2. The name Italy comes from Ancient
Rome. The Romans called the
southern Italian peninsula of Italy,
which means "land of oxen" or
"land of pastures".
This region strongly influenced the development of cultural and social
development of the whole Mediterranean Europe, and had much
influence on European culture. Important cultures and civilizations existed
in the region from prehistoric time. Important civilizations, such as the
Greek and Etruscan civilizations, ruled this part of the world for centuries,
and especially the Roman Empire, which extended its boundaries over
most of Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East.
4. 1- PIZZA
Italy is the birthplace of the world’s most
popular fast food, pizza. A delicious pie,
topped with exotic ingredients, makes the
world’s most popular dish.
Pizza quickly picked up its pace in western
world. A lot of changes have been made to
the original pizza, mostly depending upon the
likes of locals. However, if you wish to
experience the authentic taste, then you must
visit Italy, especially, the city of Naples, that
invented pizza.
5. 2-ROME
Do you love exploring places on
foot? Then Rome is
undoubtedly the biggest tourist
attraction for you. Rome gets a
special spot for itself in the list
due to its historical importance.
Gladiators have fought here,
giving you all the more reason
to visit it. It has been a major
pilgrimage site for Catholics,
because it surrounds Vatican
City, the house of Popes.
6. 3-CUISINE
The Italian cuisine is Bellisima! Italians love
their food and are known for their recipes.
The dishes eaten in Italy have become
famous all around the world. Ingredients
like parmesan cheese, olive oil and garlic
can be found in almost every dish. The
flavourful cuisine that comprises several
kinds of pastas, risotto, ravioli make a
perfect entrée for a meal. Desserts have a
wide variety of pastries. Some of them
include tiramisu, panna cotta and cannoli.
Their substitute for ice-cream is called
Gelato. It is made of milk instead of cream
and it’s irresistible for anyone who has
tried it once. You can see Italians indulging
in wine and gelato any time of the day.
7. 3-ART
Italy is the Mecca for art lovers, with at least one
museum in every major city of the country. Italy
was blessed by very talented artists of all times.
As a result, Italy owns world’s many greatest
masterpieces in its museums. From
Michelangelo’s ‘David’ to Leonardo’s ‘The Last
Supper’, one can find all of it in Italy.
8. 4-FOOTBALL
Italians play football religiously and why
shouldn’t they? After all they are very good
at it. Their national team has been the
world champions for four times. They
continue to be a strong contender in every
FIFA event. Apart from International events,
their domestic clubs are also popular.
These clubs have good record in the
European events as well. The country has
birthed some of the best footballers like
Dino Zoff, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo
and many more.
9. 6-VENICE-THE CANAL CITY
Venice is a city built across 117 small islands. This
is that one serene place in the north-eastern Italy
which is free from city noise. It hosts about 50
thousand tourists everyday. Every tourist simply
does not forget a gondola ride. One must roam
around this city to enjoy the mesmerizing sights.
The lagoon and many amazing architectural sites
are listed as World Heritage Sites.
10. 7-AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY
The country is home to many major auto mobile
companies. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa
Romeo and Maserati are a few of them. The Italian
auto mobile industry has produced over a million
vehicles in 2015. Which includes all kinds of cars,
right from hatchbacks all the way to sports cars.
Ferrari is notably the most famous sports car
manufacturer. It is known for its robust engines
that has won many International races.
Lamborghini is another classic sports car
manufacturing company. It is known for its elegant
fast models that are manufactured in limited
numbers.
11. 8-TALKING TO ITALIANS
Italian language is spoken by around 85 million people in
Europe. The Italian accent is famous for the aggression that it
portrays. It can sometimes get funny for the non-Italian
listeners. It’s not just the language, but it’s the overall way of
carrying themselves. It makes Italians very charming and
eccentric than any other people. They are also famous for the
hand gestures that talk more than their words.
12. 9-ARCHITECTURE
Renaissance had brought about a lot of changes in the architectural
field for Italy. Italy has ever since been famous for its architectural
prowess. It is the home of Palladianism, a style of construction which
later inspired Neoclassical Architecture. A result of which is the 51
World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. The number is larger than
in any other country. Tourists from across the world visit Italy to see
these sites. This is how they dive into history temporarily. The
mesmerizing architectural sites are Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa,
St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon and Milan cathedral, to name a few.
13. 10-RENNAISSANCE
Between the 14th and 16th century, Italy
experienced a gradual yet drastic change in culture.
Legendary personalities like Leonardo Da Vinci,
Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, Titian and
Galileo are among many others that have had their
imprint on this golden era. Through their art,
research and philosophy they have directed Italians
to where they are today. All the known facts and
art from the Renaissance are documented and
displayed in numerous museums of Italy.
14. 11-OLIVE OIL
The production of olives in Italy started back in the
seventh century. Since its initiation, Italy has now
become the second largest producer of olive oil in
the world producing a yearly average of over
464,000 tons. The olive oil industry has prevailed
because of its use in cuisine and demands from rest
of the world. Almost every Italian dish has its fair
share of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is considered
to be the healthiest oil for consumption, thus being
exported by Italy in large quantities.
15. 12-ITALIAN EXPLORERS
In the Age of Discovery, many Italian explorers set out
with their ships on dangerous conquests. Their mission
was to find new routes for trade. Christopher Columbus,
John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Marco Polo are some of
the most popular explorers from Italy. Against furious
oceans, these brave men led their crew to the destination,
only to discover and trade the newly made maps to kings
and other conquerors. A lot of additions we see in the
world map today is because of them.
16. 13-DONS AND GODFATHERS
Organized crime is not a thing to brag about for any nation.
Italy has had enough of it during the modern times. Sicilian
Mafia, Calabrian Mafia, Apulian Mafia are few of the many.
They have involved themselves in the social and economic life
of Italy. Sicilian Mafia is the one who has also spread its wings
in the USA. The reason is because of the influence it has had
on the world’s culture. It has also inspired the American
author Mario Puzzo to write ‘Godfather’. Which is one of the
best novel-turned-movie of all times.
17. 14-VINEYARDS
Italy is the world’s largest wine producer in volume. It ranks fifth in
wine consumption. According to legends, in AD 92, emperor
Domitian was forced to destroy a lot of vineyards so that he would
clear up fertile land for food production. In spite of that
destruction, wine production has only flourished. Tourists are
easily attracted to these vineyards. One can participate in any
“Cantine Aperte”, which means “Open Cellars” day. On this day,
wine producers from all over Italy meet and set up an event, when
they open their doors for anyone who wishes to know how wine is
made. So anyone can know about wine making, while sipping their
finest produce.
18. 15-FASHIONISTAS
If fashion excites you, then you probably love Italy for
the magnificent brands that were born here. Cities like
Rome, Florence and Milan are well known for
producing big labels. Prada, Gucci, Armani, Dolce &
Gabbana and Versace are few of those. These labels
have done excellent business all over the world.
‘Vogue Italia’ is considered to be the most prestigious
fashion magazine. Milan holds a fashion week every
year, which is one of the four big fashion weeks in the
world. It is on the top of the bucket list of every
fashionista.
