30 Fascinating Italy Facts You Didn’t Know

Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and with good reason. From the delicious food to the exquisite fashion and rich culture, there is so much to see and do in this iconic boot shape extending into the Mediterranean Sea. If you are planning an Italian getaway, here are a few fun facts about Italy to inspire your exploration of this land of art, pasta, and passion.

Interesting Facts about Italy

Read on to learn some interesting facts about Italy while we all wait to travel again.

1. Italy Has More UNESCO World Heritage Sites Than Any Other Country

If it’s history you’re seeking, you’ll certainly find it in Italy. With more than 55 heritage sites, Italy boasts a stunning array of historical characteristics. There are renowned options, like the Colosseum in Rome, and less obvious inclusions, such as Mount Etna or Alberobello’s Trulli. From the historic center of Florence to Venice and its lagoon, you could easily spend an entire summer in search of its historic sites. Discover all UNESCO sites in Italy here.

2. Rome is Old

Founded in 735 BC, Rome is over 2,000 years old. The first ruler of Rome was King Romulus, and the first Roman Emperor was Augustus Octavian. The Roman Empire at its peak stretched from North Africa to Northern Europe, until it fell in 385 AD. Today, Rome proudly stands as the Capital City of Italy.

3. The Trevi Fountain Is Full of Money

Legend has it that tossing one coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures your return to Rome (the Eternal City), tossing two signifies returning to the city and falling in love, and tossing in three means you will return, fall in love, and get married. Consequently, thousands of tourists participate in this ritual daily. The money collected is routinely donated to charity.

4. The Italian Flag Colors Have Meaning

The green, white, and red colors of the Italian flag represent more than just an appealing combination; they carry significant meaning. The red symbolizes charity, the white signifies faith, and the green represents hope.

5. High Mountains

Italy is home to three prominent mountain ranges: the Alps, Dolomites, and Apennines. It also shares the highest mountain, Mont Blanc, with France. Monte Bianco is the highest peak within Italy. Notably, the Italian Alps are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and draw visitors from all over the globe.

6. Active Volcanoes

Speaking of mountains, Italy is home to Europe’s only active volcanoes, including Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Stromboli off the Sicilian coast, and Vesuvius in Southern Italy. This geographical feature reflects the country’s position on a tectonic fault line, contributing to many dormant volcanoes.

7. Italians Go Crazy For Soccer

In Italy, soccer reigns as the national pastime. Italians are among the world’s most passionate soccer fans, demonstrating their unwavering enthusiasm for the sport.

8. They Also Go Crazy for Espressos

An astonishing 14 billion espressos are consumed in Italy each year. This figure stands credible, with Italians often downing an espresso while standing before continuing with their daily activities.

9. Venice Is All About Its Islands

Though Venice is famous for its winding canals, it is also comprised of 118 islands. Many of these islands are too small to be noticed individually. A couple of our favorites include Murano and Burano.

10. Christopher Columbus Was an Italian

While many perceive Christopher Columbus as a Spanish explorer, he was, in fact, Italian.

11. There Are More Than 900 Churches in Rome Alone

Italy holds a deep devotion to religion, making it no surprise that there are significant numbers of houses of worship. In Rome alone, over 900 churches exist, ensuring that visitors seeking to worship have ample opportunity.

12. Milan Has The Most Skyscrapers In Italy

Milan is celebrated for its culinary delights, cutting-edge fashion, and rich culture. It’s also notable for its architecture, as it houses more skyscrapers than any other area of Italy, boasting around 25 towering buildings.

13. Mount Vesuvius Took More Than Just Pompeii

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, its devastating lava flow destroyed not only Pompeii but other cities as well, with ruins that still stand today.

14. Italy’s Wine Offerings Extend Beyond Tuscany

While Tuscany is celebrated for its fine Italian wines, other regions like Veneto, Piedmont, Sicily, and Campania also offer excellent choices for wine lovers.

15. Visitors Still Use Public Drinking Fountains

One unique aspect of Italy is the historic public drinking fountains, which were constructed centuries ago. These fountains continue to provide potable water, allowing tourists and locals alike to refill their bottles.

