Mon-Fri: 0900 - 1800
Sat: 0900 - 1700
Sun & BH: Closed
ROOM OF YOUR OWN GUARANTEED
RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUSTPILOT
Over 25 Years Expertise
Get away from it all and relax on St Lucia's golden beaches. You'll also enjoy a tour of the island and a thrilling rainforest safari.
Tour Old Delhi, enjoy a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges and visits to the shimmering Taj Mahal, and Amber Fort are among the highlights of this unforgettable holiday, which also includes the chance to search for the elusive tiger.
Enveloped in the myths and legends of Greek gods, explore Crete, an island paradise, on our tour led by expert Local Guides.
Italy is celebrated for its history, cuisine, and extraordinary art. From intriguing historical landmarks to unique local customs, these 30 facts about Italy might astonish even the most devoted lovers of all things Italian.
Italy is a country with an abundance of fascinating aspects. From its rich art and history to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, there are countless interesting facts about this beautiful nation.
When you think of Italy, ancient civilisations and incredibly well-preserved historical artefacts from thousands of years ago, such as the Roman Empire or Renaissance, might come to mind. However, the modern borders of Italy are relatively young. It was not until 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II became King, that Italy officially existed as a unified country.
Italy is home to three active volcanoes, making it the only European country with such geological activity. The first is Mount Etna, known for its frequent eruptions. Another is Vesuvius, renowned for its devastating eruption in 79 AD that famously buried the ancient city of Pompeii. Opt to visit mainland Europe's only active volcano on our tour of Pompeii, Sorrento and the Bay of Naples. Walk right up to the crater to enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples to each side before peering down into the depths of the crater, where you’ll see a river of solidified lava and sometimes plumes of rising steam.
The third volcano is Stromboli, located on an island called Stromboli off Sicily's coast.
The Vatican City is the world's smallest country, with an area spanning just around 44 hectares and is an independent city-state within Rome. Despite its small size, Vatican City boasts awe-inspiring masterpieces of religious art and architecture, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Walk the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum yourself on an exclusive skip-the-line two-hour guided visit on your very own Italian Adventure.
Italy has a long history of innovation and invention, with renowned Italians like Leonardo da Vinci, Alessandro Volta, and Enrico Fermi making significant contributions to fields such as nuclear technology, batteries, helicopters, wireless communication (Guglielmo Marconi), and MP3 audio processing technology (Leonardo Chiariglione).
Italy holds a prestigious position as one of the leading producers of wine worldwide. Its vast array of grape varieties and renowned wine styles reinforce this status. Italians have a deep appreciation for their wines that they even have a dedicated term for "wine lovers" - "Enoappassionato." Sample some of the very best Italian wine while you enjoy your lunch in a vineyard on the Cilento Coast.
It may surprise you, but the University of Bologna in Italy is the oldest operational university in the world. Founded in 1088, this prestigious institution has upheld its legacy of academic and scientific excellence for nearly a millennium. Explore the city as you sample the “sweet and fresh” pleasure of an ice cream from the world-famous Sorbetteria Castiglione on our Italian Adventure.
While Italian serves as the country's official language and is widely spoken, Italy boasts a fascinating array of local languages and dialects. In Northern Italy, specifically South Tyrol, German is primarily spoken due to historical connections with Austria. Additionally, various regions in Italy speak languages like Calabrian (Calabrese), Venetian, Sicilian, and more.
Italy has been a hub for talented artists and influential writers throughout history. The Renaissance period, in particular, witnessed the rise of remarkable masters like Leonardo Da Vinci, whose artistic genius brought us iconic works such as the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.
In Italy, pasta is taken very seriously, with each region's unique variety and preparation style. From the fiery penne arrabbiata in the south to the delectable linguine al pesto from Genoa. Italians hold pasta in such high regard that they have specific laws governing its preparation. For example, legislation states that a "classic" spaghetti Bolognese must adhere to traditional ingredients when being made.
Water is essential to every traveller's journey. And when it comes to Italy, there's great news – the drinking water here is safe and renowned for its high quality. It often rivals bottled water and is subject to strict quality control measures.
Admire remote picturesque villages and stunning views as you get out and about in the great outdoors and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast on foot.
Explore the historic sites and rolling countryside of the undiscovered Cilento Coast then take time out to unwind in your hotel.
Discover the ruins of Pompeii and marvel at Mount Vesuvius from the comfort of your 4-star hotel in the beautiful Bay of Naples.
Explore Tuscany's rolling countryside, dotted with olive groves, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns. You'll also visit Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower, and Florence, Italy's 'Art City'.
