Facts About Italy

Exploring Tuscany in 2010

2010-03-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

Exploring Tuscany in 2010

Exploring the region of modern day Tuscany means the traveler can experience a multitude of sites, scenes and pleasures. From rolling countryside, to beautiful mountains and shorelines; fine food and wine and amazing works of art and centres of culture, Tuscany has much to offer the visitor.

When you learn about the rich and deep history of Tuscany, these types of experiences and memories only become more enhanced. An ancient region with vestiges of that character still available to visit, Tuscany is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not just a place or time – Tuscany is its people, and the history of humankind in this region is rich.

Originally inhabited long before Christ, and in 350 BC the region was annexed by Rome. By time of the Middle Ages, Tuscan cities such as Pisa, Florence and Lucca had become powerful and rich trade centers with the primary products of textiles and agriculture, along with becoming a financial center with many banks and other trade organizations. When the Renaissance age came into being, Tuscany (Toscana, in Italian), many artists who are still respected to this day came into their own as well. Writers like Dante and Macchiavelli and artists and engineers like DaVinci and Michelangelo produced their finest works in this region. In fact, because of its literary influence from those times, even today the Italian that is spoken today reflects that Florencian influence from long ago.

After the Renaissance, Tuscan experienced somewhat of a decline, becoming revived in the 1700s, but not before Tuscans Galileo Galilei and Amerigo Vespucci made their impact on the culture and society of Italy, and ultimately the world.

Today, Tuscany is one of the worlds major cultural and arts centers with museums and galleries filled with amazing paintings, sculptures and grand frescoes by the masters. The historical peoples of Tuscany, and today's lively inhabitants make Tuscany a world class region to please all the senses.
Photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/rayced/2040526664/

Italian Culture, DaVinci to Michelangelo

2009-12-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

Italian Culture

When one thinks of Italy it is hard not to think of its many cultural facets. As a country that has been the home of birthplace of great artists and artworks, from DaVinci to Michelangelo, Italian Culture is not only reflective of the past, but of the present and future. For Italian Culture lives on today, and today's visitor to Italy will see evidence of renaissance works next to new and exciting displays of culture.
St. Peter's Basilica - Michelangelo's Pieta

Most outsiders consider Florence the heart of Italian Culture. This is where the great thinkers, artists, engineers, composers and other cultural icons made their name and created their greatest works. This is not even to mention the famous foods from this part of Italy. For example, Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Vivaldi, Puccini, and others came from this great center of Italian culture.
Another famous cultural spot in Italy is Milan, long considered one of the true fashion capitals of the world. Milan, unlike it's older sister Florence, is a thriving metropolis immersed in modern Italian Culture. This hip and fast-paced city, as such a fashion center, also has a surprising array of old world culture as well; with museums, famous cinema houses, and, of course, amazing food. Milan is easy to visit since so many airlines fly into Milan directly from other cities around the world; take advantage of this opportunity by taking time while in Milan; you will be overwhelmed with Italian Culture at its best – the old and the new, side by side.
Although many of us are familiar with great icons of Italian Culture, there are so many famous, and famously talented individuals that, themselves, reflect the variety of culture found from Italy. For example, Antonio Vivaldi, the great baroque composer, hailed from Italy. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori educational philosophy, was born and lived in Italy. More modern Italian cultural icons include the great movie maker, Federico Fellini, the incomparable opera star, Luciano Pavarotti and the more contemporary Andrea Bocelli.
Italy is the epitome of culture and class, both old and new, and all can be found in today's Italy.
Photo by David Paul Ohmer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-o/

Italian Movies, Simply the Best

2009-12-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

Italian Movies, Simply the Best!

Known for it's beautiful countryside, world-class cities, rich arts and culture, and of course its food and wine, Italy can also be considered a mecca of movies.

Ever since movies have been made for popular viewing, Italy has been involved either as a setting or as the subject itself. Many well known and talented movie makers, directors and producers have come from this beautiful land, and today Italy holds a warm place in the hearts of many because of scenes and stories filmed in and about Italy.

Some of the great movies to catch that feature Italy include “Malena;” set in this small Sicilian coastal hamlet, the movie tells about the towns local beauty, and her whims a life choices, as narrated by a small villager boy. Another classic (almost instant from the moment of its release) is “A Room With a View” starring Helena Bonham Carter and Daniel Day Lewis (currently married to each other) the movie wraps itself around the main character who has requested the title 'room with a view,' and to her dismay doesn't receive one. She changes her room at the hotel, and her life changes as well. A fascinating tale of love and where one of the characters is Italy herself.

