What is Italy known for: Top 20 famous Italian things

Breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and gastronomic cuisine are what Italy is known for and some of the reasons it’s at the top of everyone’s travel destinations. It’s a fascinating country to visit, especially since Italian culture is everywhere in the contemporary world, from food to Milan Fashion Week to art. 

In this blog, you’ll find 20 famous Italian things that have shaped global culture.

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5 Famous Italian historical sites

Travel through time by visiting Italy’s five most famous historical treasures, including St Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Trevi Fountain, and Doge’s Palace. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built a basilica where the apostles had been buried. Fast-forward to today, and it is one of the largest buildings in the world and the biggest of the papal basilicas. Millions of travelers visit Italy yearly to experience this architectural wonder in all its glory. It’s located in Vatican City, the universal headquarters of the Catholic Church and the Pope’s residence. If you’re traveling to Rome soon, make sure visiting this historical site is a part of your itinerary. 

St. Peter’s Basilica is an iconic piece of Renaissance and Baroque art that has inspired many global churches and religious artworks. The Baroque church design has been a base framework for many cathedrals across Europe and Latin America, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. 

Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is located in the ancient city of Rome and is one of Italy’s most fascinating historical relics, built in the 1st century to host entertaining spectacles such as animal hunts and gladiatorial games. While the Colosseum is void of entertainment today, the amphitheater has become the spectacle, with tours showing the complex stage machinery and services provided to the spectators. 

The Colosseum symbolizes human ingenuity that has survived centuries and inspires current-day architecture, such as the Ohio Stadium at Ohio State University. The Colosseum has also been featured in or inspired many films like The Gladiator (2000) and The Hunger Games (2012). If you’re visiting the Colosseum and exploring other landmarks in Rome, you might find it helpful to look into getting a Rome tourist card for easier access to multiple sites.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

More commonly known as the Leaning Tower, the Tower of Pisa is a timeless artifact of medieval Europe. It was initially designed to be perfectly vertical. However, it started to lean during construction, giving birth to the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa. It stands 60 meters tall and is a bell tower, one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex in Pisa. The construction began in August 1173 and continued for about 200 years.

About 17 feet off the vertical, various architects have slightly curved the tower to prevent it from leaning further or even falling over. We’ve all seen pictures of tourists attempting the “holding up the tower pose,” but could you spot the monument in famous cartoons and movies like Looney Tunes, Superman, and Cars 2?

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is one of Europe’s most beautiful and famous fountains. Dating back to 19 B.C., the fountain was built during the Renaissance and formed the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. There’s a famed myth surrounding Fontana de Trevi which explains why you might see people throwing coins into the fountain’s water — one of Rome’s key experiences! If you throw one coin, you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you will fall in love with an Italian; if you throw three coins, you will marry the person you met. To ensure you complete the experience correctly, toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. 

It is quite a touristy area, so planning ahead is crucial to avoid long queues and make the most of your time. Trevi Fountain is also one of the most famous cinematic landmarks, appearing in several classics, such as La Dolce Vita (1960), Roman Holiday (1953), and The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). You might also find the Caesars Palace Fountain in Las Vegas very similar to the Trevi Fountain!

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, was the ancient seat of government and residence of the Doge. If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture, this Venetian masterpiece is a must-see.

Initially a Byzantine fortress, the complex was restored and enlarged by Doge Sebastiano Ziani in 1173. Doge’s Palace remains a key part of Italy’s artistic heritage and continues to influence contemporary architecture, like the Palace of Westminster and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and Macau.

5 Famous Italian food and drinks

Five of the most famous Italian food and drinks have inspired cuisine all over the world. Here’s the rich culinary heritage behind pizza, pasta, polenta, gelato, and Italian wine. 

Pizza

Nowadays, pizza is not only an essential part of Italian culture and history but also a staple item on menus worldwide. Topping flatbreads with tasty ingredients is an ancient practice, but “pizza” was coined near Rome or Naples around 1000 A.D. Not only was pizza exceptionally delicious, but it was also a cost-effective way of feeding the peasantry. The clever Italians also introduced the humble tomato onto the flatbread — a revolutionary addition. 

