The exhibition takes us on a journey of discovery of Italy’s most emblematic cities and regions. Over a period of four centuries and by Italian, Dutch, French and British painters, it presents idealised ancient landscapes, numerous vedute and scenes of everyday urban life. What the paintings have in common is the southern light, the elegance of the architecture, the charm of the landscapes and the omnipresence of antiquity.
As well as views of the five cities mentioned, there are capricci, imaginative compositions of ancient ruins in bucolic landscapes. The Roman squares painted by Gaspar van Wittel (1652-1736), the Venice of Canaletto (1697-1768) and the industrial city of Milan as seen by the futurist Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916) are among the highlights of the exhibition.
At the end of the exhibition, visitors of all ages can create their own digital collage capriccio. A painting corner and a quiz complete the offer for families with children.

Luigi Garibbo (1782-1869), View of Firenze from Monte alle Croci, 1834, oil on canvas
© Archivio Patrimonio Artistico Intesa Sanpaolo, photo: Antonio Quattrone, Firenze