21 Fascinating Facts about Italy You Didn’t Know About

7. Rome vs. McDonald’s
Rome is definitely not “lovin’ it”. Back in 1985, when the first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Rome, the capital city was filled with protests against the American fast food chain. Italians can get very serious when it comes to food culture and a healthy diet. In fact, back in 1985, Romans created the “Save Rome” committee that brought together musicians, actors and politicians who spoke out against the entry of American fast food into the land of the Mediterranean diet.

8. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world
The Italian peninsula encompasses two autonomous countries: the Republic of San Marino and Vatican City. This ecclesiastical monarchical state (ruled by the Pope) is actually the smallest country in the world! Yet this country is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Raffaello’s frescoes, the statue of Laocoon… good things often come in small packages.

9. The Odyssey is set in Italy
Everyone knows the adventurous journeys of Odysseus across the Mediterranean Sea narrated by the Greek author Homer. However, did you know that most of the Odyssey’s locations are in Italy? Over the years, historians and philologists have tried to imagine a route that Odysseus might have followed on his return journey to Ithaca. Finally, it turned out that many of the famous places in history can be visited in Italy!

If you are a lover of mythology, these are some places that you cannot miss when you visit Italy:

Mount Etna, Sicily: This volcano appears to be very similar to the cave that houses the giant Polyphemus, described by Homer. Odysseus managed to escape by blinding the only eye of the cyclops.
Aeolian Islands, Sicily: The Sicilian islands, according to studies, included the reign of Aeolus, god of the winds. The Greek hero was greeted by Aeolus, who provided him with the wind that should have helped with the navigation back home.
Monte Circeo, Lazio: Odysseus apparently lived here for a year enchanted by the sorceress Circe.
Faraglioni of Capri: where the sirens tried to bewitch the sailors with their mesmerizing voices, causing shipwrecks and deaths.
Strait of Messina: here, Ulysses had to face Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters. The strong marine currents that destroyed the ships that passed through the Strait gave rise to the ideation of these creatures.

10. The largest wine producer in the world.
Are you passionate about wine and want to deepen your knowledge? Well then Italy is the right place for you. In fact, it is *considered the world’s largest wine producer. Similar to culinary traditions, each region developed very specific and unique varieties of wine. Chianti, Amarone, Brunello… the list can be very long. Planning a less ordinary and romantic getaway? Maybe diving in the green and peaceful Italian vineyards could be the experience you are looking for!

11. Dante is the father of the Italian language
The Italian language is known to have its roots in ancient Latin culture and history. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, each region developed its own very specific and individual dialect which made communication a very complicated issue. Historically, the transition to the modern Italian language occurred thanks to Dante’s writing of the world famous Divine Comedy. The poet chose to use the Tuscan dialect which later became the basis for a national use of the Italian language.

12. The smallest restaurant in the world
Are you looking for a very peculiar experience that will give a twist to your trip to Italy? You could try eating in the smallest restaurant in the world! “Solo per due” (only for two) is the perfect idea for a romantic dinner with your partner, since you will be the only two guests of the night. It is located in an ancient Roman villa in Vacone, a beautiful little town near Rome.

13. Rome had a consul on horseback
Historians of ancient Rome wrote down some of the most impressive and bizarre facts that, most of the time, turn out to be false. However, according to Suetonius, the Roman emperor Caligula made his horse, Incitato, a consul. It is also mentioned that the horse had a marble stable and was tended by servants. Caligula was certainly one of the most eccentric protagonists of ancient Rome, however the occurrence of this event seems highly unlikely. But never mind, it’s nice to think that this could have been possible. These crazy Latinos!

14. Italy is the fifth most visited country
Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world after France, Spain, the United States and China. This is not a surprise as the peninsula boasts so many world-famous UNESCO sites, museums and art galleries, not to mention food tourism. Italian culture is one of the most appreciated and loved in the world. In fact, most of the world’s largest metropolitan cities enclose “Little Italy” districts, to feel closer to one of Europe’s most adored countries.

15. Soccer is a pretty serious subject
Italians are known to take football very seriously, but did you know anything about “calcio storico” (historical football)? This sport was invented during the Middle Ages, it was a pastime for aristocrats and popes too. It is a mix between regular football and rugby. However, the matches featured a lot of violence and frequently ended with many deaths. This tradition made it to the present day, but the rules were slightly changed to maintain order. Still, I would not recommend attending the matches if you are easily suggestible. The games are usually organized in the month of June in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence.

16. Rome has a source of money
The capital of Italy is known for its beautiful fountains, with more than 50 of them! But did you know that the famous Trevi Fountain generates around 1.4 million euros every year? Traditionally, tourists throw coins with their backs into the fountain making a wish (it’s mandatory!). This old and perhaps silly tradition results in €3,000 a day! The money raised usually goes towards food and housing for the homeless, so let’s keep up the good work!

17. Shakespeare loves Italy
Although it is almost certain that the English poet never visited Italy, there is no doubt that he must have fallen in love with the Italian scene in some way. In fact, of Shakespeare’s 38 total plays, 13 are set in beautiful Italy. From the romantic and troubled Verona of Romeo and Juliet to the dramatic The Merchant of Venice and Othello and the Julius Caesar of ancient Rome… perhaps a Shakespeare based itinerary through Italy could be an interesting experience for lovers of history? literature?

18. Italy is a very superstitious country
Never joke about superstitions with the Italians, they take it very seriously most of the time. The main superstitions refer to death or bad luck. Friday the 17th, black cats crossing your path, spilling salt on the table… are just the tip of the iceberg. Obviously, the Italians also have their lucky charms that will protect you from having bad luck. The most famous is the “cornetto” (a red horn) that you will see everywhere if you plan to go to Naples.

19. Venice sinks
Probably not many people are aware of this, but the wonderful and unique city of Venice is sinking. Having to deal with a city literally built on water can’t be easy, but in recent years due to global warming, Venice is in serious danger. Citizens are used to dealing with flooding (‘acqua alta’, literally ‘high water’), however if the sea level continues to rise so fast, studies show that within 20 years Venice could be completely under water. Barriers were built to reduce the amount of water entering the lagoon, but if you’re willing to visit Venice…the sooner the better!

20. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was already built leaning
Did you know that the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa was already leaning when it was first built? The architects noted that it was tilted when the first three floors were built. This happened due to the uneven settlement of the foundation of the building on the soft ground. For decades the tower was subjected to numerous works to reduce the slope. However, this human error turned out to set one of the world’s most well-known landmarks.

21. Cappuccino can mark you as a tourist
If you are willing to fully merge with Italian culture and traditions, you should learn about the “cappuccino rules”. If you get the timing wrong, the Italians will be able to instantly single you out as a tourist. In Italy, cappuccino is exclusively a morning drink. No one drinks cappuccinos after lunch time, so you can have a regular espresso. If you fancy something to drink in the late afternoon, just before dinner, have an “aperitif” instead. It’s the Italian expression for “meeting friends for drinks and a bite to eat while catching up.” Sometimes appetizers become real dinners and it is common to drink Aperol Spritz (traditionally from Padova).