Italy is a republic located in southern Europe, on a boot-shaped peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to several unique historical cities, including Rome with its ancient ruins, Florence with its Renaissance culture, and Venice with its canals. It is also known as a land of gastronomy, with pizza, pasta, gelato, and other delicacies loved around the world. The city is also noted for its glamorous culture, including opera, which gave birth to composers such as Verdi, and fashion, where famous brands such as Versace are in vogue.