Italy attracts tourists from all over the world with its rich cultural heritage spanning over 2000 years, as well as its famous art and cuisine. That being said, it’s definitely Italian food that most attracts foreigners to this country. From pizza to pasta, most people are familiar with Italian cuisine. These dishes are not only delicious, but also highlight the cultural heritage, regional diversity and artistry rooted in Italian cuisine. But there’s so much cuisine to discover in Italy, and there’s more to learn about the country than just the food. Check out 10 fun facts about Italy here.
1. Italians eat more than half a pound of bread every day
Bread remains a staple food throughout Italy, with the average Italian consuming more than half a pound of bread each day. Focaccia, ciabatta and pane di segale rosso allow you to taste the diversity of regional breads. This fact probably comes as no surprise to many, as some of the best-known facts about Italy have to do with Italian cuisine.
2. Italy’s national dish is Ragu alla Bologna
Among the famous Italian dishes, Ragu alla Bolognese is the national dish of Italy. This slow-cooked meat-based sauce is a testament to centuries of tradition passed down through generations. Contrary to popular belief, authentic ragu alla Bolognese is not a spaghetti sauce, but is traditionally paired with tagliatelle, a ribbon-shaped pasta that wraps every thread of rich, savory flavor. Let it intertwine.
3. Italy boasts the most UNESCO heritage sites in the world
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, with 55 designated cultural and natural sites. These locations include thousands of years of human history, art and architecture, from the historic centers of Florence and Rome to the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the archaeological wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum. is condensed. This shows how much European culture and natural wonders call Italy home.
4. Italy’s volcano is the only active volcano in Europe
Fiery Mount Etna and Stromboli in southern Italy and Mount Vesuvius near Naples are the only active volcanoes in mainland Europe. Thousands of years of eruptions have formed the beautiful Aeolian Islands. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius, infamous for devastating Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD, provides an unforgettable reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. However, these volcanic regions foster fertile soils that contribute to Italy’s agricultural wealth and produce some of the world’s finest wines and delicious cuisine.
5. Vatican City is considered the smallest country in the world
Vatican City, the world’s smallest internationally recognized independent state, covers just 0.2 square miles within Rome. It serves as the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. Basically, this small city-state is a country within a city within a country. This is definitely one of the most confusing of these fun facts about Italy, but it’s still fascinating.
6. Thousands of coins are thrown into Rome’s Trevi Fountain every day.
According to Italian legend, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you will one day return to Rome. The popularity of this legend has raised a lot of money, with around 3,000 euros thrown into the famous fountain every day. All money raised will be donated to Catholic Charities La Caritas.
7. Italians eat the most pasta in the world
The following fun facts about Italy will please pasta lovers who can’t get enough of pasta. Italy’s deep-rooted love for pasta is evidenced by the fact that Italians consume more pasta per capita than any other country, with a significant number of people eating pasta at least once a day. Pasta is known as a versatile, comforting and affordable dish, forming the basis of countless Italian recipes passed down through generations.
8. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy
The origin of pizza can be traced back to Naples in southern Italy. What began as a humble dish among the working class in the 18th century has evolved into an international sensation loved by millions of people around the world. It’s a delicious dish that can be made very easily or with a unique recipe. For example, Neapolitan pizza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is prized for its soft, chewy crust that is faithful to tradition and baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. There’s also a Margherita pizza that pays homage to the Italian flag and features a bright tricolor of tomato, mozzarella and basil.
9. Italy is in the top 5 most visited countries
Italy ranks fifth in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals. In 2019, more than 60 million travelers vacationed in Italy before the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel. Italy was able to achieve this astonishingly high number thanks to its spectacular historical sites, culture, and world-famous cuisine.
10. Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world.
The last of these fun facts about Italy is again about the country’s famous cuisine. Italy is one of the world’s leading producers of wine, thanks to its thousands of years of winemaking traditions. Italian vineyards produced more than 19 billion liters in 2019 alone. From Chianti to Prosecco, the quality of Italian wine is never compromised.