Recently updated on March 4th, 2025 at 12:31 pm
With some of the world’s most impressive art, architecture, food and scenery, it’s little wonder that Italy tops so many traveller’s bucket lists. From ancient cities and soaring mountains to fine wines and traditional pizza, you could explore this fascinating country for years and still not discover everything. We’ve dug up 15 fun facts about Italy to get you started.
1. Italy has a free wine fountain
A free wine fountain sounds like the stuff of dreams – but it’s a very real thing in Caldari di Ortona in Italy. The small town has a free wine fountain that flows 24-hours a day with locally grown red wine. The fontana di vino can be found in the Dora Sarchese vineyard, which sits on the Italian pilgrimage route of Cammino di San Tommaso.
Pilgrims and travelers walking the Cammino di San Tommaso often stop by the fountain to quench their thirst with a sip of rich, locally produced wine. Unlike other wine fountains that exist for promotional events or special occasions, this one is a permanent fixture, welcoming visitors year-round. The vineyard created the fountain as a gesture of hospitality, inspired by a long tradition of offering wine to weary travelers in Italy. While the wine is free, visitors are encouraged to drink responsibly and savor the unique experience of enjoying a glass straight from the tap in the picturesque Abruzzo countryside.
2. Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world
Italy received over 62.2 million international visitors in 2024 making the country the fifth most visited in the world. Some of our favourite places to visit are the iconic cities of Rome, Pisa, Florence and Milan, along with gems like Lake Como, Assisi, Verona, Sorrento and the beautiful Isle of Capri.
Beyond its famous landmarks and bustling cities, Italy also offers countless less-known gems waiting to be explored. The rolling vineyards of Tuscany, the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, and the charming villages of Cinque Terre all provide unforgettable scenery famous around the world. But we find in Italy it is the small towns, the country roads, and sleepy villages where so much of the beautiful Italian spirit lies. No matter whether you’re in a city or country town, the food is delicious everywhere and varies from region to region, from fresh seafood in Sicily to hearty truffle dishes in Umbria. Whether you’re drawn to Italy for its history, art, cuisine, or natural beauty, there’s something for every traveler in this endlessly captivating country.
GET INSPIRED: Trafalgar trips to Italy
3. All three of Europe’s active volcanoes are in Italy
We already knew Italy is a smokin’ hot country, but did you know Italy is a hotspot for volcanic activity? All three of Europe’s active volcanoes, including Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli.
Mount Etna is located on the island of Sicily. It last erupted in 2018, but you can see a plume of white steam rising from the peak. Mount Stromboli is currently active, although it’s located on its own island off the coast of Sicily.
Meanwhile, the notorious Mount Vesuvius is located in Naples and hasn’t erupted since 1944 when it caused major destruction. The volcano is also responsible for one of the most catastrophic eruptions in history in 79 B.C. You can still see the destruction caused by the volcano in the ancient city of Pompeii.
You may also like: Italy in September: weather, reasons to visit and things to do
4. Italians invented pizza in Naples
The first modern pizza, with a tomato base, was made in the Campania region of Naples in 1860. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved foods on the planet. Although the humble pizza has gone through many changes over time, the world’s most delicious pizza can still be found in Naples today.
Naples takes its pizza seriously, with strict guidelines on what makes an authentic Neapolitan pie. The dough must be hand-kneaded, the tomatoes must come from San Marzano, and the mozzarella must be made from the milk of water buffalo. Cooked in wood-fired ovens at blistering temperatures, the result is a perfectly charred, chewy crust with a soft, flavorful center. Locals will tell you there’s nothing quite like eating a fresh Margherita pizza in the city where it all began—ideally with a glass of local wine and a view of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Buon Appetito!
5. Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world
One of the most interesting fun facts about Italy is that it’s packed with historic treasures. As of 2024, Italy is home to 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it the country with the most UNESCO sites in the world. With gems like the Colosseum in Rome, the city of Pompeii, and the glorious Amalfi Coast, it’s no wonder the country receives millions of visitors each year.
Italy is like an open-air museum, with centuries of history waiting around every corner. From ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance masterpieces, the country’s 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites span every era and style imaginable. Beyond famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Pompeii, you’ll find the Trulli houses of Alberobello, the rock-hewn churches of Matera, and the striking Dolomites mountain range. Get ready to wander through the storied streets of Florence and explore the colorful cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast, seeing how Italy’s heritage is woven into its landscapes, cities, and daily life.
6. Italians have eaten pasta since the 4th century B.C.
Pasta is a crucial part of Italian culture, with many of the world’s best pasta dishes created in Italy. And they’ve had time to perfect their craft. Evidence suggests that pasta dishes in Italy date back as far as the 4th century B.C. after historians found paintings in a pre-Roman Italian tomb thought to depict pasta-making equipment.
Pasta isn’t just food in Italy—it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in tradition and regional identity. Every part of the country has its own signature dish, from the rich, slow-cooked ragù of Bologna to the simple yet flavorful cacio e pepe of Rome. The art of pasta-making has been passed down through generations, with many families still hand-rolling their dough just as their ancestors did centuries ago. And while pasta has spread across the globe, nothing quite compares to twirling a forkful in a tucked-away trattoria, where the sauce is made from scratch and the pasta is always al dente.
RELATED CONTENT: A culinary map of Italy
7. There are over 1,500 lakes in Italy
The lakes of Italy are stunning, and there are over 1,500 of them scattered across the country. Surrounded by the snowy Alps and golden beaches, you can spend hours enjoying the beauty of Italy’s lakes. Sail with the stars on the famous waters of Lake Como and Lake Garda. Or explore the smaller gems like Lake Iseo and Lake Ledro.
Italy’s lakes are as diverse as they are breathtaking, each offering its own unique charm. Lake Como, with its elegant villas and dramatic mountain backdrop, has long been a glamorous retreat for the rich and famous, while Lake Garda’s crystal-clear waters and charming lakeside towns make it perfect for a charming, relaxing vacation. For a quieter escape, Lake Orta’s medieval villages exude old-world romance, while Lake Bolsena, formed in a volcanic crater, offers unspoiled natural beauty.
8. Italians consume 14 billion espressos each year
It’s well known that Italians adore their coffee. But did you know that they enjoy 14 billion espressos each year? That’s impressive for a country with a population of just over 60 million. Most Italians drink their daily coffee in local cafés and over 20,000 Italians work as baristas. Many people also get their fix at home, with the average household consuming 37kg of coffee each year.
Coffee in Italy isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a social tradition, and an essential part of daily life. From the quick morning espresso at the local bar to the leisurely afternoon macchiato, coffee culture is deeply ingrained in the Italian lifestyle. Each region has its own preferences, with Naples famed for its strong, dark brews and Milan favoring a more refined, delicate roast. And while tourists may be tempted to order a cappuccino after lunch, Italians stick to espresso, believing that milk-based coffees are strictly for the morning. Sip it standing at a bustling café counter or brew in a stovetop Moka pot at home – it doesn’t matter, every cup is an art form in itself.
9. You can find the world’s smallest country inside Italy
One of the tiniest fun facts about Italy is that there’s a whole other country inside it! Spanning just 44 hectares, the Vatican City is around one-eighth the size of New York’s Central Park. This makes it the smallest country in the world.
The mini city-state is located within Rome and packed with some of the world’s most famous monuments. Tens of thousands of visitors stream into the Vatican City each day to see historic sites like St Peter’s Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in 1512.
Despite its tiny size, Vatican City holds an immense cultural and spiritual significance. As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, it’s home to the Pope and a treasure trove of artistic and historical wonders. Beyond the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums house an astonishing collection of masterpieces, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can also stroll through the Vatican Gardens, a lush oasis hidden behind the city’s ancient walls.
10. One-fifth of Italy is covered in hills and mountains
You can climb to the top of the world in Italy, with around 25% of all land in Italy being hilly or mountainous. The country also boasts some of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails.
The highest mountain in Italy is Mont Blanc, which rises 4,808 metres above sea level. It’s also the highest mountain in the Alps, a stunning mountain range that spans 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) across eight countries including France, Switzerland, Monaco, Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Germany.
Italy’s dramatic landscapes make it a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike. Beyond Mont Blanc, the country is home to the rugged peaks of the Dolomites, where jagged limestone towers create some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the world. Further south, the Apennine Mountains stretch like a spine down the length of Italy, offering everything from lush green valleys to snow-capped summits.
11. Italy is the world’s largest wine producer
This fun fact about Italy may entice wine-lovers to visit. The country produced an enormous 54,800 hectolitres of wine in 2018, just beating out France at 49,000 hectolitres. Italy is also one of the world’s largest exporters of wine. They exported a staggering $6.7 billion worth of wine in 2018, with the majority going to the US, the UK, and Germany.
Italy’s winemaking tradition stretches back thousands of years, with each region producing its own unique varietals and flavors. From the bold Barolos of Piedmont to the crisp Pinot Grigios of Veneto and the robust Chiantis of Tuscany, there’s a wine for every palate. Many Italian vineyards are still family-run, using time-honored techniques to craft their vintages. Saluti!
12. Italy has a low birth rate and the oldest population in Europe
Italy has one of the world’s oldest populations, with 23% of the population aged over 65 years, and a median age of around 45 years. The country also has one of the lowest birth rates in the western world. Italy’s demographic shift is a fascinating and complex issue. As societal norms evolve, more Italians are choosing to delay having children, while others opt for smaller families or no children at all. This has led to a shrinking workforce and an increased dependency ratio. In response, the government has implemented measures to incentivize families to have more children, such as tax breaks and subsidies.
13. Tourists throw €3,000 into the Trevi fountain every day
The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome isn’t just a stunning Baroque masterpiece—it’s also a magnet for tourists hoping to make a wish. Thousands of tourists flock to the beautiful Fontana di Trevi where they throw coins for luck – a whopping €3,000 worth of change each day.
The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain stems from a local legend that says if you toss a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome one day. The 1950s film “Three Coins in the Fountain” inspired a second legend that says if you toss two more coins, you’ll find a new romance and have a gorgeous Roman wedding.
Since 2006, the money thrown into the fountain has been used to support charitable initiatives in Rome. In 2016, an estimated €1.4 million (US$1.5 million) was thrown in the fountain, and the money was collected and donated to charity, including subsidizing a supermarket in Rome for those in need. So, with every wish made, you’re also contributing to a good cause!
14. Rome is over 2,000 years old – but Italy is one of Europe’s youngest countries
Italy is less than 200 years old; However, the capital city of Rome is ancient. The city was founded in 753 BC and has a history dating back 28 centuries. The Romans named the city after the Roman Empire, which began in 27 BC and ruled over much of Europe and North Africa until 395 AD.
The region was then divided into separate states which didn’t unify until 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was declared. This marked the birth of the country as we know it today. The centuries of fragmentation and domination by foreign powers, including the Papal States and various regional kingdoms, have played a crucial role in shaping the modern Italian identity, making it one of the newest countries in Europe despite its deep historical roots.
15. The Italians have over 2,500 types of cheese
If you think you’ve explored all the types of cheese in Italy, think again. Italy boasts over 2,500 distinct types of cheese, ranging from soft and creamy to aged and crumbly, making it the country with the highest variety of cheeses in the world. Some of the most popular include parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone and gorgonzola.
The country is the third-largest cheese producer in the European Union, behind France and Germany. Each region has its own specialties, with some varieties only made in specific towns or provinces. Lombardy, for example, produces an impressive 77 different cheeses. You have famous cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella di bufala, as well as more regional delights like Castelmagno and Sardo, Italy’s cheeses are as diverse as the country’s culinary traditions. It’s no wonder the Italians have perfected the art of pairing these cheeses with wines and other local treats—it’s an ongoing feast for the senses.
Do you know any fun facts about Italy? Have you ever visited this fascinating country? Let us know in the comments below…