History

• Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world, welcoming some 46 million foreign visitors annually. It’s also the fifth most populous country in Europe.
• Vatican City in Rome is the smallest country in the world and is led by the Pope himself.
• Another interesting fact about Italy, the capital city of Rome is almost 3,000 years old.
• The colors of the Italian flag–green, white, and red–have special meaning. Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity.
• Italy boasts the eighth largest economy in the world.

Colosseum, Rome

• The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian dynasty, for Titus, his successor.
• Colosseum is an elliptical building measuring 189 meters long and 156 meters wide with a base area of 24,000 m² with a height of more than 48 meter.
• The Colosseum has over 80 entrances and can accommodate about 50,000 spectators.
• It is thought that over 500,000 people lost their lives and over a million wild animals were killed throughout the duration of the Colosseum hosted people vs. beast games.
• There were 36 trap doors in Arena allowing for elaborate special effects
• All Ancient Romans had free entry to the Colosseum for events, and were also fed throughout the spectacles.
• Festivals as well as games could last up to 100 days in the Colosseum.

• The Ancient Romans would sometimes flood the Colosseum and have miniature ship naval battles inside as a way of entertainment.
• The Colosseum only took 10 years to build starting in 70 AD and was completed in 80 AD using over 60,000 Jewish slaves.

• Don’t be surprised if your hotel in Italy doesn’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe that this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged is looks like VIXI, which means «I have lived,» a symbol that’s associated with death.
• Italians believe that the corincello charm, which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, will protect them from the evil eye.
• Italians believe that if someone brushes over a single person’s feet with a broom that he or she will never get married.

• If a cat is crossing the street, don’t be the first one to cross it’s path. It’s believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil.
• Don’t give someone your best wishes. Instead, say «In bocca al lupo» or «into the wolf’s mouth,» as this means «good luck.»
• According to Italians, placing a hat on a bed is bad luck. Traditionally, when priests visited the dying to give them their last rights, they would remove their hat and put it on the bed.

Arts & Sciences

• Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088.
• Some of the most well-known artists and authors–including Dante, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo–are from Italy.
• Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
• Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th century and it was Catherine de Medici who introduced it to France later on.
• Many of the most influential scientists and mathematicians were born Italy, including Galileo Galilei and Alessandro Volta.

Law

• In the city of Turin, dog owners must walk their pooch at least three times a day or risk being fined. Woof.
• Unless you want to pay a hefty fine, don’t eat or drink while sitting on church steps or within a church courtyard.
• In 2012, the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania made it illegal for residents to die because the town’s cemetery is full.
• On the beaches of Eraclea on the Venetian Lido, it’s illegal to make sandcastles or any other kind of sand structure.

Culture

• La famiglia is very much a part of the Italian culture. In fact, it’s common for single children to live at home until their 30s.
• According to Italian culture, you must respect your elders. Always stand when an elder person enters the room.
• Fashion is also important in Italy. After all, some of the world’s most sought after designers, such as Armani, Versace, and Prada, hail from Italy.
• Italians are known for communicating with hand gestures and facial expressions. They’re also known for being late!
• First impressions are important to Italians, so be sure to demonstrate respect and politeness toward others–especially in a business setting.

Food & Wine

• Unsurprisingly, Italy is the world’s largest exporter of wine. However, it’s the second largest producer of wine after France.
• On average, Italians eat half a pound of bread a day. What’s more, estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually.
• Bread is not meant to be an appetizer. Rather, Italians use it to wipe the remaining sauce off their plate.
• When dining in Italy, don’t ask for salad dressing or other condiments. Olive oil is the only acceptable “condiment” in Italy.
• From Cappelletti to Cavatelli, there are over 140 types of pastas. Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions.
• Check out this interesting fact about Italy: Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita.