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Interesting Italy Facts

Italy Facts

Italy Facts – 10 Fun and Interesting Facts!

The birthplace of modern civilization, Italy brings romance, history and culture together on one fascinating country. Perfect for young and old alike, Italy is ideal for a short, city break or a multiple week excursion. If you are planning to learn Italian abroad or just want to discover more about the country for an upcoming visit, these Italy facts we have researched and compiled are perfect to start your journey with.

 

10 Italy Facts:

1. Not Built in a Day

The old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, may well be true, but it was built over 2,500 years ago! Officially founded in 753 BC, Rome is now home to over 2.8 million people and covers over 1,285 square kilometres.

 

2. Throw Your Money Away

Found in the centre of Rome, Trevi Fountain is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. A tradition for visitors to throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish.

Italy Facts - Trevi Fountain

Over €1,000,000 is thrown into the fountain each year with the coins then being collected and donated to local charities.

 

3. Shakespeare on Tour

Despite being English, Shakespeare had a fascination with Italy. 13 of his 37 plays are set in the country, with some of the most notable being Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar and Othello. This link between the bard and Italy has suggested that he must have spent a great deal of time travelling the country to garner influences for his pieces.

 

4. The Vatican

In the centre of Rome you will find Vatican City. This enclave gained its independence from Italy in 1929 and is ruled by the pope, the head of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican

Covering only 121 acres and a population of less than 500, Vatican City is the smallest state in the world!

 

5. Sistine Chapel

Within the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel. Built between 1473 and 1481, this chapel is home to the world famous artworks by Michelangelo.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most popular attractions within Rome’s boundaries with over 20,000 visitors per day gazing at its beauty.

 

6. Charged Up

Italian physicist Alessandro Volta is credited as being the creator of the first operable battery. His developments and experiments with electricity helped introduce mobile electrical charges to the world. In honour of his work, the volt was named after him. That could be called a ‘shocking’ Italy fact.

 

7. Money Makes the World Go Around

The worlds first bank is located in Siena, Italy. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena can trace its history back to 1472 and has been in its current form since 1624.

Euros - Notes and coins

There are debates as to whether Berenberg Bank might actually be considered the oldest bank. However the argument against this is that Berenberg is in fact an investment bank rather than a retail bank.

 

8. Longest Italian Word

Precipitevolissimevolmente is the longest Italian word. This 26 letter adverb directly translates to “in a way like someone/something that acts very hastily”. It was first introduced in 1677 by poet Francesco Moneti.

 

9. Italy is Actually Really Young

Italy is the youngest of the Western European nations! While this may sound surprising, it is actually based on a technicality. Prior to 1861, Italian states were not unified and so therefore the country itself was classed different from how it is today.

 

10. America is Italian

America is actually named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci made his name by putting forward the concept that the lands that Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were not part of Asia, as was first thought.

 

Interesting Italy Facts

With its beautiful weather, stunning architecture and cultural history, Italy offers so much to so many. It is no wonder that so many people visit the country every year from across the world. What better way to discover Italy and the Italian language than studying in the country itself! At Cactus, we offer a range of language holidays and courses to suit everyone. With a variety of languages and destinations to choose from, you can be sure to find your perfect course with us.

Are you looking to find out more about language holidays abroad? Cactus Language Holidays Brochure gives you all the information you need for your next unforgettable experience! Learning a language have never been easier and is a great way to start uncover a different culture.

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