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Mar 26, 2024 · Want to learn about the top famous Italian people that shaped the history of Italy and the entire world? In this article, we'll uncover 53 key Italian figures everyone should know about.
- Facts About Italian Food
- Fun Facts About Italy
- Facts About Italian Culture
- Some More Interesting Facts
- Summary
1. Pizza was invented in Naples
This one may be well-known to many, but some still think pizza is an American invention. The United States did help in making this dish popular, but pizza was born in the heart of Naples. Back in the 18th century, pizza was served as a quick meal for Neapolitans to eat on the go. However, as Neapolitans traveled to the United States in the early 20th century, pizza became all the rage across the Atlantic, and soon worldwide.
2. Cappuccino is just for breakfast
You read that right. In Italy, you are expected to order a cappuccino more or less until midday. After that, it may be frowned upon. For Italians, a cappuccino is a typical breakfast drink, not something you would have mid-afternoon. It may also be worth mentioning that cappuccino is not just any other drink you should have with your meal. Ordering a plate of spaghetti and a cappuccino at lunch is a big no-no.
3. Italy has roughly 350 types of pasta
Italy is the land of pasta, so you can expect to find a great variety of pasta types. From traditional pasta such as penne and spaghetti to fresh pasta like tagliatelle and regional varieties like orecchiette, the choice is endless. Well, almost! You can choose between roughly 350 types of pasta. In fact, you could almost eat a different pasta type every day for a year.
12. Gesticulating is inevitable for Italians
If there’s one distinctive feature about Italians is that they gesticulate a lot. You’ll even see people talking on the phone gesticulating. They just can’t help it. One of the most typically Italian gestures consists of touching all five fingertips of your right hand and moving the hand back and forth from the wrist. If someone does that in front of you, they are telling you that you’re saying nonsense.
13. An average of €3000 gets thrown in the Trevi Fountain each day
Yes, you read that right. An average of three thousand euros land into Trevi Fountain each day. I’ll spare you the effort of calculating how much that is per year – it’s over 1 million euros! The tradition of throwing a coin in the fountain for good luck is still going on strong. If you’re wondering what happens to all that money, the coins are collected and donated to the Catholic charity Caritas.
14. You can find a free wine fountain in Italy
There’s a free red wine fountain in the small town of Villa Caldari, in the province of Chieti. The fountain is active 24/7, so you can fill up your glass and serve yourself some red wine any time. The fountain belongs to the Dora Sarchese winery. The idea was born during a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela when Dina and Luigi, the creators of this fountain, came across a similar free wine fountain. They decided to create this wine fountain on the Cammino di San Tommaso, a pilgrimage trail...
21. Italy is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world
With 53 cultural sites and 5 natural sites, Italy holds the record for the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Add this to the list of reasons to visit the beautiful Mediterranean country. Related: 30 Best Places to Visit in Italy for an Unforgettable Vacation
22. Two of the 6 European microstates are enclaved within Italy
Two of Europe’s six microstates, Vatican City and San Marino, are enclaved within Italy. Vatican City is in the heart of Rome and is the smallest state in the world by area. San Marino, meanwhile, is perched on a hilltop near the coastal city of Rimini.
23. Italy is home to the largest amphitheater ever built
It may not come as a surprise that the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built. Anfiteatro Flavio – its original name – could hold up to 80.000 spectators. The Colosseum is one of the world’s most popular monuments and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
29. The number 17 is bad luck
Most countries consider the number 13 as an unlucky number, but not Italy. For Italians, the bad luck number is 17. The worse combination ever is Friday the 17th – you might as well just lock yourself in for the day! One explanation for this combination refers to the Roman number 17, written as XVII, which is the anagram of the word VIXI, meaning “I lived” – hence I am dead. VIXI was a common inscription on tombs in Ancient Rome. Another explanation refers to the Great Flood that, according t...
30. You’re supposed to eat lentils for New Year’s
Of the many foods you could eat on New Year’s Eve, I bet you didn’t think about lentils. Yet the tradition says that you’ll get as much money in the new year as many lentils you eat on New Year’s Eve. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome when sacks of lentils were given as a good luck charm. The reason for this is believed to be the fact that the shape of lentils resembles that of coins.
31. In Naples, people would leave a “suspended coffee”
The tradition of “suspended coffee” started in Naples during World War II. People would buy a coffee for themselves and a second one for whoever could not afford it. This act of kindness towards strangers soon spread all over Italy. The caffé sospeso is no longer as widespread as it used to be. However, this tradition made a comeback in 2020 as a way to help people dealing with the hardships caused by the pandemic.
From its delicious, world-renowned food, to its fascinating ancient Roman history, Italy is a country that will continue to awe and intrigue, no matter how many times you visit. These cool and interesting facts are just the tip of the iceberg but will give you some unique insight into the cuisine, culture, and history of Italy that you may not have...
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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.
- Julius Caesar. A renowned Roman military pioneer and government official, Julius Caesar isn’t just well known in Italy, yet also one of the most celebrated individuals on the planet.
- Dante Alighieri. normally known as Dante, was an Italian writer who significantly affected the ages of artists and writers consistently, for example, Geoffrey Chaucer, Byron and William Blake.
- Joel McHale. Joel McHale is an American comic, on-screen character, maker, host, and author. Conceived in Rome to American guardians and brought up in Seattle, Washington, he is a much mainstream humorist in the contemporary diversion scene.
- Marco Polo. One among the main Europeans to go to China, Marco Polo was the thirteenth-century adventurer, who as a young person went alongside his dad and uncle to meet Emperor Kublai Khan in China.
Sep 16, 2019 · Looking for the best facts about Italy? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the ultimate list of fun Italy facts that’ll truly blow your mind! For a country that dates back as far as Italy does, it’s no wonder there’s so many weird, wonderful and wanderlust-inducing facts to learn about it.
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Dec 12, 2016 · Italy is approximately 116,400 square miles (including Sicily and Sardinia), which is slightly larger than Arizona. [2] The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic ( Repubblica Italiana ). [2] Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
Mar 6, 2021 · Italian culture can well be called one of the most influential cultures on the planet. It has given the world some of the greatest artists, sculptures, and architects, and has to a great degree shaped western culture. Here some fun facts of Italy and its influential culture.
