Let me start by saying that Italy is famous for so many great things that this list doesn’t do the country justice. Honestly, Italy is a cultural and natural pearl in so many beautiful ways.
Did you for example know that Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? Or that Italy is the world’s largest wine producer? Not to mention the country has one of the best cuisines on the planet.
So this blog post could easily be named 100+ great things that Italy is known for – but let’s be honest, nobody would make it to the bottom of that list. So instead, I’ve comprised this blog post into 35 things that we all love Italy for.
Hopefully, it’ll work as a little push in the right direction, so you will choose incredible Italy as your next destination. Now let’s get started! Here it is: “35 GREAT things that Italy is famous and known for”
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1. Italy is world-famous for Pizza
It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. You can always find a pizza. We’ve eaten pizza at world’s end after a looong hike in Patagonia, we’ve eaten pizza in Kep, Cambodia, after a sweaty junglehike, and we’ve eaten pizza countless times in our home of Copenhagen, Denmark.
But nothing beats Italian pizza!
You can find great pizza all over Italy. BUT the pizza originates from Naples (Napoli). That’s why it’s a must to go eat pizza in Naples – put it on your bucket list! Or even better, join a pizza-making class in Napoli.
2. Pasta is Italy’s national dish
Together with pizza, pasta is probably the other most famous dish that Italy is known for. It’s surely my favorite thing to eat while in the country!
Check out some of these great pasta dishes: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Tagliatelle al Ragu, Pesto alla Genovese and Ravioli. All dishes are absolutely delicious, yet they’re only a small selection of all the great pasta that Italy has to offer.
Did you know that Italy’s national dish is a pasta dish? It’s named Ragu alla Bolognese or Tagliatelle al Ragu. We tourists commonly know it as spaghetti bolognese, but that’s not how you’ll find the dish on the Italian menu cards. So make sure to also try the national dish while you’re on a trip to Italy.
Did you know that Tagliatelle al Ragu is from Bologna? Check out our full travel guide to the best things to do in Bologna, a true food heaven in Italy.
Heading to Rome instead? Join a combined pizza and pasta cooking class
3. Italy is known for Risotto
I might as well stay in the food corner now that I’m here… So let’s move on to another dish that Italy is known for – the Risotto.
Risotto is an absolute delicious rice dish in Italy that you just have to try. Apart from rice, it contains stock, butter, parmesan and white wine. What’s not to like?
You can eat many different types of risottos. Here are my favorites: Risotto al limone & Risotto ai funghi porcini.
4. Italian cured meats are delicious
Italy has some of the best cured meats I’ve ever tasted! Seriously, ordering a simple sandwich in Italy can open a whole new world of taste that you didn’t know existed.
Here are some of my favorite cured meats that you should try: Prosciutto, Pancetta, Mortadella, Breasola, and let’s not forget all the salamis.
Cured meats are often paired with divine Italian red wine, flavorful cheese, and crusty, salty bread. I can only recommend you to go enjoy some cured meats when you’re visiting Italy. Check out “La Prosciutteria Firenze” in Florence or “Pane e Salame” in Rome.
5. Italy is famous for the Tiramisu
The tiramisu is probably the most famous dessert in Italy, so it certainly deserves a spot on this list!
The word “Tiramisu” means “Pick me up”, and its delicious flavor surely makes you feel wonderful bite after bite. The dessert contains eggs, ladyfingers, mascarpone, sugar, coffee and cocoa powder – such a lovely combination.
So make sure to taste a tiramisu on your next trip to Italy. Although be warned; I personally found them to be quite addictive.
6. Gelato is Italy’s most known cold dessert
Now that we’ve covered the Tiramisu, it’s only fair to give the gelato a shoutout before rounding up the foods that Italy is most famous and known for.
“Gelato” literally means “Frozen”, and the dessert can be traced back to the 16th century when Bernardo Buontalenti served it for Catherina dei Medici’s court in Florence.