Pizza was relatively unknown until 1889, when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita toured their kingdom. The Queen stumbled upon this peasant dish on her tour and simply adored it. Before you know it, her chef would create a series of pizzas with different toppings, all according to her personal preference. Can you guess her favorite? The classic basil, tomato, and mozzarella Margherita pizza! This dish was named after the Monarch and is a tasty treat today. 

Pasta

Italy is definitely famous for pasta. While its national dish is Ragu alla Bolognese, the country has more than 400 known pasta shapes, and Italians take pride in preparing fresh pasta for the whole family to enjoy. 

“At the table, one does not age.” This old Italian proverb speaks volumes about the importance of family time, eating together, and spending time preparing food, which is why pasta is such a fundamental aspect of the culture.

Gelato

Traveling to Italy and not visiting the many gelaterias is a crime. The earliest origins of gelato are in the 11th century when Arab culture invented shrb — a sugar syrup to make fruit sorbets. With Sicily once under Arab rule, Italians began to take the concoction of herbs, flowers, and spices, developing new ways of preparing this delicacy. Eventually, gelato was born in Florence during the Renaissance, like all beautiful things in Italy. We have Bernardo Buontalenti, an artist and party planner for the Medici family, to thank for this wonderful creation. 

Making gelato in Italy is a skill and trade passed down through generations, just like making pasta. Italians are also quite passionate about how to recognize fake and authentic gelato. Fake or very processed gelato tends to sit in mounds in freezers due to their level of preservatives and vegetable oils. In contrast, authentic gelato sits flat in cool containers at a specific temperature.

Italian wine

One thing Italy is famous for is being the world’s most significant wine producer. With over 600 wine grape varieties, do not miss out on Italian wine and taste as you travel. The variety is endless: Prosecco, super-Tuscan red, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Malvasia, Barolo. The most globally adored wine regions in Italy are Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany. 

Piedmont’s gentle slopes provide the perfect conditions to grow Nebbiolo, a red grape with firm tannins and fantastic freshness. This red grape aids in creating wines like Barolo and Barbaresco. Sangiovese is a grape more native to Tuscany’s chalky soils. Tuscan wines are also tannic and fresh; you can taste this in Brunello di Montalcino. 

Polenta

Once a peasant food, like pizza and pasta, Polenta is a hearty dish with a grainy texture and a staple in northern Italy. It’s made of stone-ground cornmeal and called “Italian grits.” Polenta was essential to many working-class families since it was a convenient and satisfying dish. 

Nowadays, Polenta is a classic staple dish in many households and Italian restaurants worldwide. It is also used as a gourmet dish with meats, cheeses, or seafood.

5 Famous Italian locations 

Italy has hit the jackpot with its endless variety of picturesque destinations. Here are five of the most famous locations and breathtaking landmarks. 

The Dolomites

The Dolomites must be on your travel guide if you plan to visit Italy soon. Sloping hills, vertical walls, sheer cliffs, and long valleys, the Dolomites boast a variety of landscapes for the adventurous hiker, the expert skier, and the scenic explorer. It is also, incidentally, one of the many locations that make Italy famous. Nineteen peaks rise above 10,000 feet in this magnificent rock structure. 

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as the Drei Zinnen, is one of the Dolomites’ most iconic symbols and one of the best-known mountain groups in the Alps. The unique jagged peaks dominate the surrounding landscape creating a breathtaking scene.

Lake Como

Italy is known for its most popular summer vacation destination, Lake Como, also known as Lago di Como. It is arguably the most scenic of the great Italian lakes, perfect for a romantic getaway, a solo peaceful excursion, or even getting married in Italy. Many enchanting villages and gardens are nearby, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio (also known as the Golden Triangle). Experience the natural trails for scenic walks and even boat tours across Lake Como.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre (“five lands”) consists of five colorful and vibrant fishing villages and is one of Italy’s most famous destinations. Here, you can expect natural beauty, seaside views, great food and wine, and fantastic photo opportunities. The colored houses have been there for over 1,000 years, and Italians have enjoyed many meals overlooking the sea, terraced on the cliff sides. 

