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 across the northernmost parts of Italy & the Apennines form a backbone that runs nearly the entire length of the peninsula. Italy's countrysides have warm, sandy beaches;