20 Fun Facts About Italy You Probably Didn’t Know

Planning a trip to Italy? Before you go, check out these fun facts that might just surprise you!

It’s no surprise that many people dream of visiting Italy. The country is famous for its ancient ruins, mouthwatering cuisine, and charming, historic cities. But beyond the iconic landmarks and pasta plates, Italy is also full of quirky surprises and fascinating facts that you might not know.

For instance, did you know there's a fountain in Italy that dispenses free wine? Or that there’s a town where it’s actually illegal to die? Curious? Keep reading and discover some of the most unexpected and fun facts about Italy!

Fun Facts About Italy

1. The Roman Empire Began in Italy

Widely regarded as one of the greatest civilizations in history, the Roman Empire began in Italy. While this might not be one of those interesting facts about Italy that will surprise you, it’s certainly one of the most important. The Romans left a lasting legacy by pioneering the construction of aqueducts, roads, and legal systems that still influence our society today.

2. It’s the World’s Leading Wine Producer

Another fact that might not surprise seasoned travelers or anyone who’s been to Italy is that the country is the world’s largest wine producer. Italy’s wine regions are legendary, producing iconic varieties like Chianti, Prosecco, and Barolo. What’s truly impressive, though, is the scale - Italy produces around 50 million hectoliters of wine each year, outpacing even its wine-loving neighbors, France and Spain!

3. There’s a “Fountain of Red Wine” That Runs 24/7

If you’re a wine lover, book your trip to Italy now, before the Fountain of Red Wine (yes, really) runs dry! The Fontana del Vino is exactly what it sounds like: a fountain that flows with red wine instead of water. It’s one of those wonderfully weird facts about Italy that many people don’t know, but it’s absolutely real. You’ll find it in the Abruzzo region, along the famous Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage route.

4. Mount Etna Is Europe’s Most Active Volcano

One of the most fascinating and fun facts about Italy is that it’s home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Located on the island of Sicily, Etna has been erupting for over 2,000 years, and it’s still going strong today. But that doesn’t stop curious travelers from exploring the island. In fact, many adventurous visitors even trek up the volcano for a closer look at its otherworldly landscapes. If you're planning to do the same, we recommend using a Jetpac eSIM for Italy to stay connected and receive real-time safety updates while you're on the move.

5. Italy Has the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Italy is home to over 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and that's more than any other country in the world. While iconic landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum in Rome often steal the spotlight, the country is also full of lesser-known gems. Places like Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, with its rolling hills and Renaissance towns, or the mysterious Castel del Monte in Apulia, offer just as much history and charm. They tell the story of Italy’s rich and diverse past, and are well worth adding to your travel list.

6. Eyeglasses Were Invented in Italy

Here’s one of the coolest Italy travel facts you might not know: eyeglasses were first invented in Italy around the late 13th century. Crafted by skilled glassmakers in Venice, these early lenses helped people with poor vision see more clearly. What started as a luxury item eventually evolved into the modern-day eyeglasses we use today.

7. Italians Were the First to Use Forks for Eating

There are plenty of fun facts about Italy that involve food, but here’s one you might not expect: Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to adopt the use of forks! Introduced by Byzantine elites, forks made their way to Italy around the 11th century. Although they were initially met with resistance, Italians eventually embraced them, especially once they realized how handy forks were for eating their most iconic dish: pasta.

8. Venice Is Slowly Sinking

Venice is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of tourists each year with its romantic canals and historic charm. But here’s one of those fun facts about Italy that many visitors don’t know: Venice is slowly sinking. Due to rising sea levels and soil erosion, the city is said to subside at an average rate of 1–2 millimeters per year, and climate change is making the situation even worse. It’s a beautiful yet fragile city that you may want to see sooner rather than later. And to avoid getting lost in its maze of canals and bridges, use your Jetpac travel eSIM to stay connected and navigate with ease using GPS.

9. The Renaissance Was Born in Italy

Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is often hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned from the 14th to the 17th centuries, transforming art, science, and literature across Europe. It’s also one of those fascinating Italy fun facts for tourists, as the city nurtured legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo, who forever changed the course of history. The powerful Medici family, known for their patronage of the arts, played a major role in this golden era.

10. The Trevi Fountain Has Collected Millions in Coins

The Trevi Fountain is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, famous for the tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. But here’s one of those fun facts about Italy you might not know: the fountain collects over €1 million in coins every year! Completed in 1762, this Baroque masterpiece features stunning sculptures of mythological figures like Neptune and Triton, and remains one of the most photographed and wished-upon spots in Italy.

11. The World’s Oldest University Still Operating

Did you know that the world’s oldest university still in operation is in Italy? Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern higher education. It introduced the concept of academic degrees and a structured system of faculties, an educational model that many universities around the world still follow today.

12. There’s a Town that Bans Dying

In the province of Caserta, in Italy’s Campania region, lies the village of Falciano del Massico, where it’s technically illegal to die. Yes, really! This is one of those truly weird facts about Italy that sounds made up but isn’t. In 2012, due to a dispute with a neighboring town over cemetery access, local officials passed a bizarre law forbidding residents from dying until a new cemetery could be built. It’s more symbolic than enforceable, but still delightfully strange.

13. It’s Home to the World’s Smallest Country

It may not come as a surprise, but Italy is home to the Vatican, the smallest country in the world. This independent city-state, located entirely within Rome, covers just 44 hectares (110 acres). Despite its tiny size, the Vatican has its own government, currency, postal system, and even its own security force, the Swiss Guard. Planning to visit while you're in Rome? Don’t worry about roaming charges, an Italy eSIM ensures you stay connected even when you step into another country like the Vatican.

