Why did Shakespeare set his plays in Italy?

William Shakespeare set some of his plays in Italy because of the Renaissance interest in classical literature and history. Many Roman plays were set in Italy, and it was a popular setting for Italian Renaissance writers. Additionally, Italy was often seen as a place of romance, adventure, and intrigue. Shakespeare's Italian settings include: The Taming of the Shrew, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet.