So, among hundreds to things, here is a countdown to Top 20 things Italy is famous for:
20.Amalfi Coast
Amalfi coast or la Costiera Amalfitana, is a beautiful strech of mountainous coastline south of Naples. The Amalfi is one of the most crowded and expensive parts of Italy and is known as hiker’s paradise. The entire region is criss-crossed with ancient walking paths leading over the rocky. Hiking in the Amalfi coast comprises of breathtaking views, interestingly shaped rocks, mountains and traces of hundreds of years of cultivation and a climate which is favorable for hiking the whole year. “Sentiero degli Dei” (Path of Gods) is one of the most spectacular paths in Amalfi coast. It runs from Bomerano to Nocell and is at an altitude of 550 meters.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
19.Lake Como
Lake Como or Lago di Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It is the 3rd largest lake of the country with a stretch of 56 sq. miles. Shaped like an inverted Y, it one of the deepest lakes of Europe. It is a popular for its fresh air, water, mountains, wildlife and good weather. Many famous people have villas on the shores of Lake Como, such as, Sylvestor Stallone, Madonna and George Clooney. Tourists, walkers, cyclists and swimmers from around the world come here to admire the blue waters and relax in luxurious villas.
Lake Como
18.Acosta Valley
Acosta Valley or Valle d’Aosta is a mountainious region of Italy. It is bordered by France to the westand Switzerland to the north. It is an Alpine Valley and includes some of the most majestic peaks of Italy, such as, Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paridiso, Mont Blanc and the Alpine Valleys. Amoung these Mont Blanc is the highest peak of The Alps that provide a natural playground for skiing, hiking and rock climbing. There are also some natural hot springs in the area. There are also some castle around the region dating back to the Roman Empire. Thousand of travelers visit the valley every year to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Mont Blanc.
Mont Blanc at the Acosta Valley
17. Italian Opera in Verona
The Arena di Verona or the Verona Arena is a Roman Amphitheater built in 1st century A.D! During the Roman Empire, the gladiator fights and hunting of fierce exotic animal took place here. It has a elliptical shape and was originally made of white and pink limestone. Now, the Verona Arena is famous for large scale opera performances. It has hosted concerts of several international bands like Pink Floyd, One Direction, 5 seconds of summer etc. It can house as many as 15,000 spectators and is visited by over one million travelers every year.
Verona Arena during Opera season
16. Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto, Capri
Blue grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a natural sea cave on the coast of Capri, southern Italy. It is 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. Sunlight, when enters the cave through an underwater breach, creates a bluish color effect. In Roman times, the grotto was the personal swimming pool of Emperor Tiberius. It was a marine temple, having many ancient Roman statues. For many years afterwards the grotto was avoided by fishermen and sailors as they were afraid of spirits and demons that were rumored to be living there. In 1826, the grotto was re-discovered by two explorers Angelo Ferraro and August Kopisch, after which it became a modern marvel! It is visited by around 1 million people per year.
Inside of the cave
15.Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius or Monte Vesuvio is the largest and the only active volvano on the European mainland. It is one of the most famous volcanoes of the world. It is located on the Gulf of Naples, Italy. it is estimated to be 17,000 years old and measures 4,190 feet. It is best known for the eruption in 79 AD that led to destruction of Pompeii. More than 1,000 people died in the eruption. It is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes because of the fact that almost 3,000,000 people live in its vicinity.
Mt Vesuvius
14.Beaches of Sardinia
Sardinia’s snow-white beaches and translucent turquoise water are some of the best beaches of the world. Sardinia is located in the western Mediterranean and is an autonomous region of Italy. It is a largely mountainous region with low population density and has over 1800kms of unspoiled coastline. The Costa Semeralda or the Emerald coast is one of the most popular beaches of Sardinia. It stretches for 55 kms and has several coves. Cala Brandinchi is another beach in Sardinia having amazing clear and shallow water and is over 700 meters long. Sandy dunes, pine trees and lilies are main attractions. The secluded Cala Luna beach has big sea caves with rock carvings. These beautiful beaches of Sardinia sees around 7 million visitors per year.
Portisco, Emerald coast, Sardinia
13.Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Torre pendente di Pisa is a bell tower for cathedral of Pisa, Italy, that is famous for its unintended tilt. It was built in 1372 and is 183.3ft in height. The tilt began during construction due to inadequate foundation and soft ground. The tower has 295 steps and eight stories. This epic failure that has became the civic pride of Italy receive around one million visitors per year.