It’s a frozen treat that’s similar to ice cream, however, it really differs in the way it’s made and in the flavors. There is less fat and more flavor in gelato, so in my opinion it’s like an upgraded and better version of the ice cream.
Fun fact: It was also an Italian who created the world’s first ice cream cone in 1896, New York.
If you’re interested in learning about the two famous desserts on this list, then you can go on a Gelato and Tiramisu Tasting Tour in Rome.
7. Italy is famous for the Roman Empire
Moving away from the food universe in Italy and on to one of the absolute most famous things that the country is known for – The Roman Empire!
The Roman Empire was one of the grandest and most influential empires in the world. It was an ancient empire with its base in the city of Rome. The Roman Empire lasted for more than 1000 years and officially ended on the 4th September in the year of 476.
The Roman Empire conquered a lot of Europe, spread well into countries in Asia, and covered Northern Africa. This means that you can find Roman ruins across 3 continents! However, I still think that the best place in the world to discover Roman ruins is in fact in Rome. So make sure to go explore some ancient Roman ruins and book a tour to Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum when in Rome.
It’s honestly so incredible to learn about this ancient empire! There is so much history involved, and you just never really get enough. Even learning about the Roman Emperors like Augustus and Caesar is just fascinating.
So make sure to visit some of the amazing historical ruins from the Roman Empire while you’re in Italy.
8. Pompeii is the best preserved archaeological site
One of the most incredible places in the world, which Italy is certainly famous and known for, is Pompeii.
Pompeii is an incredible UNESCO site, which you can easily visit on your trip to Italy. The city was completely destroyed in the year of 79 when the nearby volcano Vesuvius erupted and left the city completely covered in ashes – making it look like it never even existed.
The ruins were then discovered in the 16th century, yet the excavation of the city is still ongoing today. Pompeii is said to be the best preserved archaeological place in the world. And I must admit that I can see why!
Glenn and I visited Pompeii during one of our trips to Italy, and it was without a doubt one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen in this world. Pompeii was so well-preserved that walking through this ancient city was like walking through time.
So put this incredible place in Italy on your bucket list and start planning! Get your entrance ticket here or book a guided tour with an archeologist if you want to learn more about this historic site.
9. Italy has Europe’s most dangerous volcanoes
Speaking of Pompeii, Italy is known for being home to some of Europe’s most dangerous volcanoes.
In fact, Mount Vesuvius is still ranked as the most dangerous volcano in all of Europe because many people live close to it. It’s being monitored every second the day and emergency plans have been created in case it starts to show any activity.
Apart from Mount vesuvius, Italy is also home to many other volcanoes such as the dormant supervolcano Campi Flegrei, and Stromboli and Mount Etna, which are both considered two of the World’s most active volcanoes.
10. Italy is known for the Vatican & San Marino
Italy is known for having two micro states located within the country – The Vatican & San Marino. This basically means that there are two sovereign and autonomous states located within the country of Italy.
The Vatican is without a doubt the most famous micro state in the world because it’s the home of the pope and the center of the catholic church. It’s also where the largest church in the world is located – the St. Peter’s Basilica. Fun fact: The Vatican is considered the smallest country in the world.
The Republic of San Marino is located in the North of Italy, and it’s the 5th smallest country in the world. The country is known for its 3 beautiful towers, its old constitution, and for the fact that San Marino is the least visited country in Europe. So make sure to visit some day as you won’t find as big an influx of tourists as in many other countries.
Related blog post: Climbing St. Peter’s Basilica Dome – What to expect
11. The Vespa is one of Italy’s most famous things
One of the most iconic things that Italy is known for is the Vespa. It’s a luxurious scooter brand which was first manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio. The word “Vespa” means “wasp” in Italian, and unlike many other motorized companies, the Vespa is still “Made in Italy” today.
I’d say that it’s probably one of the most popular and iconic scooter brands in the world, and the Vespa is easy recognizable with its smooth retro-look. If you’ve ever seen “Roman Holiday” from 1953 starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, then you’ll remember the iconic scene where they drive a Vespa around Rome. It just looks like so much fun!
