The shoe-shaped country in the south of Europe is justly famous for pizza, pasta, Pavarotti, the Pope and Pisa’s leaning tower, but there are plenty of other less well known (but no less interesting) aspects to Italy. Here we bring you a few crazy facts about this wonderful country – some you may find quite surprising…
No Singing or Dancing in The Streets of Rome
In the capital city of Rome, dancing and singing in groups of more than three people is not allowed and can be punished with fines of more than €500! Apparently, there are more suitable places in which you can dance and sing, without disturbing everyone else in the city. You have been warned!
The Smallest Country in the World
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Did you know that the Vatican City, in Rome, is the smallest country in the world? Officially an ‘ecclesiastical’ or ‘sacerdotal-monarchical’ state, the Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church which is ruled by the Pope – with the highest state functionaries being clergy of all kinds of national origins.
Wear Red on New Year’s Eve
Every patriotic Italian wears red underwear on New Year’s Eve. Why? For good luck, of course! This ancient tradition was once only carried out by the younger generation, but today everyone gets involved.
Don’t Die in Falciano del Massico
The cemetery in this little town is so full that the town does not allow the inhabitants to die there. Attempts have been made at acquiring more land to extend the cemetery but the land required is in the neighbouring town, which is causing huge issues. The court will have to decide the outcome of this dispute, but until then, people have been told not to die!
A Great Playwright’s Inspiration
Italy has inspired many a great mind throughout the centuries, including one particularly famous one from British soil! Many of Shakespeare’s plays, including the Merchant of Venice and Othello, were set in this imagination-stirring country.
Fountain of Fortune
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous in the world, represents the god Oceanus. Like many fountains around the world, it sustains the custom of throwing in coins and making a wish. Every day, hundreds of people visit the fountain and join in the tradition, and every day the fountain earns around €3,500 – all of which is used to help feed the homeless and poor people of the city.
Walhalla for Caffeine Addicts
Did you know that an impressive 14 billion espressos are consumed in Italy each year? If you’re a fan of the ever-popular ‘black gold’, you’re in the right place here. And the locals themselves… they use over 3.7 kg of coffee per capita!
Creepy Roman Crypt
In Rome, there is a crypt, known as the Capuchin Crypt, which is made completely from human bones – mainly from those of monks buried by the Catholic order. It is quite a harrowing sight, with bones nailed to the walls in varying patterns. This one is not for the faint hearted.
No Men in Skirts
Men in skirts are a ‘no no’ in Italy. The official authorities see this as an ‘act of provocation’. This is quite strange though, as Italy has a huge contingent of Scottish immigrants… obviously they don’t wear their kilts too often!
And Finally…A Pasta Fact!
Pasta: originally Italian… or not?
The Italians didn’t invent pasta! It was brought to Italy in the thirteenth century by the Arabs and was eaten with honey and sugar. The tomato sauce wasn’t added until around 450 years later. Unbelievably, there are more than 500 different types of pasta made and enjoyed in Italy today, with every region, city, town or village claiming their own.
Think you might want to investigate more unusual things about Italy? Fancy a visit? Then here’s how to get there.
How To Get There
How will you reach Italy?
For holiday makers, the most popular way to travel to Italy is by air and there are excellent airports throughout the country, most of which are well connected by competitively priced airlines to several major European cities, including London. On arrival into any of the main airports, we offer convenient transfer services to your accommodation, anywhere in Italy. Transfers can be booked in advance so you have nothing to worry about when you land. You will be met at the arrival hall and whisked straight to your final destination. You can guarantee a fixed price, no fuss journey with a professional and experienced driver. Bookings can be made on a shared or private basis, depending on your requirements and budget.
Some people visit Italy by cruise or by public ferryboat from Croatia, for example. This is lovely way to arrive into Italy. Transfers from any of the major ports can be organised with us as well, to help make your onward travel go without a hitch.
Italy is well connected both nationally and internationally by rail. We also run transfers from all of the major train stations.
About Shuttle Direct
Whatever your budget, Shuttle Direct offers both private and shared transfers to suit your needs. Providing pick up and drop off options from a huge range of airports, train stations and cruise ports thought Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct take great pride in offering value and convenience, as well as a friendly and professional service. The website is easy to use and allows you to pre-book, meaning that on arrival you will be met by a driver and taken straight to your accommodation as quickly as possible. What better way to start your trip? Happy travels!
