Italy is a country loved by many. Every year, it’s visited by tourists from around the world and has a lot to offer. From great cuisine through amazing cultural sites and historical lessons to stunning landscapes – everyone can find something for themselves. Check out these interesting facts about Italy and learn a little bit more about the country.
The Birthplace of the Renaissance
There is no doubt that this country is the cradle of the Renaissance. This was a period of history marked by cultural and artistic greatness in Europe. During this time, artists and thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Petrarca, and Pico della Mirandola left their mark, which to this day influences European culture.
Rich Language with Many Dialects
Italian was standardized in the 13th century thanks to Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian writer. His “Divine Comedy” was crucial in establishing the Tuscan dialect, which is now considered the foundation of modern Italian.
The country’s diverse cultural and historical heritage is reflected in several regional dialects. Sicilian, Neapolitan, and Venetian dialects have some significant differences compared to standard Italian. As they use their own unique vocabularies, have different pronunciations, and sometimes varied grammar rules, they are very challenging for people who try to learn the language.
Italy has taken significant steps to preserve its regional dialects and minority languages. Recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity, these languages are protected and promoted alongside the use of standard Italian.
If you want to learn the standardized language as a base to explore regional dialects, Italian language learning apps are a great choice.
Italian Is Considered a Language of Music
Various musical terms and expressions are Italian. Whether you are a piano student or just love good classical tunes, you have probably heard words such as allegro, adagio, and crescendo. This is similar to the names of singing styles, such as soprano. It’s not too surprising, considering that Italy is the country of origin of such classical music masters as Verdi, Puccini, and Vivaldi.
Highest Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
People love Italy for pizza and pasta, for its melodic language, beautiful sun, and of course, immense cultural heritage. Italy is the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Venice and its lagoons, the historical centers of Florence, Rome, Siena, Napoli, The Trulli of Alberobello, the Archaeological Area of Agrigento, and Pompeii are some of the wonders which you can admire on a trip to Italy.
Not Only Historical Cities
Italy has a lot to offer when it comes to landscapes. While there are many beautiful, magical cities and the open fields of Tuscany, there are also the majestic peaks of the Dolomite Mountains in the North, the picturesque Amalfi Coast, and stunning lakes, such as Como or Garda. Let’s not forget about Sicily and Sardinia, which have their own charms.
Great Inventions
Italians have contributed significantly to the world through their inventions. Aside from Leonardo Da Vinci, there are a few names worth mentioning. Alessandro Volta created the first battery, Marconi invented the radio and gave a base for creating the telegraph, Galileo Galilei made the first thermometer, Evangelista Torricelli a barometer, and Angelo Moriondo gave us an espresso machine. And let’s not forget about pasta and pizza!