You can also rent your own Vespa during your trip to Rome and experience the city the Italian way.
12. Rome is Italy’s most famous city
While Italy has countless of great cities to visit, Rome is still the most visited city in the entire country with millions of tourists stopping by every year.
In fact, it’s one of the most visited cities in all of Europe!
Glenn and I absolutely love Rome. And I totally understand why it gets so many visitors. In Rome you’ll find incredible historical sites, delicious food, high-end fashion and shopping, great viewpoints and sooo many great tourist attractions. There is just so much to see and do in Rome, which is why Glenn and I have kept coming back (many times!) over the last 6 years we’ve been together.
Please make sure to visit “The Eternal City” at least once in your lifetime.
13. Italy is known for its divine wine
The Italian wine is not to be missed on a trip to Italy. There are so many vineyards scattered all over the country from the world-famous wine in Tuscany and Veneto to the lesser-known places in Sardinia and Sicily.
In fact, Italy is famous for being the biggest wine producer in the whole world!
We’ve had so much good wine during our trips to Italy, and we’ve even been on a wine tour in Tuscany to learn about the different grapes – and to taste more wine! So I can only recommend you to take a tour to a vineyard or to do a wine tasting when you visit Italy.
14. The Renaissance started in Italy
One of the most interesting time periods in Europe is without a doubt The Renaissance.
The Renaissance started in Italy in the 14th century, spread widely across Europe, and lasted until the 17th century. It therefore marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Modern Age in Europe.
The word “Renaissance” translates into “rebirth” in French, and it’s probably the best way to explain what this time period is all about. The Renaissance was a cultural movement that focused on reviving art and literature – so to say, bring culture into the light again after the Dark Middle Ages.
The best place to discover the Renaissance is in Florence, which is what the city is known for. Florence is full of art from the Renaissance and you can easily experience it with a ticket to the Uffizi Gallery or to Academia.
15. Italy has some of the world’s most famous painters
With the Renaissance came a lot of painters, sculptors, poets, and many other great artists! Italy is particularly famous for its many painters.
And one of the most famous painters (and most influential Renaissance front runners) in the world is without a doubt Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) who created Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Homo Vitruvianus, and many many many more works of art!
Other famous Italian painters and artists are Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Bellini – just to name a few.
16. Italy is famous for the leaning Tower of Pisa
One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Italy is the leaning Tower of Pisa.
It’s a remarkable 55 meter tall bell tower, which was completed in the Middle Ages in 1372. During its construction, the tower started to lean because the ground was too soft, which made the foundation unstable. It’s a beautiful building that stands next to Pisa Cathedral and Pisa Baptistery.
You can easily visit the leaning tower and Pisa cathedral on a combo ticket. Glenn and I never found the time to go up the tower, but we did make sure to take one of the mandatory tourist pictures where it looks like I’m trying to keep the tower from tilting… But it was just too awful to put on the blog, so instead, here is one of Glenn’s best pictures of the full tower.
17. Italy is known for luxury cars
While I’m personally not into cars, I know that there are many enthusiasts out there! So it’s only fair to mention this other great thing that Italy is famous for; luxury cars.
Italy is the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.
So if you’re a car enthusiast, then you just found another great reason why you should visit Italy.
18. The Espresso is Italian
One of the most popular drinks in the world is the Espresso.
The Espresso is a small, strong, black coffee that’s been brewed under intense pressure – and the name “Espresso” refers to this intense pressure.
The little drink was invented in Venice in the beginning of the 20th century, and since then it’s become one of the most popular drinks in the entire world, and definitely something that Italy is well-known for.
19. Italy is famous for Venice
Venice is without a doubt one of the most famous cities in all of Italy. It’s a unique city that’s known for its many islands, small, narrow streets, historical buildings, and beautiful canals that are full of gondolas.
But with all this beauty and fascination comes a price. Venice has long been overrun by mass tourism, which has had an unhealthy impact on the city. So from 2023, it will be mandatory to buy a ticket to enter the city on day tours. I hope that it will help limit the amount of visitors and make the city a better place to live.