Another great feature of the Cinque Terre is that this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s terraced villages can’t be accessed by car. You can enjoy the Cinque Terre by train or on foot, with around 70 miles (120 kilometers) of footpaths, and relax as you take in the breathtaking views. 

Florence

Florence, Italy, is known for many things: outstanding art, Renaissance architecture, and timeless cultural heritage. Tourists and travelers enjoy visiting Florence for its gastronomical Italian cuisine using simple, local ingredients. The Cattadrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is an ancient relic and a testament to Florence’s architectural mastery and the city’s unwavering commitment to artistic expression. 

Another famed structure is the Ponte Vecchio in Florence — a historic bridge that attracts many visitors. Initially built in the 10th century out of stone, this Florentine bridge has witnessed a tumultuous history. 

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most famed destinations, and for good reason. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape, it is lined with high cliffs, coves, small bays, high-fashion shops, and artisan cafes. It’s located between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno and includes 16 municipalities in the Salerno province.

5 Famous Italian artists 

Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists have left a timeless legacy, with their works admired worldwide. Here are five of the most famous Italian artists and their iconic masterpieces.

Michelangelo (The Sistine Chapel)

Renowned Italian artists are probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of famous things in Italy. Michelangelo is one of these artists, responsible for the other-worldly drawings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It took the 33-year-old four years to paint the high ceilings that now feature more than 300 painted figures. 

Leonardo da Vinci (The Last Supper)

Italy boasts one of the most famous artists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci, and his masterpiece “The Last Supper.” Millions flock to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie to get a glimpse of arguably the most critical mural painting in the world. Leonardo da Vinci was a multi-faceted man; he was a painter, architect, sculptor, inventor, engineer, writer, and anatomist. His art inspired countless other Italian artists, such as Raphael and Caravaggio.

Raphael (Transfiguration by Raphael)

“The most beautiful and most divine” was what Giorgio Vasari, famous artist and biographer of the 16th century, had to say about Raphael’s “The Transfiguration.” Located in the Vatican City, this Italian masterpiece was Raphael’s last, commissioned by Giulio Cardinal de’ Medici in 1517, and depicted the transfiguration of Christ. One of the reasons why the painting is so famous is because it gave a visual representation of the transfiguration of Jesus with remarkable detail and symbolism.

Michelangelo (La Pietà)

Michelangelo appears twice in this list of famous Italian artworks, and justifiably so. The Madonna della Pieta, colloquially known as La Pietà, is a Roman Catholic Italian Carrara marble sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary sorrowfully contemplating the lifeless body of her son in her lap. Michelangelo’s attention to detail and his ability to make marble seem like flesh and complicated folds of drapery make this piece an artistic wonder. Interestingly, he had dissected cadavers to understand how the human body worked. You can find this sculpture in St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Leonardo da Vinci (The Mona Lisa)

The Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most famous paintings by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. Swarms of visitors can be seen mobbing around the painting in the Louvre, France, where it stays. Not only is it the most expensive painting in the world, but the Mona Lisa is the most discussed, written about, and praised work of art. Did you know that the woman in the painting isn’t actually “Mona Lisa?” Her name was Lisa Gherandini Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman. 

The Mona Lisa painting is also responsible for sending waves through the fashion industry. Women began to mimic the half smile and used yellow powder on their faces to achieve the golden complexion of the Mona Lisa. 

From the Colosseum to the Amalfi Coast: Explore Italy with Holafly

Italy’s most famous contributions — Italian fashion, art, architecture, cuisine, scenic landscapes — have left an undeniable impression on the world. Renaissance masterpieces have shaped the Western art and pop culture we see today, and pizza and pasta can be found in every corner of the world. 

To tour Italy and experience these Italian icons firsthand, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Choosing the eSIM for Italy that best suits your trip is one way to travel with peace of mind, all while sidestepping excessive roaming fees.

The Holafly eSIM for Italy lets you stay connected without the stress of searching for local SIMs, complicated registration processes, and unreliable wifi. A Holafly Italy eSIM offers unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and 500 MB of hotspot data. The longer your trip, the cheaper your data plan! The best part is you don’t need to struggle with a complicated setup process. Install the eSIM upon arrival in Italy in just a few minutes, and you’re good to go.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

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!

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