Italy 2

Italy Italy is most likely known for its rich cultural heritage and its unique natural beauty. Its cities have spectacular churches and beautiful central plazas. Their museums contain some of the world's best-known art. Italy got its name from the ancient Romans. Romans called the southernmost part of the peninsula Italia, which means land of oxen or grazing land. Italy's landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges: the Alps and the Apennines. The Alps tower …

…of early Renaissance art. Almost definitely, the greatest artist of the 1400's was Leonardo da Vinci. His portrait Mona Lisa and his religious scene The Last Supper are among the most famous paintings in history. Later Renaissance art was dominated by Raphael and Michelangelo. Raphael painted calm and harmonious pictures that expressed a noble way of life. Michelangelo achieved greatness in both the art of painting and sculpting. He even helped design St. Peters Church.