50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy

50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy Brooke Neuman There are so many fun, interesting facts about Italy that its hard to compile just one short list. Whether youre planning your next vacation to Italy or youre just curious about this fascinating culture, learning everything you can about the country will make you even more impressed with all Italy has to offer. Here, weve compiled the top 50 most interesting facts about Italy that we think youll enjoy. Fun Interesting Facts About Italy Interesting Facts About Italy: History Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world, welcoming some 46 million foreign visitors annually. Its also the fifth most populous country in Europe. Vatican City in Rome is the smallest country in the world and is led by the Pope himself. Another interesting fact about Italy, the capital city of Rome is almost 3,000 years old. The colors of the Italian flaggreen, white, and redhave special meaning. Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity. Italy boasts the eighth largest economy in the world. Interesting Facts About Italy: Language Many musical terms are written in Italian because early composers from the Renaissance era were Italian. Of all the Romance languages, Italian is the closest to Latin. From Venetian to Sicilian, there are dozens of Italian dialects used throughout the country. There are only 21 letters in the standard Italian alphabet. The Italian alphabet doesnt have the letters J, K, W, X or Y. Interesting Facts About Italy: Superstitions Don’t be surprised if your hotel in Italy doesn’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe that this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged is looks like VIXI, which means “I have lived,” a symbol that’s associated with death. Italians believe that the  corincello charm,  which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, will protect them from the evil eye. According to Italians, placing a hat on a bed is bad luck. Traditionally, when priests  visited the dying to give them their last rights, they  would remove their hat and put it on the bed. If a cat is crossing the street, don’t be the first one to cross it’s path. It’s believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. Dont give someone your best wishes. Instead, say In bocca al lupo” or into the wolfs mouth, as this means good luck. Italians believe that if someone brushes over a single person’s feet with a broom that he or she will never get married. Interesting Facts About Italy: Geography Europe’s three active volcanoes, Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius are all located in Italy. Italy has more earthquakes than any other European country. There is bronze statue of Jesus Christ submerged in the Mediterranean Sea off San Fruttuoso. The island of Poveglia is said to be so haunted that public access is prohibited. Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or hilly. Interesting Facts About Italy: Arts Sciences Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088. Some of the most well-known artists and authorsincluding Dante, Da Vinci, and Michelangeloare from Italy. Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world. Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th century and it was  Catherine de Medici who introduced it to France later on. Many of the most influential scientists and mathematicians were born Italy, including Galileo Galilei and  Alessandro Volta. Interesting Facts About Italy: Law In the city of Turin, dog owners must walk their pooch at least three times a day or risk being fined. Woof. Unless you want to pay a hefty fine, don’t eat or drink while sitting on church steps or within a church courtyard. In 2012, the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania made it illegal for residents to die because the town’s cemetery is full. On the beaches of Eraclea on the Venetian Lido, it’s illegal to make sandcastles or any other kind of sand structure. Fun Facts About Italy: Culture La famiglia is very much a part of the Italian culture. In fact, it’s common for single children to live at home until their 30s. According to Italian culture, you must respect your elders.  Always stand when an elder person enters the room. Fashion is also important in Italy. After all, some of the world’s most sought after designers, such as Armani, Versace, and Prada, hail from Italy. Italians are known for communicating with hand gestures and facial expressions. Theyre also known for being late! First impressions are important to Italians, so be sure  to demonstrate respect and politeness toward othersespecially  in a business setting. Fun Facts About Italy: Food Wine Unsurprisingly, Italy is the world’s largest exporter of wine. However, it’s the second largest producer of wine after France. On average, Italians eat half a pound of bread a day. What’s more, estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually. Bread is not meant to be an appetizer. Rather, Italians use  it  to wipe the remaining sauce off their  plate. When dining in Italy, don’t ask for salad dressing or other condiments. Olive oil is the only acceptable “condiment” in Italy. From Cappelletti to Cavatelli, there are over 140 types of pastas. Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions. Check out this interesting fact about Italy: Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita. Fun Facts About Italy: Inventions In 1948, Roy Jacuzzi invented the jacuzzi using specialized water pumps to help his son who was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. You can thank Bartolomeo Cristofori for developing the very first piano in 1698. Other musical instruments invented in Italy include the violin, the guitar, and the organ. In 1896, the first ice cream cone was created by an Italian immigrant who settled in New York City. No wonder why Italians love caffeine, the espresso machine is an Italian invention built by  Angelo Moriondo in 1884. Pretzels were actually first made in Italian in 610 by an Italian monk who gave them to children who learned their prayers. Fun Facts About Italy: Sports Italy has hosted the Olympics three times in 1956, 1960, and 2006. Italy has won the World Cup four times, the most Word Cup wins second to Brazil. Believe it or not, volleyball is a very popular sport in Italy. In fact, the Italian Volleyball League is one of the most well-respected and talented leagues in the world. Italy is host to one of the three most famous bike rides in Europe,  â€œGiro d’Italia” (Tour of Italy). Hopefully, these  fun and interesting facts about Italy have inspired you to finally take that trip to Italy youve always dreamed of. But before you jet off to Italy, make sure you take some Italian lessons so you can speak to the locals and learn even more fun facts about Italy firsthand. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher