Information about Italy

Culture of Italy

A saying goes, the language of Italy makes every speaker a poet. The cradle of Western Civilization, Italy is a cultural powerhouse. Monuments and ruins still testify to the glory of classical Greco-Roman, the Renaissance, and the Baroque eras. All 20 administrative regions in Italy such as Tuscany, Lombardy, Umbria, and Sicily have their own distinct cultures. Italy’s fashion industry – centered on the city of Milan – is famous for well-known designers like Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Versace.

The music genre of Opera, which emerged from Florence, is the soul of Italy. Music of popular opera music composers like Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini is played even today in some of the most prestigious opera houses around Europe. The Italian cinema is internationally known for major movie stars and film directors. Football and Grand Prix racing are popular sports in Italy.

Food of Italy

Food is music inside the body for Italians. An Italian meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. Spaghetti with tomato sauce, pasta, and pizza are as ubiquitous as vineyards in Tuscany. Italy is famous all across the world for its gastronomic delights. Regions in northern Italy are renowned for alpine cheese, risotto, polenta. Tuscany in Central Italy is popular for bean dishes, wine, and olive oil. Emilia-Romagna region is known for ragu. Hearty and vegetable-based food of southern Italy and seafood of Sicily or Sardinia also attracts foodies from all over Europe. Teetotalers can refill their cup of latte and cappuccino anytime they wish in Italy’s atmospheric cafés.  

Festivals of Italy

Italians need no excuse to start a revelry or celebrate events. Ranging from food and music to sports and traditions, festivals in Italy reflect the spirit of this lovely nation. The Battle of the Oranges in February is held in the northern Italian city of Ivrea. The Festa Della Sensa in Venice is held in the month of May to promote culture and crafts. Carnevale in Venice, Procession of Mysteries in Sicily, Scoppio del Carro in Florence, Taormina Opera Festival in Sicily, and Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia are other popular festivals in Italy.

Tips about Italy

Always wear clothes that wear knees and shoulders while visiting religious sites in Italy.

Avail Citycard for free entry to museums, restaurants, and public transport.

Don’t forget to validate your train tickets before boarding a train and avoid fine.

Most restaurants and establishments remain closed for a few hours in the afternoon.

It is better to hire a scooter/vespa than a taxi in Rome or Florence.

Learn a few essential phrases to get around comfortably in Italy.