14. One of the World’s Top Olive Oil Producers

Here’s one of those food-related fun facts about Italy - it’s one of the world’s top producers of olive oil! The country is home to more than 2.5 million hectares of olive groves, stretching from north to south. Regions like Puglia, Tuscany, and Sicily are especially famous for their high-quality extra virgin olive oils, celebrated for their rich flavor and exceptional quality.

15. You Can Find a Colosseum Replica in Pula, Croatia

You have likely heard of the Colosseum in Rome, one of Italy’s most iconic and visited landmarks. But here’s something you might not know: replicas and remnants inspired by the Colosseum exist outside of Italy’s borders. A notable example is the Pula Arena in Croatia, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater that closely resembles the Colosseum. Built during the 1st century AD when the Roman Empire extended into what is now Croatia, it is a fascinating reminder of how far Roman influence spread.

16. Italy Invented the Piano

One of the cool things about Italy that many people might not know is that it’s the birthplace of the piano. The instrument was invented in the early 18th century by Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian harpsichord maker from Padua. Frustrated by the limitations of the harpsichord, Cristofori developed a new keyboard instrument that could play soft and loud notes. Hence, the original name “pianoforte.”

17. There’s a Hidden Pyramid in Rome

Here’s one of those surprising Italy fun facts for tourists - Rome has its very own pyramid! The Pyramid of Cestius was built around 12 BC as a tomb for a Roman magistrate named Gaius Cestius. Inspired by Egypt’s architectural style, this 36-meter-high structure stands out among Rome’s classical ruins and Renaissance churches.

18. There's a Haunted Island in Venice

Aside from being a city that's slowly sinking, Venice has a darker side that many visitors don't know about - it is home to a haunted island. Poveglia Island, located in the Venetian Lagoon, was once used as a quarantine station during the plague and later became the site of a mental asylum. Today, it's off-limits to the public, which only adds to its chilling reputation.

19. Italians Take Their Coffee Seriously

It’s no secret that Italians love their coffee. After all, Italy is the birthplace of the cappuccino. But here’s one of those Italy travel facts you may not know - they take their coffee traditions very seriously. In Italy, cappuccino is considered strictly a breakfast drink, and you’ll rarely see anyone ordering it after 11 a.m. Doing so might even earn you a few puzzled looks from the locals!

20. Italy Has Hundreds of Different Types of Pasta

No list of fun facts about Italy would be complete without mentioning pasta. Incredibly, Italy is said to have over 600 varieties of pasta! From familiar favorites like penne and fusilli to regional specialties such as trofie and orecchiette, Italian pasta comes in countless shapes and sizes. Many types are unique to specific regions and traditionally paired with local sauces.

FAQs

What are 5 interesting facts about Italy?

Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, is home to Europe’s most active volcano, produces more wine than any other country, and is where the piano was invented. One of the most interesting facts about Italy is that there’s even a fountain in Abruzzo that flows with free red wine!

What is Italy famous for around the world?

Italy is renowned worldwide for its rich history, world-class art, iconic landmarks, and exceptional cuisine. It's also the birthplace of pasta, pizza, espresso, and gelato, and is known for its fashion, vineyards, and scenic coasts like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

What are some fun cultural traditions in Italy?

Some fun cultural traditions in Italy include the "la passeggiata", an evening stroll to socialize and unwind, and gather for long Sunday lunches with family. Unique festivities like the Carnival of Venice and Ferragosto showcase Italy’s flair for pageantry and joy.

What are some surprising things about Italian food?

Spaghetti and meatballs are actually an Italian-American dish and not something you will find in Italy. Italians also don’t eat garlic bread. They prefer simpler breads, often served plain or with olive oil.

What are unusual laws or customs in Italy?

In the town of Falciano del Massico, it’s technically illegal to die due to a lack of cemetery space. In Venice, it’s forbidden to feed the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square to protect the historic architecture. And while kissing in public is common, eating or drinking near major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain is banned.

What are some cool facts about Rome or Venice?

In Rome, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. The city also has a secret passage called the Passetto di Borgo, used by popes as an escape route from the Vatican. Meanwhile, Venice is built on more than 100 small islands connected by over 400 bridges, and it has no roads, only canals.

Are there any weird Italian superstitions?

Italy is full of quirky superstitions. The number 17 is considered unlucky because its Roman numeral, XVII, can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” meaning “I have lived,” which implies death. Placing a hat on a bed or spilling olive oil is also seen as bad luck.

What do tourists often get wrong about Italy?

Many tourists assume Italy is all about pizza, pasta, and gondolas, but the country is incredibly diverse in culture, cuisine, and customs. You may expect to find Italian food the same everywhere, but each region actually has its own unique specialties. Another common misconception is that locals eat large dinners early. Italians usually dine late and value leisurely meals.

What are some must-know facts before visiting Italy?

Before visiting Italy, it’s helpful to know that many shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon for “riposo,” a traditional rest break. Italians usually eat dinner late, around 8 or 9 PM, and tipping is appreciated but not expected like in other countries. It's also important to dress modestly when entering churches and religious sites.

Is Italy a good destination for solo travelers or families?

Yes, Italy is a great destination for both travelers and families. Solo travelers will enjoy the country's excellent public transportation, walkable cities, and friendly locals. Meanwhile, families will find plenty of kid-friendly attractions like gelato shops, beaches, historical sites, and interactive museums.