30 CURIOSITIES OF ITALY YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Italy is one of the most popular countries in the world. Millions of tourists arrive here every year to enjoy all its attractions, which are not few. But we are sure that many of them do not know those curious facts that usually make a smile at the same time that the eyes are like plates. In this post we will tell you 30 curiosities of Italy (And as an Italian, I admit that a few did not even know them).

1. Italy has border with 6 different countries: 2 within the national territory (Vatican and San Marino) and 4 in the north of the country (France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia).

2. The oldest university in Europe is in Italy, specifically in Bologna: was founded in the year 1,088.

3. Italy has in its territory the only active volcanoes from Europe: we talk about Etna and theStromboli in Sicily, and the Vesuvius in Campania.

4. The official language is Italian, but each region has its own dialect (2 of which are recognized as languages: Friulian and Sardinian).

5. Did you know that in an area of Sardinia speaks a variant of Catalan? There are more than 10,000 Catalan-speakers in the north of the island, in the city of Alguero. This is because, in the fourteenth century, it fell into Catalan hands and until not long ago, it was still the most used language.

6. Italy has more World Heritage sites than any other country: it currently has 68 (including cultural, natural and intangible assets). It is followed by China and Spain.

7. The white Mount (on the border between Italy and France) is the highest mountain in Europe With 4,808 meters.

8. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world and its official language is ... Latin!

9. Before the Second World War in Italy there were monarchy. In 1946, however, after a referendum it was decided to establish a republic (it won with 54.3% of the votes, especially in the north ... the south was more likely to maintain the monarchy).

10. Venice It has a strange phenomenon: "High water". This is due to 3 different factors: the wind that pushes the water to the island, the tides (usually coincides with a full moon) and the low atmospheric pressure. But don't worry too much ... most of the time Venice is like this:

11. The rest of the world believes that Italians only eat pasta but our cuisine is immense and varies from region to region. Although I can't deny it, pasta we eat a lot! There is more than 200 types of pasta (and that without counting the different sauces). Our favorites: the carbonara (which does not have cream!), The pasta with ragú (Bolognese) and panna e salmone (cream and salmon). Uff, how good you eat!

12. And speaking of food… did you know that the Pizza, as you know it, It was invented in 1889 to please Queen Margherita? Hence comes the name of the simplest and most famous pizza. It only has 3 ingredients: tomato, mozzarella and basil. Each one of a color of the Italian flag.

13. And speaking of the flag... do you know what the colors? There are several theories, but most believe that green refers to meadows and nature, white to snow covering the peaks of the Alps and the Apennines, and red to blood spilled by many compatriots in wars .

14. They say that Italians talk with our hands and indeed we gesture a lot. According to the saying, the best way to make an Italian shut up is… tie his hands!

15. One of the most typical traditions of Rome is throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain (to ensure you return to the Eternal City). About € 3,000 in coins are released daily at the source, which is collected and donated to Caritas.

16. Unlike other countries, the 13 is not bad luck number. In Italy this bad fario takes it on 17. And that? Because the number 17 in Latin is XVIIword anagram VIXI which means "I have lived" ... I mean, I'm dead.

17. The Italy's longest river is the Po and the shortest is the Aril that only has 175 meters!

18. Italy is the European country that most earthquakes suffer The most devastating was that of Messina and Reggio Calabria of 1906, which killed about 100,000 people.

19. One of the things that struck me (literally) when I arrived in Spain is that here kisses are turned upside down than in Italy. In Italy, the left cheek is kissed and then the right. You don't know the times that I almost kissed someone in the mouth!

20. Mussolini tried straighten the famous Tower of Pisa, but as you can imagine ... he finally did not succeed. Steal either.

21. Although it is a relatively small country!there are Italians all over the world! The reason? Immigration: there are currently more Italian descendants (especially in the Americas) than in Italy.

22. If the Italians know how to do something well (apart from eating and cooking) it is clothes! Italy is one of the world leaders of high fashion: Gucci, Valentino, Dolce e Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Armani, Cavalli and many more! The capital of fashion? Milan, obviously.

23. There are many “smart” cars in the streets. This is because traffic is notoriously chaotic, and this stroller is the best way to drive on the streets, and find parking, of course.

24. Another thing that is never lacking in the streets, especially in small and medium-sized cities, are the bikes! There are literally thousands and thousands and are used by both students who go to college and old women who go out to the market to make the purchase.

25. Everyone knows the two main islands of Italy: Sicily and Sardinia, but my country has many more. Total there are about 800 islands. Although "only" 10% are inhabited.

26. The most common last names They are: Rossi, Ferrari, Russo and Bianchi. And the Names In recent years they are: Francesco, Alessandro, Leonardo and Lorenzo (boys) and Sofia, Aurora, Giulia and Emma (girls).

27. At the dinner of New Year's Eve in Italy, lentils are never lacking: They are supposed to bring luck and money for the coming year.

28. If you like good wine in Italy you will be delighted (and quite pyripi): it is one of the countries with more winemaking tradition of the world.

29. Did you know that Italy has a nickname? It is the "Belpaese" That means pretty country. It is not necessary to explain why not? It is also called the boot, and we do not think it is necessary to give more clues ...

30. We Italians are very coffee growers: every year we consume almost 4 kg of coffee per head. And in the morning don't miss the "conetto" for breakfast 😉

So far the 30 curiosities of Italy that, perhaps, you did not know. We also leave you this article where we tell you more about Italy and the Italians. We hope you found it interesting!

Video: 101 Facts About Italy (April 2024).