Italian movies have been made by some well known directors, more recently and notably Roberto Benigni for his “Life is Beautiful/La Vita e Bella” tale of an Italian commoner, his beautiful wife and loved son through the joys and perils of life during the second world war. Other notable Italian movie directors include Vittorio De Sica (“The Bicycle Thief,” and “Today and Tomorrow”), Massimo Troisi (“Il Postino”), and Federico Fellini (“La Dolce Vita,” and “Nights of Caribia” among many others).

Take in the sights and sounds of Italy through its wonderful Italian movies.

Tuscany Tourism 2010

2009-12-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

Tuscany Tourism 2010

Located in north-central, Tuscany is perhaps one of Italy's most famous regions, and Tuscany tourism opportunities are profound. You may be considering a trip to this area for a variety of reasons. Some come to Tuscany to explore the amazing countryside, while others are more interested in the experience of seeing world famous, beautiful artwork. Still others want to feel the sensation of living in cultural rich cities like Florence. Tuscany has so much to offer, that you can do it all.

Of course, another reason that people are drawn to this region is, not surprisingly, the food and wine. Its reputation as a world class food and wine region is no mistake. You might want to study Italian cooking while in Italy, and learn about the unique flavors and dishes of this region, like pappa al pomodoro (a rich, hearty bread thickened soup), risotto (a creamy, herbed rice), and tiramisu (Tuscany's famous dessert cake made with Mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers, cocoa and liquor – yum!) Of course, the Tuscany region also boasts world class wineries .

The city of Florence is the best known city in Tuscany, and for many reasons. Home of architectural wonders such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery. Of course, you must also visit Pisa, and the well known Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pisa Cathedral. Visit Chianti, namesake for the sparky red wine famous around the world as the perfect vin for northern Italian eating.

In addition to its cities, the Tuscany region is also known for its gorgeous countryside. Between the heights of the Apuan Alps, rolling valleys and grotto like nooks, the Tuscany region has an extremely wide variety of vistas and experiences. And, you can experience this region by car, plane, train, bicycle, horseback and hiking.

As the most famous region of Italy, Tuscany is one of the treasures of Mediterranean Europe.

Photo by Alaskan Dude http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2776361245_91461bfc76_b.jpg

Italian Spas - Spend Vacation in Italy

2009-12-10T02:55:00.000-08:00

Italian Spas - Spend Vacation in Italy

Have you ever dreamed of a vacation to Italy? With its world renown food and wine, ancient cultural sites and beautiful countryside from valleys to the tallest mountains, Italy is a vacationers dream. Did you know, however, that Italy has rich and beautiful spas to visit, making this country an all encompassing vacation destination.

From the very top of the country, and even down to the tip of Italy's 'boot,' spas pepper the land. And, of course, with the thousands of miles of shoreline, there are dozens of seaside spas to escape the stresses of every day life. No matter if your preference is the beautiful countryside, quaint villages, bustling cities or quiet hamlets, Italy has spas in every area of the country to please your every whim.

For centuries, Italians have known the benefits of therapeutic body work, and some of these therapies are exclusive to an Italian spa experience. For example, there are hundreds of thermal and mineral-rich springs known throughout the world for their healing properties. The waters in these life giving springs help to lesson the symptoms of many ailments, including skin problems, arthritis and related stiffness, vascular abnormalities and more.

Fitness and sports are a part of many Italian spas, including spas that specialize in yoga practice, Pilates, hiking in the countryside, and other fitness activities. You can build your strength and your level of relaxation at these types of spas.

Italian spas are also known for their use of Fango mud. (Actually a redundant term since “fango” means mud in Italian.) The use of this type of treatment using the mud that is found within the natural springs of Italy is helpful for many conditions such as arthritis, skin health, and as a general relaxant. To take part in a Fango treatment is truly an exclusive Italian spa indulgence.

Italy has so much to offer, and its spas are top-of-the-line, and can be found to fit every buget, preference and personal need.

Southern Italy - The Amalfi Coast

2009-06-27T03:11:00.000-07:00

Southern Italy - The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy with its amazing towns and beautiful panoramas, looks really stunning, check out the video report.

Cyber Café's in Italy

2009-05-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

Cyber Café's in Italy

Holidays are simply indispensable for professionals as this is the best way to shred the stress from the life. But those who have their own business or are serving at a responsible post in an organization cannot afford to stay away from their offices for a long time. Now the solution is to carry a laptop on the trip but this can be inconvenient at times, especially on International tours. Now if you have chosen Italy as the destination for vacationing, you will not need to carry any extra gadgets with you. Internet cafes are set up at various places in the urban areas of Italy and they aim to serve the travelers who are away from their home town but need to communicate with the workplaces. These cyber cafes are equipped with all modern amenities. There are quite a number of seats available so that more than one customer can surf the Internet through these cafes.

Old School Internet

These cyber cafes are open 24x7 which especially in the big cities of Italy. In fact the visitors who come up with the laptops need not worry about the servicing and technical problems. There are quite a number of large cyber cafes which offer the technical servicing facilities to the out station customers. You can also get the additional services which include designing graphics and programming software. You need not worry about the language barrier at the Internet cafes because they have interpreters who help the customers. You can also consider these cafes as a good place to pass time as they offer television and magazines inside the lounges. Some of them have arrangements for food and beverages as an additional facility. The busy professionals no more need to worry about their scheduled work as Italian tourist places feature quite a number of cyber cafes with multiple facilities.

Rachel Ray In Siena, Italy

2009-05-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

Rachel Ray In Siena, Italy

Italy - Best Time To Visit

2009-04-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

Know The Season To Visit Italy

Italy is one of the finest countries of Western Europe which makes it a popular favorite tourist spot across the world. Like rest of the parts of Western Europe, two of the best seasons to explore Italy are autumn and early part of spring. The renowned cities of Italy, Milan, Venice, Verona and Bologna are situated in the Northern part of Italy. These places can be seen at its panoramic best in the spring time. The summers are quite hot and the humidity level increases in Italy. The cold winters never reach extremity though fog causes little problem in few of the winter days. The mystical fog creates a reverie on the entire city. But the climate condition is different in the southern part of Italy. The crowd reduces in the month of September. The weather becomes warm and hotter during this part of the year.

The climate in the months of august and July gradually becomes unpleasant and warmer. But there are certain parts where you can feel much better on a vacation. The hilly areas feature soothing climate and the dense forests are humid and pleasant. November and March are the two months when you can readily visit the nice cities like Naples, Rome and Florence. The festive times pull large volume of crowd to Italy and its tourist places. Italy gets congested with crowd at the time of Christmas and Easter. You can enjoy skiing at the alpine region starting from December till April. Italy keeps really busy in the summers when all the shops and restaurants keep open. In fact the price of various stuffs increase in this particular season. But if you are looking for some discounts, always visit Italy in the off seasons.
Mild weather, lovely seasons and beautiful Italy make a perfect combination for the visitors who wish to spend a memorable holiday in Italy.

Driving Down the Roads of Italy

2009-03-31T02:00:00.000-07:00

Driving Down the Roads of Italy

Italy being a lovely tourist destination, communication and conveyance needs to be simply superb so that the visitors can explore this exotic place thoroughly. The Italian roadways are known as “Autostradas”.

These are highways which are in excellent condition and feature multiple lanes so that the visitors do not face ant problem related to the traffic system. The high ways cover about 5600 kilometers. The roads are open to the commercial as well as individually owned vehicles. Every arrangement for easy navigation and safe driving is included in the road ways in order to reduce the number of fatal accidents. The speed limit is fixed for the roads and toll is collected for the maintenance. You can always pay for this fee with credit cards or cash. In fact they also offer great facilities in order make things much more convenient for the car owners. The pre-paid cards are made available by the authority so that you need not spend much time on the way.

Though the main roads are in great shape, the same cannot be conferred about the secondary roads. The facilities are comparatively less and the surface is not equally smooth everywhere. The alleys and streets inside the historical cities often get jammed when the crowd is heavy in the seasons. The speed limit reduces down to 50 km ph. Drunk driving is not allowed in Italy as the alcohol limit in blood is fixed up to 0.05%. In order to ensure the security of the drivers, breath checking tests are conducted every now and then. There are high penalties for rash and drunk driving. If you are a visitor or a local resident, you need to hold a valid license in order to drive down the roads of Italy. Now that you know almost all details about the Italian driving systems, you can explore the cities with a rented car as well.

