. There is, within the city of Rome, the Vatican State, which is the smallest independent state in the world. Italy has been a Parliamentary Republic, since 2nd June 1946. Parliament is divided into the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The President of the Republic is Giorgio Napolitano, while the Prime Minister is Silvio Berlusconi. Silvio Berlusconi Giorgio Napolitano

3. Colosseum, called also Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical amphitheatre built by thr Romans in the centre of Rome. Gladiatorial games and executions were held there . Saint Peter’s square is in front of Saint Peter’s basilica in Vatican city. The square was disigned by Bernini and it is characterised by Tuscan colonnades and an obelisk. The Trevi Fountain is the biggest fountain in Rome. Visitors, who throw a coin in the fountain, will return to Rome. Piazza di Spagna is certainly the most famous square in Rome, overlooked by the imposing stairway of Trinità dei Monti (the Spanish Steps) built in XVIII century to connect the square to the Church of Trinità dei Monti and to create a stately scenery, made famous by the movie "Holiday in Rome" and since then an attraction for every tourist in Rome. In spring these steps are covered with flowers, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Italy between art and culture

4. Venice and Florence are two art cities that all the World envies us. They are open air museum of medieval and renaissance civilizations. The first one is singular for its lagoon, its gondolas, and its canals which are used as roads. The second one is picturesque for its spectacular views over the Arno river and for Brunelleschi’s masterpieces.

5. These are some exemples of naturalistic and artistic beauties of our country Giardini di Boboli Verona Capri Napoli Bronzi di Riace Trulli di Alberobello Costa Smeralda Grotta Azzurra Agrigento

6. Italy can be considered the homeland of scientists, intellectuals and inventors, who influenced history and civilization, not only for our country, but also for the whole world: Dante, the father of Italian literature and a cultural model; Colombus, discoverer of America; Michelangelo, author of the masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel; Volta, inventor of the electric battery; Leonardo da Vinci, painter, scientist, inventor; and Galileo, revolutionary of astronomic science.

7. Italy can be considered the homeland of fashion. It has changed over the centuries also depending on historical and social factors. Fashion is also important in our country especially because everybody can express his own individuality. Maria Carla Boscono She is one of the most famous models on the international fashion scene. Our stylists are the most famous in the world; they work for a lot of cinema stars and they are also involved in designing costumes for film. Fashion Gianfranco Ferrè Dolce & Gabbana

8. These are our best athletes (from left to right): F.TOTTI, A.PIRLO,A.DEL PIERO, L.MASTRANGELO and V.VERMIGLIO Italian sports The most popular and practiced sports in Italy: Football and Volleyball

10. The Italian diet consists of a rich breakfast with sugar but without grease, which would be too hard to digest, and is meant to provide the right energy intake to start the day as good as possible. Lunch is the main meal in a day, when the typical family eats ordinarily a complete meal - as first dish pasta, then either meat or fish. Dinner is mostly lighter. Anyway nowadays the routine has inverted the traditional habits: the family sits together only once a day. Italian food

11. Italy is the most famous and one of the greatest wine producer, claiming several valuable labels. Although the Italians are particularly careful about their food, usually healthy and balanced, it is impossible for them to go without their famous desserts. Each region is also characterized by typical sweets.

12. ITALIAN TRADITIONS Among Italian traditions, Christmas is the most reresentative. The Italians love the symbol of the “Crib”, the representation of Christ’s nativity, introduced by St Francis in 1223. Italy is attatched to Christmas because of its Catholic roots. During Christmas time, all families gather and have a great dinner. Children wait for presents: everybody feels very happy! Easter is the most important annual religious feast, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection. The date of Easter varies between 22 March and 25 April. During Holy Week, in many Italian regions very particular rituals are held. Holy Wednesday is the day when the ancient ritual of the “Via Crucis” is re-enacted. There are 14 stations and hymns, prayers and meditations accompany the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. In many cities of the South the “Affrontata” takes place usually on Easter Sunday; it is a re-enactment of the meeting between risen Christ and Mary, thanks to the intervention of St. John.

15. Many old churches are spread all over the town. The oldest are the church of Santa Ruba, St Michael’s Church and the Cathedral dedicated to St. Leoluca.

16. There are many squares, avenues planted with trees and a big park with a lot of flower-beds and gigantic ornamental trees; in the park there are also tennis-courts and skating-rinks.

17. These images show some places near Vibo Tropea is a touristic centre which overlooks the sea. In this photo there is the church”St.Maria dell’isola”. This is the Rocchetta in Briatico, an old defensive system against the Turkish attacks. This is Pizzo an ancient centre. There is an important Aragonese Castle; Pizzo is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches. This is lake “Angitola”. It ‘s an artificial lake, there are several kinds of birds .It’s entrusted to the WWF. This is a church called “Piedigrotta” and in the church there are some statues made of sandstone. This is the Certosa in St.Bruno whose original façade is attributed to Jacopo Del Duca, a pupil of Michelangelo. The mountains near Serra San Bruno.

18. The course of study lasts five years and is divided into two parts: The “biennio” or lower course which lasts two years ( class 4 and class 5 Gymnasium - students of about 14-15 years old ) and is based on language studies. Subjects taught in the Lower Course are Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek , History, Geography, Mathematics, Foreign Language (English) , Physical Education, Religion. The “triennio” or higher course which lasts three years ( class 1, 2, 3 Liceo - students of about 16- 19) and is based on historical and cultural studies. Subjects taught in the higher Course are Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek , History, Philosophy, Mathematics, Foreign Language (English), History of Art, Physics, Science, Physical Education, Religion. The Liceo Ginnasio "M. Morelli" has its origins in the historical "Collegio dei Gesuiti" founded in 1612 by the Duke of Monteleone (Vibo Valentia), Don Ettore Pignatelli. Our school is situated in the centre of the town. It is a "Liceo Classico" (a sort of grammar school) and deals with classical subjects. There are 25 classes, 607 students and 44 teachers. Our school