16. Italy Is Known For Chocolate

Pasta, pizza, and cheese may be synonymous with Italy, but don’t overlook the country’s exceptional chocolate. Indulging in Italian chocolate is a must for any visitor seeking a delicious treat.

17. The Vatican Is a Country Within a Country

Despite being located in Rome, Vatican City functions as its own sovereign entity, headed by the Pope. This tiny country, measuring just an eighth of Central Park in New York City, draws approximately 20,000 visitors daily, eager to see its numerous attractions.

18. The Vatican is the Smallest Country in the World

Indeed, Vatican City holds the title of the smallest country globally, with a population of only 825 people. A secret passage connects the Vatican to Rome, built for emergency evacuations of the Pope.

19. San Marino Is Also Within Italy

Italy envelops the small republic of San Marino, the oldest republic on the planet and the third smallest country in Europe.

20. Venice Canals Number More Than 100

Visitors to Venice often marvel at the more than 150 canals that traverse the city, adding to its unique charm.

21. Rome Has a Nickname: The Eternal City

A favorite local legend suggests that this nickname stems from the profound historical sense one experiences while wandering through its streets.

22. Italians Loved to Explore

Italy has produced many famous explorers. Christopher Columbus discovered America, while Marco Polo ventured into the Orient. Other notable figures include John Cabot and Amerigo Vespucci, alongside the renowned astronomer Galileo Galilei.

23. Christmas Is HUGE In Italy

Italy is a fantastic destination for experiencing Christmas. The country embraces its Roman Catholic traditions deeply, making the Christmas season a vibrant period filled with lights, shows, and festivities.

24. An Island Cemetery

San Michele Island in Venice serves solely as a cemetery, showcasing Italy’s unique cultural practices regarding memorials.

25. Home to Old Universities

The University of Bologna holds the title of the oldest continuously operating university in the world, having been founded in 1088. Italy is also home to several other historic universities.

26. Italy Invented the Sonnet

Although often attributed to Shakespeare, the sonnet was actually invented in Italy, reflecting the significant literary contributions of the country.

27. Shakespeare Wrote 38 Plays – 13 Are Set In Italy

Many people think that England serves as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s work, but numerous plays such as ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Julius Caesar’ are set in Italy.

28. Pinocchio was First Published in Italy

Though frequently associated with Walt Disney, the tale of Pinocchio originated in Italy, published by Carlo Collodi in 1890.

29. Venice Was Once Uber-Rich

Historically, Venice was among Europe’s wealthiest cities, primarily due to its advantageous shipping routes.

30. You can Visit Mummies In Palermo

Traveling to Palermo offers visitors a unique experience at the Capuchin Catacombs, featuring expertly preserved mummies from the 17th century.

31. Sardinian Residents Live Exceptionally Long Lives

Sardinia is recognized as a Blue Zone, indicating an area with exceptionally high life expectancy. Remarkably, Italy’s aging population leads Europe in longevity.

32. Pasta Was Not Invented in Italy

Despite popular belief, pasta was likely introduced to Italy by Marco Polo after his journey to China. Interestingly, tomato sauce also finds its origins in Mexico.

33. The Leaning Tower of Pisa Has Always Leaned

The Leaning Tower of Pisa began tilting shortly after construction. Despite its precarious angle, it is expected to remain stable for centuries to come.

34. Famous Italy inventions

• The thermometer was invented in Italy.
• The battery was invented in Italy by Alessandro Volta, from whom the term ‘volt’ derives.
• Eyeglasses were invented in Italy.
• The piano was invented by an Italian.

35. Leonardo da Vinci was more than a Painter

Famous for the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci was a multifaceted genius, also known for his inventions and scientific theories, including the notion of a round Earth.

36. Italy Facts Geography

• Italy shares borders with Switzerland, Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, and Vatican City.

37. Italy’s Largest lake

Lake Garda is recognized as the largest lake in Italy, surpassing even the more famed Lake Como.

38. Italy’s National Day

Italy celebrates its national holiday, Festa della Repubblica, in June, marking the establishment of the republic.

These lighthearted facts are sure to inspire dreams of visiting Italy and Southern Europe soon. Where will you go first?