Glenn and I have been to Venice two times, and each time it was incredibly overwhelming. We actually found that the best time to visit the city was during nightfall. The streets empty out when it gets dark, so you basically have all of Venice to yourself, and it becomes oh so magical! So make sure to stay and experience Venice after the sun has disappeared for the day.
20. The Colosseum is Italy’s biggest landmark
I just couldn’t write about things that Italy is famous for without mentioning the biggest landmark in the country – the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater that was ever built, and it’s located in the city center of Rome – right next to the Roman Forum. The construction began under the Roman Emperor Vespasian and was completed under Titus. The Colosseum was used for entertainment purposes – Brutal gladiator fights and animal hunts.
Today it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it’s a UNESCO heritage site, and it’s Italy’s most famous landmark.
We’ve visited the Colosseum 3 times. And we continue to go back every time we’re in Rome because it’s just so grand! Visiting the Colosseum should definitely be on the top of your bucket list.
21. Italy is famous for its 58 UNESCO sites
Italy is famous for having the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the entire world!
There are 58 UNESCO sites in Italy, which are located all over the country. So make sure to look at the UNESCO map of Italy before your next trip. Who knows, you may only be a short distance from an incredible heritage site.
22. Sicily is known as Italy’s biggest island
When I think of Italy, I don’t really see it as a country that’s full of islands, but apparently Italy has more than 400 islands!
But the most well-known of them all is probably Sicily.
Sicily is Italy’s biggest island, and it’s where Mount Etna is located – Europe’s most active volcano. Sicily is also known for great food, beautiful coastlines, and the origin of the Italian Mafia. So make sure to put this spectacular island on your list of places to visit in Italy.
23. Italy is famous for its mountains
Italy is not only famous for its volcanoes, coastlines, and islands, the country is also known for having some of Europe’s most incredible mountain ranges.
Italy has several mountain ranges, but the most well-known ones are the Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and the Apennines, which are also known as the spine of the country. Even Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, is on the border between France and Italy – although in Italy it’s of course called “Monte Bianco”.
So if you’re into hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or other cool mountain activities, then you just got another great reason to visit beautiful Italy.
24. An Italian invented the radio
Did you know that it was an Italian who invented the radio?
In the late 19th century, the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi created the first radio signal in the world. It was done by morse code. You can read more about the invention of the radio at How Stuff Works.
Apart from the radio, other great Italian inventions are eyeglasses, the piano, and the espresso machine.
25. Italy is famous for hand gestures
It’s often said that Italians speak with their hands, and that’s really true to some extent.
If you’ve been to Italy, then you will have noticed how expressive Italians are. They don’t just speak with their words, they also use their hands to express themselves. It’s really interesting, so try to notice when you’re in the country.
I found this blog post about Italian hand gestures, which may be useful to you before your next trip.
26. Italy is known for small, romantic towns
Looking for a romantic getaway? Italy is one of the best countries to visit if you want to experience some beautiful, small, historical cities.
Check out the historical Spoleto and Assisi in the middle of the country, or enjoy the small coastal towns in Cinque Terre. There are honestly so many cute, small towns you can visit in Italy. You’ll also find fewer tourists in the small towns compared to the big, popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence.
27. Italy is famous for high-end fashion
Another great thing that Italy is famous for is high-end fashion. In fact, Milan Fashion Week is considered one of the “Big Four”, while the 3 other big fashion cities are Paris, London, and New York.
Famous Italian brands include Valentino, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and many more! So it’s safe to say that Italy is the place to be if you’re looking for the latest styles and a new wardrobe. Glenn and I also did a bit of shopping around Via del Corso in Rome, but we kept to the less expensive stores. Honestly, we’d rather spend our money on pasta and wine…
28. There are many beautiful coastal towns in Italy
Italy’s coastline is more than 7500 kilometers long, so it’s safe to say that you can find some incredible coastal towns in the country.
