Before planning your Italy trip, we suggest you gather as much information about it as you can. And while some facts are widely well-known, and some you will inevitably learn along the way, there are certain secret facts about this beautiful country that might help you in one way or another. Starting with Mount Etna and finishing with the Colosseum, its stunning sites are recognised and keep being added to every year. Italy Tour Packages are there so that you can visit those places easily. Take a look through this list to discover Italy’s secrets: People, places and history.
Rome is even older
While Rome being ancient is common knowledge, you may not realise just how old it is. The officially accepted date for when the city was founded is 753BC, making it more than 2500 years older than Italy itself. The Roman Empire ruled Europe and parts of Africa up until 395AD. When visiting Rome, you will witness plenty of ancient artefacts and the general imprint history has left on the city.
A country under dictatorship
Due to the ruling of Benito Mussolini, Italy was the subject of dictatorship rule from 1925 to 1945.
Initially, Mussolini started as the prime minister but came to full power a few years later, gaining absolute authority and beginning the fascist movement. He was a great supporter and inspiration for the movement’s international spread and played a massive role during the inter-war period.
Venice is fading away
Apparently, in the last 50 years, the population of Venice has decreased from 120,000 to 60,000. The reasons are not determined, but scientists and historians believe the picturesque city could become a ghost town by 2030.
Now is the time to see the Venice. If you are in the capital city and have spare time, take the Rome to Venice train and explore the stunning surroundings while you have the chance. Or how about a cycling holiday in Italy?
Trevi Fountain is worth a fortune
If you are planning a trip to Italy, the Trevi Fountain in Rome is probably already on your list. And, you probably know the tradition of throwing a Euro or two for good luck and your dreams coming true.
Around €1 million is collected every year just from this fountain. It is donated to charity.
Shakespeare loved Italy
The world loves Shakespeare and he also loved Italy. As many as 13 of 38 of his works were set in Italy. Star-crossed lovers falling in and out of love, family feuds being resolved, and all kinds of other stories have Italy’s lovely, romantic background.
For example, Julius Ceasar was set in Rome; Othello and the Merchant of Venice take place in Venice; and Much Ado About Nothing plays out in Messina. Of course, there is also Romeo and Juliet, which was set in Verona.
UNESCO loves Italy
Italy has more World Heritage Sites than any other city. Starting with Mount Etna and finishing with the Colosseum, its stunning sites are recognised and keep being added to every year.
Visiting all 55 of them is highly challenging and difficult, but maybe if you keep on coming back for numerous trips you may end up seeing them all.
20,000 chapel tourists
Standing as a sacred and one of the most significant Catholic areas in Europe and the world, the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, is a marvel of art, history and culture.
The High Rennaissance art and the famous ceiling in the chapel painted by Michelangelo are a must-see when you visit.
3 active volcanoes
Did you know that there are only three active volcanoes in Europe? Well, all three of them are in Italy.
Mount Etna in Sicily had its 50th eruption last year, while there is also Mount Stromboli, on a small island near Sicily, and Vesuvius in Naples, which has been quiet since the mid-20th century. If you visit Pompeii, you will see some devastating sites of its previous eruptions.
Italy loves wine
While Italian cuisine is probably the most popular in the world, let’s forget about pasta, pizzas and lasagnas for a second. What about their wine?
In some regions such as Tuscany, Sicily, or Umbria, wine-tasting, vineries and vineyards take the first place in tourist attractions, yet the amount they prepare is mind-boggling.
The Italians produce about 54,800 hectolitres of wine yearly, most of which goes to Germany, the UK and the US.
Now that you are an expert in all things Italy, you are more than ready for your travels. Learn more on the way and pay attention while on tours. Also, it is always a good idea to chat with the locals because some things are better told from the original source.
