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- Fun facts about Italy and history.
- 1. Italy is one of Western Europe's youngest countries. Italy has one of Europe's longest histories, yet it's only been a country since 1861. In Roman times Italy was a single entity.
- 2. Rome is over 2,000 years old. Rome was founded in 753 BC and the Roman Empire was born in 27 BC. The Empire ruled Europe and parts of North Africa right up until 395 AD.
- 3. The country was under a dictatorship for 20 years. Benito Mussolini established a dictatorship in Italy in 1925 and ruled the country until 1945. Known as Il Duce at the height of his powers, Mussolini wasn't always a fascist.
- The name Italy comes from the word italia, meaning “calf land,” perhaps because the bull was a symbol of the Southern Italian tribes.
- Italy is approximately 116,400 square miles (including Sicily and Sardinia), which is slightly larger than Arizona.
- The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).
- Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
- Interesting and Fun Facts About Italy
- Quick Travel Tips For Italy
- What to Pack For Ital
1. Italy has a fountain that flows with free red wine 24/7
This is one of the best fun facts about Italy and yes, it is actually true. The Fontana del Vino (or ‘Free Red Wine Fountain,’ as it’s more clumsily known in English) has been set up in the Abruzzo region. Specifically, it’s located in the town of Caldari di Ortona. It lies on the Camino di San Tommaso pilgrimage. People have walked the path for years, so it’s about time they got themselves a free red wine fountain. Jeez.
2. When McDonald’s opened in Rome, the local Italians weren’t happy
Another one of the best fun facts about Italy that involves Mcdonald’s. Taking the spot of the treasured old bar which closed its doors, right near the Spanish Steps, opposite the Spanish embassy, and next to fashion house Valentino’s head office, McDonald’s wasn’t made to feel welcome when it arrived in Romein 1986. People handed out free spaghetti at the entrance. Valentino said the fried food smell was ruining his clothes. Harsh times.
3. Ancient civilizations existed in Italy before the Romans
Namely the Etruscans, but there were others too. Who were the Etruscans? A pre-Roman civilization that popped up around 900 BC, fought wars with Rome in 400 BC, and were subsequently consumed by the growing city-state. The Etruscans give their name to a very famous Italian region – Tuscany, of course. One of those awesome Italian culture facts.
‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Italian: “Buongiorno” (formal) “Ciao” (informal) and “Grazie”Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days in Schengen countries visa free for most nationalities. Make sure to check with your embassy to see if this is you or not.What to Pack: All depends on the season – Style is key to Italians – Read what to pack for ItalyWhat to wear in Italy is one of the first things to consider once you plan the basics of your first trip to the country. Packing can be simple. Generally, Italians are stylish, and we recommend dressing casually. That way, you’re comfortable when hanging out with locals.
- Benito Mussolini may have been a Fascist, but he was responsible for promoting Italian soccer to the international stage. He tried to ban the English-sounding “goal” and have the locals call “meta”, but the attempted ban didn’t last long.
- We all know that Galileo Galilei was arrested nearly 400 years ago by the Roman Catholic Church for having proved the earth moves around the sun and not the other way round.
- Old houses of the Alberobello region in Bari, Italy have “trulli” or conical roofs with grey stones and unique shaped chimney stacks at the top of the pinnacle to identify houses at a time when house numbers were not common.
- Venice is prone to acqua alta (or high water) in winters, due to high tides and sirocco in the lagoon. In 1974 a system of walkways were built along the city’s main pedestrian areas about 120 cm above sea level.
Mar 6, 2021 · From designer police uniforms to 350 types of pasta, ancient landmarks to bizarre traditions, here are 126 fun facts about Italy that you didn’t know. Italy is a fascinating country that has had a great influence not only on European but on world culture. Italian food and Italian fashion are known and loved all over the globe.
Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and other waters. FAST FACTS. OFFICIAL NAME: Italian Republic. FORM OF...
Facts about Italy for kids: learn all about Italy, with facts about Italian culture, politics, economy wildlife and geography, including a map of Italy.