Italy is probably most famous for Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. However, you can easily find many lesser-known coastal towns all over the country. During our last trip, we visited a city north of Naples named “Gaeta”, which was incredible!
Not only were there no other tourists in Gaeta, but there were also several historical buildings, viewpoints, beaches, and much more! So try to see if you can discover a hidden gem by the coast in Italy – there are many of them!
Related blog post: Things to do in Gaeta
29. Italy is known for its stunning lakes
There are many great lakes to explore in Italy. In fact, there are more than 1000 lakes in Italy!
However, there are a few lakes in particular that Italy is known for and that’s Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore – all of which are great and popular holiday spots.
Check out this fellow bloggers blog post about Italian lakes if you want to discover some of Italy’s greatest lakes for an upcoming trip.
30. Marmore is the World’s tallest man-made waterfall
Italy is famous for having the world’s tallest man-made waterfall.
Marmore Falls is located in Marmore, only a short train ride from Terni in the middle of Italy. It was made by the ancient romans, who wanted to redirect the Velino River away from the wetlands around Rieti city. So the Romans constructed a canal and diverted the river down the natural cliff at Marmore.
The waterfall is 165 meters tall and has 3 tiers – all of which you can visit. Glenn and I went to Marmore Falls on a trip to Italy, and it was an incredible experience! We spent half a day here hiking around the park and admiring the beautiful fall from many different angles.
Related blog post: All You Need to Know about Marmore Falls in Italy
31. Italy is known for football
Football is the most popular sport in Italy. There is no doubt about it.
Italians are known for loving the football season, and they follow their teams all the way. The national football team is also considered to be one of the best in the world. Italy won the UEFA World Cup in 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006, and the UEFA European Cup in 1968 and 2020.
32. Family matters in Italy
Another great thing Italians are known for is being extremely devoted to their families.
“La Famiglia” is one of the most important parts of Italian culture, and it’s common to live together or closely to your parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Italians are generally very close with- and loyal to their family compared to some other countries.
Over the last couple of decades, families in Italy have become smaller in size due to a reduced birth rate. However, small or big, the family still certainly does matter in Italy!
33. Pinocchio originates from Italy
Pinocchio is the story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, and whose nose grows when he lies. The story was created in 1883 by the Italian writer Carlo Collodi.
The story later became world-famous with Disney’s version of “Pinocchio” in 1940. It was the second animated movie to ever be made by Disney, and it’s known by most people around the world today. In my opinion, Pinocchio is one of the most nostalgic movies you can watch from Disney, but it’s also one of the scariest…
Anyways, I have never read the original story by Carlo Collodi, and I wonder how different it is from the movie. Have you read the original book? Feel free to leave a comment below and enlighten me.
34. Italy is famous for Opera
Opera is a drama that’s made up of vocal pieces and an orchestra. It’s made for entertainment purposes and can be found in many places around the world.
The first history of opera traces back to the beginning of the 17th century in Italy. You can read more about the history of opera here.
Italy has many famous opera singers, but Italian Luciano Pavarotti (one of The Three Tenors) was probably the most famous opera singer of all time – both in Italy and in the entire world.
35. Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world
Because Italy is famous and known for so many great things, it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most visited countries in the whole world.
In fact, the country receives more than 60 million visitors per year, which place it somewhere in the top 5 most visited countries in the world. And while that’s some impressive numbers, it also makes it more difficult for you to visit. So make sure to book your hotel and your activities from home – that way you can skip a lot of queues and save a lot of money!
That being said, Italy is one of my absolute favorite countries. I’ve been here so many times and I will continue to come back for many more visits for the rest of my life! There is always something new to see, taste, or experience in Italy.
I hope this blog post helped you get a little bit closer to understanding what Italy is all about. It’s honestly one of my favorite countries, and I will always be coming back in the future. Hopefully, so will you!
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions or anything to add to this list. Thank you so much for reading and happy travels!
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I love Italian food.
It’s the best! 🙂