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
12.The Colosseum
Built in 80 A.D., The Colosseum has witnessed celebrations, sports and bloodshed. It is one of the most famous tourist attraction of Italy has has as many as 4 million visitors every years. The Colosseum or Coliseum is also known as Flavian Amphitheater, is an elliptical amphitheater located just east of Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty and could hold around 50,000-80,000 spectators. It was used for contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battle, animal hunts, executions, dramas etc. Although partially ruined, The Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an iconic symbol of Italian culture.
The Colosseum, Rome
11.Pantheon
The word Pantheon is derived from a Greek word Pantheion that means “honour all Gods”. It formerly was a temple made to honor pagan Gods but is now a church. It was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of King Augustus. It has an inscription on the front of the building that read: “M. AGRIPPA. L.F.COSTERTIVM.FECIT” that means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made (this building) when consul for the third time”. The Pantheon is said to be visited by 6 million people every year.
Pantheon, Rome
10. Italian automobiles
Italy is home to may great automobile companies, like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Fiat, Maserati etc. Over 90% of vehcile in the world are produced by Italy. Italian cars have won the prestigious World Car of the Year awards more times than any of the other countries.
Italian Car Brands Logo
9.Wish granting Trevi Fountain
Fontana di trevi or the Trevi fountain is a fountain in Rome, Italy. it was built in 1762 and designed by Nicola Salvi. It is one of the most famous fountains of the world. The tradition of throwing coin in the fountain and asking for wish became popular after an Academy Award winning song “Three Coins in the Fountain”, introduced the picture. An estimated €5000 are thrown in the fountain every day! The money so collected are used for charity purposes by the city officials. Around 15 million visitors come to the fountain every year to admire the beauty of the fountain and have their wish granted.
The Trevi Fountain, Rome
7. Dons and Godfather
Although Italy is a beautiful country, it has its own major issues of ineffective governance. For many years now, the country is immersed under problems of upsetting judiciary, corruption, crimes and political instability. The sole reason behind it is the infamous Italian mafia. Some of them are the Sicilian Mafia, Calabrain Mafia and the Apulian Mafia. The dons and godfathers of the country has had a major influence on the world culture. It is also the inspiration of a best-selling novel “Godfather” by author Mario puzu.
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
6. Italian- The Language
Italian language is spoken by around 85 million people around the world. Italian is the official language of Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, Croatia and Slovenia. It is a Romance Language. The Italian accent is famous for the passion and aggression that it conveys. It is one of the most charming and eccentric language of world.
Do you speak Italian?
5.Fashionistas in Milan
The city of Milan is famous worlwide as one of the fashion capital. Prada, Gucci, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace are some of the most famous fashion brands that have found their origins in the Italian city of Milan. The city holds the famous Milan Fashion Week every year. It is one of the major fashion festivals of the world.
The Milan Fashin Week
4. Vineyards in Tuscany
Italy is the largest wine producer and the 5th largest wine consumer in the world. Branded and high quality wine are exported all over the world from the country. The best amoung these are the Tuscany wine (Toscana). Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano are some of the most famous wines of the region. Wineries in Tuscany not only serves a delicious glass of wine, but also tells the visitors about its history.
White wine with barrel on vineyard in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
3.Art & Architecture
Legendary personalities like Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini were born on thi s land. millions of artist and art fanatics from all over the world visit the country to get inspired by the works of these famous artists, painters, sculptors,and architects. The cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Pantheon are some of best examples of Italian architecture. Sulptures like David, Apollo and Daphne, Pieta, Rape of Persephone, The Veiled Virgin are some of the notable sculptures by Italian sculptors. Painting like The Last Supper & Mona Lisa by Da vinci, Birth of Venus by Botticelli are regarded as the finest painting in the world.
“Mona Lisa” by Italian painter Leonardo Di Caprio
2.Grand Canal of Venice
The Grand Canal or Canal Grande is a major traffic corridor of Venice. Public transports as well as Gondola rides are provided for visitors to explore the canal. It is 3.8 km long and 30-90 m with an average depth of 16.5ft. It snakes through the city in an inverse S shape, connecting Saint Mark’s Basin and Santa Lucia railway station. By each side there are around 170 magnificent buildings, dating from the 13th to 18th century. Around 15 million people visit Venice to have Gondola rides on the Grand Canal.
the Grand Canal of Venice
1. Italian Cuisine
From Pizza to Pasta, Italy is famous worldwide for its squisito (exquisite) food. However, these are just the initials of the delicious list of foods in the Italian cuisine. The mouthwatering array of various yummy, cheesy and lusioius make up the Italian cuisine. Some of the most popular Italian food are; Lasagna, Pasta, Pizza Margherita, Prosciutto, Gelato, Tiramisu etc.
