After living there for three months in 2022, I can see why, with masterpieces in parish churches on every corner.
I always tell peop;e that if you’re a tourist interested in art and history (and food), Italy blows away every other European country. England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, the Low Countries... they all their charms... but in terms of bang-for-the-buck experiences for the visitor, Italy beats them all... hands down.