Fact 1: Home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Italy is the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, totaling an impressive 55. This includes renowned landmarks like the historical centers of Rome, Florence, and Naples; archaeological areas such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, and vast natural areas like Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast and Mount Etna.
Fact 2: The Accidental Birthplace of the Piano
If you're an avid fan of music, you might be interested to know the modern piano was invented in Italy. Bartolomeo Cristofori of Padua created the first model in the early 18th century, hence initiating a significant milestone in the history of music.
Fact 3: Home to the World's Smallest Country
Italy houses Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, both by size (44 hectares) and by population (about 800). This independent city-state is known globally as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, including the residence of the Pope.
Fact 4: The Mystery behind Italy's Shape
Despite its world-famous boot shape, Italy doesn't appear that way because of regular tectonic activity. Rather, its characteristic shape is the consequence of millions of years of active and passive erosion by rivers and sea, and the deposition of sediment.
Fact 5: Italy's Talking Statues
Rome possesses an unusual spectacle called "The Talking Statues." Six famous statues spread around the city are often found covered in satirical poems about politics and social issues, a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Fact 6: The Elevator's Italian Origin
You might not know this, but the world's modern elevator has roots in Italy! The Renaissance polymath, Leonardo Da Vinci, designed the first known elevator in the late 15th century, his creative mind establishing what we now casually ride in modern buildings.
Fact 7: Italy's Crypts with 8,000 Mummies
In the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, visitors can view a collection of over 8,000 embalmed mummies. The spectacles include embalmed monks, the wealthy locals, and even some preserved animals.
Fact 8: Let's Chow Down
Italy is believed to have more than 2,000 traditional types of pasta. No wonder Italian cuisine is so loved worldwide; with all those choices, who could resist an Italian meal?
Fact 9: Wine Capital of the World
Italy is the largest wine producer globally, boasting an extensive variety of wines from regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto. Wine is intrinsic to Italian culture and has been produced in the country for over four millennia!
Fact 10: The Famed Italian Gesture Language
Italians are widely known for their expressive hand gestures. There are about 250 standard ones used regularly around the country, each with a specific meaning. It's like a whole new language.
Fact 11: The Enigma of Two Independent Countries within Italy
Besides the Vatican, there's another independent country located entirely within Italy - San Marino. Known as the world's oldest republic, it has been independent since AD 301.
Fact 12: Coffee Culture Done Right
Italy has its own coffee culture with rules. For example, locals commonly drink cappuccino in the morning but never after meals, as it's generally believed it hinders digestion.
Fact 13: The Land of Active Volcanoes
Italy is home to three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli. Each volcano has an interesting history, with Vesuvius being the most famous for the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD.
Fact 14: The Ancient Italian Toilets
The Romans were the first civilization to introduce a system of public toilets. The facilities comprised a long bench with holes on the top for sitting, while running water beneath carried the waste away.
Fact 15: Pinocchio's Birthplace
The beloved fictional character Pinocchio was born in Italy. Italian author Carlo Collodi wrote the children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio in 1883. The classic tale continues to be a global favorite.
Fact 16: The Highest Mountain Located Entirely in Italy
Gran Paradiso, rising to 4,061 meters, is the highest mountain located entirely within Italy's borders. It is found in Graian Alps, between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions.
Fact 17: Italy's Diverse Languages
Although Italian is the official language, the country has several regional dialects. Languages like German, French, Slovene, and Greek are also spoken in various parts of the country.
Fact 18: Not Always the Land of the ‘Romans’
Before the Roman civilization, Italy was populated by different civilizations, including the Etruscans, Greeks, and Celts. Each of these civilizations significantly contributed to the rich cultural fabric of modern Italy.
Fact 19: The Oldest University in the Western World
Italy is home to the oldest university in the western world, the University of Bologna, established in 1088. It is still one of the leading academic institutions in Italy and globally.
Fact 20: The Popular Carnival of Venice
The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest and most recognized festivals globally, a centuries-old tradition that attracts tourists from around the world every year. Its vibrant masquerade balls, parades, and music create a lively, colorful spectacle.