Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, known for its art, history, food, and stunning landscapes. While many travelers associate Italy with landmarks like the Colosseum, Venice’s canals, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are many surprising and lesser-known reasons why Italy stands out. From ancient traditions to hidden wonders, here are some fascinating things that make Italy unique.
While Italy is well known for its famous landmarks, there is much more to discover beyond the usual tourist attractions. From underground cities and hidden tunnels to ancient traditions and fascinating historical facts, Italy continues to captivate travelers with its endless layers of history and culture.
For those looking to explore beyond the surface, Italy offers a mix of ancient mysteries, architectural wonders, and culinary delights that make it one of the most unforgettable destinations in the world.
Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy
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Surprising Things to Know About Italy
1. Italy Has More UNESCO World Heritage Sites Than Any Other Country
With over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy holds the record for the most in the world. These include famous locations such as the historic centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as lesser-known gems like:
The Sassi di Matera, a cave city in southern Italy that has been inhabited for over 9,000 years.
The Crespi d’Adda, a well-preserved workers’ village from the 19th century.
The Val di Noto, a region in Sicily filled with stunning Baroque architecture.
Italy’s history stretches back thousands of years, and these sites offer a glimpse into the country’s incredible past.
2. Italians Invented Banking
The modern banking system was born in Italy. Florence and Venice were the financial centers of Europe during the Renaissance, and many banking terms used today originated from Italian. The Medici family of Florence established one of the world’s first major banking networks, introducing concepts like double-entry bookkeeping, letters of credit, and branches in multiple cities.
Even the word “bank” comes from the Italian word banco, which referred to the benches that money changers used in medieval markets.
3. Venice’s Grand Canal Was a Major Trade Route Before Columbus Discovered America
Venice was a global trading hub long before European explorers set sail for the Americas. By the 12th century, the Grand Canal was one of the busiest waterways in the world, filled with ships carrying spices, silk, and precious goods from Asia and the Middle East.
Venice’s wealth allowed it to become one of the most powerful cities in Europe, leading to the creation of stunning architecture and priceless works of art that still attract millions of visitors today.
4. There’s a Hidden Underground City Beneath Naples
Naples has an entire underground city hidden beneath its streets. This labyrinth of tunnels, caves, and ancient ruins includes:
Greek and Roman aqueducts used for water supply.
A hidden ancient theater where Emperor Nero once performed.
World War II bomb shelters, where thousands of people sought refuge.
Visitors can explore these underground passageways, revealing an unseen side of one of Italy’s most historic cities.
5. Pizza Margherita Was Created to Represent the Italian Flag
The classic Pizza Margherita was invented in Naples in 1889 and was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pizza’s ingredients—red tomato sauce, white mozzarella, and green basil—were chosen to reflect the colors of the Italian flag.
Today, Neapolitan pizza is protected by UNESCO as part of Italy’s cultural heritage, and the best pizzerias still follow strict rules for making it the traditional way.
6. Italians Have Been Making Wine for Over 4,000 Years
Italy is one of the world’s largest wine producers, but many people don’t realize that winemaking in Italy dates back to ancient times. The Etruscans and Romans perfected techniques that are still used today. Some vineyards in Tuscany, such as those in Chianti and Montepulciano, have been producing wine for centuries.
One of the oldest grape varieties in the world, Sangiovese, is native to Italy and continues to be the foundation of many iconic wines.
7. Rome Has a Country Inside a City
Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, is located entirely within Rome. It has its own government, police force, postal system, and even its own army—the Swiss Guard, responsible for protecting the Pope.
Despite its small size, Vatican City holds some of the most famous cultural and religious landmarks in the world,
including:
St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world.
The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
The Vatican Museums, home to priceless art and historical artifacts.
8. Florence Is the Birthplace of the Modern Italian Language
The Italian language we know today was shaped by Dante Alighieri, a Florentine writer who lived in the 13th century. His masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, was written in the Tuscan dialect, which later became the foundation for modern Italian.
Even today, Florentine Italian is considered the “purest” form of the language, and many language learners choose to study in Florence for its historical importance.
9. Italy Has More Fountains Than Any Other Country
Rome alone has over 1,500 fountains, making it the city with the most fountains in the world. The most famous is the Trevi Fountain, where visitors toss coins over their shoulder to ensure they will return to Rome.
Another unique fountain is the Fontana della Barcaccia, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, designed to look like a half-sunken boat. Many of these fountains still supply drinkable water, just as they did in ancient Roman times.
10. Italy Is Home to a Medieval Festival Where Horses Race Without Saddles
Twice a year, the city of Siena hosts the Palio di Siena, one of the most thrilling and chaotic horse races in the world. The race takes place in Piazza del Campo, and the competing horses run without saddles. Each horse represents a district of the city, and the race lasts only about 90 seconds, but it is one of the most intense and passionate sporting events in Italy.
11. Milan’s Cathedral Took Almost 600 Years to Complete
Milan’s Duomo di Milano, one of the most breathtaking Gothic cathedrals in the world, took nearly 600 years to complete. Construction began in 1386 and was officially finished in 1965.
Visitors can climb to the rooftop of the cathedral for one of the best views of Milan, walking among the intricate spires and statues that make it one of the most unique churches in Europe.
12. There’s a Secret Passageway in the Vatican That Once Helped Popes Escape
The Passetto di Borgo is an ancient secret passageway connecting Vatican City to the Castel Sant’Angelo. It was built in the 13th century as an escape route for popes during times of crisis.
One of the most famous uses of the passage was in 1527, when Pope Clement VII fled through it to escape the sack of Rome by Holy Roman Empire troops. Today, parts of the passage are open for visitors, offering a glimpse into Vatican history.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.