Religion holds a significant position in Italy's cultural identity, with Vatican City, the spiritual and administrative hub of the Catholic Church, situated within its borders. More than 70% of Italians identify as Catholics, and when visiting Italy, you'll come across numerous chapels, churches, and basilicas that reflect this religious heritage.
Italy produces about 20% of the world's olive oil. Each region in Italy has its unique blend of olive oil, thanks to the varying landscapes and climate conditions. Some main regions where olive cultivation is prevalent include Tuscany, Apulia, Liguria, and Campania. Visit an olive-oil producer and see how the oil is made before sampling the final product in Puglia.
Italy's captivating history includes the remarkable expansion of the Roman Empire. At its height, this empire spanned three continents and covered around 2.3 million square miles, playing a significant role in shaping Western civilisation as we recognise it today.
The spread of the Roman Empire was so vast that you can often find yourself exploring ruins from this ancient empire outside of Italy. Follow in the Romans footsteps as you walk Hadrian's Wall or tick off an ancient wonder of the world as you discover the Temple of Artemis in Turkey.
During the tumultuous period of World War II, when Italy was under Nazi occupation, the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa served an unexpected role as an observatory post. This highlights how even renowned human-made landmarks can be utilised for multiple purposes during times of crisis. Pose for your own photo with this iconic landmark on your own Italian Adventure.
San Gimignano, a remarkable historical destination in Tuscany, is famous for its distinctive skyline adorned with medieval buildings. At one point, these towers reached a staggering count of 72 and stood as symbols of power and prosperity for wealthy families who engaged in friendly competition to construct the tallest tower.
Let's explore some linguistic facts about Italy. Did you know that the name "Italy" has an intriguing etymology? It is believed to originate from "Italus," which means "calf land." This term might be associated with the region's early agricultural practices or myths.
Florence can be credited with another architectural feat - it was the first city in Europe to have fully paved streets. This achievement showcases Florence's ongoing influence in shaping the history of Europe. Stroll these cobbled streets, cross the Ponte Vecchio, climb the steps of the magnificent Duomo and admire glorious architecture among the Renaissance streets and piazzas as you explore Tuscany's highlights.
One interesting fact is that dried pasta was introduced to Italy during medieval times by Arab invaders before it became a beloved food worldwide. This fusion of cultures is another example of how invasions played a significant role in cultural exchange and evolution.
After World War II, Umberto II became the king of Italy. He assumed this role after his father, Victor Emmanuel III, abdicated due to public disapproval following the war's aftermath. However, on June 2nd, a referendum resulted in Italians voting against retaining their monarchy. This decision led to the declaration of Italy as a republic and abruptly ended Umberto's reign as king.
Benito Mussolini, a prominent figure in the emergence of European totalitarianism, held power from 1922 to 1943. He established the National Fascist Party and led Italy through two decades of fascist rule characterised by political oppression, concentration of power, and intense nationalism.
Of course, there are also plenty of fun and unique facts about this great country:
When discussing notable contributions from Italy, the invention of pizza undoubtedly holds a significant place. Naples, often recognised as the birthplace of pizza, introduced this culinary masterpiece to the world in the 1800s.
This beloved story did not debut in a fancy book or grand stage. Its first appearance was quite humble – within the pages of a simple Italian newspaper. In July 1881, readers of "Giornale per i bambini" (meaning "Children’s Newspaper") were delighted to find the charming first part of "The Story of a Puppet" by Carlo Collodi.
A popular tradition suggests that throwing a coin over your shoulder into this famous fountain guarantees your future return to Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Many visitors participate in this ritual, resulting in a remarkable collection of coins at the bottom of the fountain. The city officials collect these donations regularly and generously contribute them to charity.
Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes did not originate in Italy. They were brought over from Peru during the 16th century and have become a fundamental part of Italian cuisine.
It's a well-known fact that Italians have a deep love for pasta, and there's a fascinating statistic to prove it: Each person in Italy consumes an average of nearly 60 pounds (or 27 kg) of pasta every year!
Embarking on a journey through Italy is like stepping into a living museum of history and culture, where each corner reveals ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance art that continue to awe and inspire visitors from around the world. Italy's allure lies in its ability to transport you through time, offering a glimpse into the past while celebrating the present.
At Just You, we understand the unique joys of travelling solo, and we've designed our tours to not only showcase Italy's rich heritage but also to foster meaningful connections among like-minded travellers.
If you're yearning to discover the unique treasures of Italy, we invite you to explore our meticulously crafted tours. The Discover Sicily Tour immerses you in the captivating charm of this Mediterranean island, where Greek temples, Roman amphitheatres, and picturesque coastal towns await your exploration. The Highlights of Tuscany Tour, on the other hand, transports you to the heartland of Italy, where rolling vineyards, Renaissance art, and charming villages beckon.
