Italy is a country steeped in history and culture, and there is so much to discover beyond its famous landmarks and delicious food. Before you plan your trip to Italy, here are 10 fun facts you should know that will make your experience even more memorable.
The Italian flag has a fascinating history
The flag of Italy was first adopted by the Cispadane Republic in 1797 and was made up of several smaller states in the northern part of Italy. The flag features three vertical bands of green, white, and red, which are said to represent hope, faith, and charity.
Italy is home to the world’s oldest university
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the world still in operation.
Pizza Margherita is named after a queen
Pizza Margherita, one of the most popular pizza varieties in Italy, is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pizza, which is made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was created in 1889 to represent the colours of the Italian flag.
Italy is home to the largest volcano in Europe
Mount Vesuvius, located on the Gulf of Naples, is the largest volcano in Europe and is still active. The volcano is most famous for its eruption in AD 79, which buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The leaning tower of Pisa is not the only leaning tower in Italy
While the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous, there are several other leaning towers in Italy. The bell tower of the church of St. Martin in Suurhusen, Germany is also said to be the most tilted tower in the world.
The Roman Colosseum is not entirely made of marble
The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy, is not entirely made of marble. The outer walls of the Colosseum are made of a mix of materials such as travertine and tuff, a type of volcanic rock.
Vatican City, located within Rome, is the smallest country in the world by both area and population. It is the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope.
The Italian boot shape is not a coincidence
Italy’s shape is often compared to a boot, and it’s not a coincidence. The country’s shape is a result of its geography, with the “toe” of the boot representing the southernmost part of Italy and the “heel” representing the easternmost part of the country.
Italy is home to the world’s oldest shopping mall
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan is the oldest shopping mall in the world, dating back to 1877. The mall is home to luxury brands, cafes, and restaurants.
The Italian language has many dialects
Italian is the official language of Italy, but the country is home to many dialects. Each region in Italy has its dialect, which can vary greatly from the standard Italian language. Some dialects spoken in certain regions may be completely unintelligible to speakers of standard Italian. This diversity in language reflects Italy’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Knowing these fun facts about Italy gives you a better understanding and appreciation of the country before you travel. From the world’s oldest university to the smallest country, Italy is full of surprises and will be an unforgettable destination. Make sure to keep these facts in mind during your trip and use them to enhance your travel experience.
