Helping travelers to Italy since 2008

Facts about Italy you should
know before you visit


Facts about Italy.

Here are some basic facts about culture and daily life which will help your visit go smoothly.

On this page there are links to articles about everything:

  • From facts about the flag to words of the national anthem, which will help you join in local festivities rather than standing silently on the sidelines.
  • Train travel in Italy
  • What to buy in Italy
  • Understanding the currency 
  • The time in Italy
  • Our helpful Cheat Sheets
  • And so much more!

To go to any of these articles, simply click on the images or any of the blue links.

An old stone house in Italy with bougainvilia growing around the front door.


Facts about Italy

The Italian flag: its meaning and use

An Italian flag flying on a white flag poleThe Italian flag

Italians are fiercely proud of their national flag and its history. You'll see its colors everywhere you go - not just on the flag itself but in salads, pizza, pasta - even gelato (ice cream)! 

This article explains the symbolism of the colors, where you would expect to find it flying, where you can buy one if you'd like to take one home, and what its relation to the European flag is.

It also explains why there was a very Italian revolt over a dispute about colors!

Facts About Italy

Train travel in Italy

Train travel in ItalyTrain travel in Italy

Train travel

The best way to get around Italy is probably by train. You can get all the information you need to navigate the train system at our train travel Italy page.

Facts about Italy

Things to see in Italy

Camogli harbor in Liguria, ItalyCamogli harbor in Liguria, Italy

Things To See In Italy

There are so many interesting and fascinating places in Italy, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and attention. It depends on what you are interested in, and which area of Italy you plan to visit!

We make things less confusing at our page on the top things to see in Italy!

Facts about Italy

What to buy in Italy

Bulgari shop front RomeBulgari shop in Rome

What To Buy

When you are in Italy, there are many unique things you might be interested in buying. We list our recommendations about things to buy in Italy at our buying page. Check it out!


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Facts about Italy

Italy's national anthem

A graphic about the Italian national anthemThe Italian National anthem

The fact is that the Italian national anthem is a mix of words no-one understands and music defined as poor quality by musicians and critics alike. A politician even once suggested it should be scrapped altogether.

And yet, it's loved by Italians and non-Italians the world over. 

If you've ever wanted to join in with the energetic, boisterous rendition, now is your chance. Our page about the Italian national anthem explains the meaning, gives the words with an English translation, and provides four different videos for you to watch and, if you'd like, to learn from.

Facts about Italy

Our Italian Etiquette Cheat Sheet

  • Unwritten Italian etiquette - Stop guessing. Handle cafés, restaurants, greetings, churches, and trains in Italy with calm confidence using our quick Do/Don’t rules and copy-paste mini-scripts you can use on the spot. Our downloadable .pdf text.


    • The Time in Italy

    A graphic about the time in ItalyWhat time is it Italy right now?

    What's the time right now in Italy?

    • How far behind or in front of your home time zone will it be when you visit? 
    • Does it change with Daylight Savings time? 
    • How does the 24-hour clock work? 
    • And is the Vatican on the same time zone, or different?

    All these questions and more are answered in this article about Italy and time. 

    Facts about Italy

    The currency in Italy

    A graphic about Italy's currency - the EuroUsing the Euro in Italy

    One of the main problems visitors to Italy face is understanding the currency. What it is, what it looks like and where to get it both before you travel and while you're in Italy.

    Our page about currency covers all those facts and more.

    • Can you use Euros in Vatican City?
    • Can you use credit cards instead? 
    • and what if you have leftover cash?

    We also provide a free calculator so you can begin to understand how much your own currency will get you while you're away. 

    Facts about Italy

    The Italian National soccer team

    The golden Jules Rimet football World Cup FIFAThe World Cup

    Italians are completely NUTS about football (soccer), and take it all very seriously. We take a detailed look at the Italian national soccer team on this page! Italy had many glory years in European and World soccer, but have struggled in recent years.

    Interesting facts about Italy


    Interesting facts about Italy

    On this page there are some more fun and interesting facts about Italy. Visit our page for some information that may surprise you!

    Remember to check our Homepage for a comprehensive overview.


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