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10 Fun facts about Italy: Witches, volcanoes, and more!
Italy is home to many iconic landmarks and ancient sites. Naturally, it's also full of trivia and curiosities. Here are 10 exciting, fun facts about Italy.
Italy is one of the world’s most fascinating countries, scattered with historical sites and rich culture. From the Roman Empire to the vibrant Amalfi Coast, Italy is known for many things, including some cool trivia. This blog covers the top 10 fun facts about Italy, from Christmas witches to famous Italian artists.
Keep reading to learn more about this treasure trove of history and exciting stories. If you’ve been planning to visit Italy, these fun facts will definitely give you the final nudge.
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1. Italians celebrate Christmas with a witch
An interesting fun fact about Christmas in Italy is the legend of La Befana. If you’re celebrating Christmas in Italy, you might be visited by this kind witch who delivers presents and gifts a little later than Santa Claus – January 6th, not December 25th.
In Italian culture, La Befana rides a broom (as all witches do) and fills stockings with sweets (for the good children) or coal (for the naughty ones). This festive tradition blends Italian folklore and Catholic roots.
2. Italy has more UNESCO sites than any other country
With over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy takes first place in hosting more than any other country. The Historic Center of Rome, Piazza San Pietro, the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, and the Dolomites are also the main reasons why it’s one of the most travelled places in the world.
Overall, if you enjoy rich history and culture, visiting Italy as a solo traveler is especially rewarding.
3. Italy has a free wine fountain
Yes, this is a real Italy fun fact. But, are we surprised? As one of the world’s top wine producers, there is a wine fountain in Abruzzo, central Italy, along the Cammino di San Tommaso, where tourists can stop and sip on some local vino for free!
4. The Italian flag has a secret meaning
Ever wonder what the colors of the Italian flag mean? Green, white, and red are not just visually pleasing but also symbols of hope, social equality, lush landscapes (green), faith and the snow-capped Alps (white), and charity, love, and sacrifices (red). The flag became official after World War II when the Italian Republic’s form of government was established. This also marked the fall of the Fascist Party and Benito Mussolini’s rule.
Previously, Etruscan kings ruled Rome for nearly a hundred years. But the Romans kicked out the Etruscans in 510 BC and went on to conquer the whole Italian peninsula.
5. Europe’s most active volcano is in Italy
Did you know Italy boasts three active volcanoes? One is Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna in Sicily. This volcano erupts very frequently, spewing ash and lava into the sky.
The other two volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius near Naples, erupted in AD 79 and buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. Stromboli, located on the Italian island of Stromboli, is also known for its continuous eruptions.
6. It took an Italian artist four years to paint the Sistine Chapel
Italy doesn’t just give us the gift of Leonardo da Vinci. One of Italy’s most renowned artists, Michelangelo, took four years (1508-1512) to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in a Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City. His intricate artwork covers over 5,000 square feet and displays biblical scenes, including the world-famous “Creation of Adam“, where God’s finger is inches away from Adam’s hand.
7. Italy invented eyeglasses
A cool fun fact about Italy is that the first eyeglasses were created in the late 13th century, changing how we see the world forever and for the better. If you wear glasses, you have Italy to thank.
Italian glassmakers in Venice created the first versions of eyeglasses to help correct poor vision. Over time, the design and corrective lenses have evolved, leading to more comfortable and even luxurious eyewear.
8. The Vatican in Italy hosts one of the most unique postal systems in the world
The Vatican actually has its own post office, making it one of the smallest postal systems in the world. Established in 1930, the Vatican Post Office handles all domestic and international mail within Vatican City.
9. There are over 600 types of pasta and over 30 kinds of pizza in Italy
This fun facts about Italy blog would not be complete without something related to pizza, pasta, or olive oil. Italy is the birthplace of pizza and pasta, and the latter comes in over 600 shapes. Each design is paired with specific sauces, and mixing your pasta shape with the wrong sauce is considered a crime. For example, wide ribboned pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle goes with rich, hearty sauces. On the other hand, twisty fusilli is perfect for thick pesto or creamier sauces.
When it comes to the best food in Italy, pizza is at the top of the list. With more than 30 types of pizza in Italy, you’ll never get tired of this cheesy delight.
10. A particular fountain in Italy raises millions
The Trevi Fountain, located in the ancient city of Rome, receives over €1 million coins annually. According to tradition, tourists toss coins into the fountain. If you toss a coin over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome one day.
This fountain was completed in 1762 and is an architectural masterpiece, adorned with figures like Triton and Neptune.
Explore fun facts about Italy in person with Holafly
Italy welcomes millions of tourists every year. The year 2024 alone saw 64.5 million tourists, making Italy a standout destination in Europe. While you may have reservations about touristy spots, it’s a no-brainer when it comes to Italy. After exploring Italy’s fun facts, tangled with rich history and ancient landmarks, if you’re hitting the green light on your trip, something you must have is a reliable connection.
Unlimited data travel eSIMs are the future of smooth trips, as they make staying online and connected a breeze. Holafly’s eSIM for Italy offers unlimited data, the flexibility of choosing your plan, 24/7 customer support, and an easy-to-use app.
For as little as $4.15 a day for a 6-day trip to Italy, you can get unlimited internet plus 1 GB of daily hotspot sharing. And if you’re heading to Italy long term, as a remote worker, frequent traveler, or digital nomad, consider Holafly Connect instead. Use your phone to navigate, explore Italy’s fun facts and famous landmarks, and have the best food with a secure data connection.
Peace of mind before you fly
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