Italy for Disabled Travelers

2009-03-07T00:31:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy for Disabled Travelers

This is a true fact that traveling is not just a hobby but also a great way to de-stress the soul. Italy is a beautiful place to be visited during the festive seasons and also in the vacations. The disabled people who often spend their life inside a limited periphery will feel simply great if the family members take them for a vacation to the lovely place of Italy. But this is seriously not easy to explore the alleys of the historically and culturally rich land of Italy when the visitor has certain physical disabilities. Now there are some of the places which can be traveled easily as there are many modes of conveyance made available for the disabled people.

Facts about Italy

The city of Venice is known for the water ways which connect various parts of the city. Gondolas are the only mode of communication within the city. This is little difficult for the disabled tourists. Keeping this problem in mind the government has designed special trips for disabled travelers which aid them explore the city without any compromises. Though Rome is the capital of Italy, there are certain regions which hilly topography and uneven roads. This is why the disabled people cannot walk down the roadways. The buses are available which include wheelchair facilities that make the journey much comfortable for them.

Facts about Italy

The airlines also have special facilities available for the disabled passengers. They offer emergency as well as regular services so that they do not face any trouble in the middle of the journeys.

Facts about Italy

Those who wish to travel by the railways will experience special treatment and additional comforting amenities in many of the railways stations. In fact the special wagons also feature wheelchairs for disabled tourists. Italy is quite compassionate for the disabled visitors and this is why more number of people is choosing it as their vacation destination.

About Sicily - All You Need to Know

2009-03-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

Facts About Sicily, All You Need to Know

Sicily is one of the most exotic locations of the Mediterranean region. It is segregated from the peninsula of Italy with the “Strait of Messina”. The panoramic landscape of Sicily makes it a popular tourist attraction. It consists of a bunch of tiny but magnificent islands strewn alongside the coastline. The geographical wonder Etna is situated here which happens to be the most active volcano of the entire European continent.

Map of Sicily

The capital city of Sicily is Palermo. The overall Sicilian region comprises of Messina, Catania, Trapani, Ragusa and townships of Corleone, Taormina, Bronte and many other provinces. The district of Palermo features a number of monuments and ancient buildings that bear fine architectural designs. These splendid monuments are considered to be important tourist attractions of Sicily.

Cattedrale-S.Maria Assunta

Some of the well-known must-visit spots at Sicily are “Cattedrale-S.Maria Assunta”, “Cappella Palatina”, the chapel decorated with mosaic designs and the churches bearing the Norman designs. These mixed styles depicted in these constructions often attract the tourists who are in love with ancient history. The cosmopolitan cultural effect has enhanced the beauty of these architectures.

Palermo

Art has always been the treasure of Sicily. It is the birth place of many popular artists and talented poets. Giovanni Verga, Gesualdo Bufalino, Luigi Pirandello, Ignazio Buttitta, the poet and composer Vincenzo Bellini and Sigismondo d'India are all from Sicily which accounts for the cultural heritage of this place.
If you are visiting Sicily for a pleasure trip do not miss the lovely town at the mountain regions of Sicily known as Caltagirone. Hand-made ceramic items are the specialty of this town. The town also celebrates a colorful festival in the month of July. During this festival multi-colored images are create with lamination which is a must see for every tourist. Explore this beautiful destination and gather an experience for the lifetime.

Leaning Tower Of Pisa

2009-02-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Leaning Tower Of Pisa is one of the worlds most famous monuments that stirs the imagination of every single person, from kids to adults.
The TORRE PENDENTE DI PISA (Italian name for this tower) is famous because of the settling of the towers foundations, which resulted in leaning to 5.5. degrees which make it about 4.5 meters or 15 feet. Here are some basic facts about the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, and also don't miss a video.

Official Name of the Tower: TORRE PENDENTE DI PISA
Original Function: Bell Tower
The Architect: Bonanno Pisano
Date of construction: 1173-1350
Year in which the leaning became obvious : 1178
Height at the time when the lean looked obvious: 10.6 meters, 35 ft
Height: 55.863 meters, 185 feet, 8 stories
Weight: 14700 tons

Leonardo da Vinci Drawings

2008-12-14T02:45:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents: Leonardo da Vinci Drawings

Leonardo da Vinci was famous Italian painter, sculptor, draftsman, engineer and architect who made some of the biggest art masterpieces in the history of a mankind. Probably the most famous works of Leonardo da Vinci are the paintings Mona Lisa (1503–1506) and Last Supper (1495–1498) .

Leonardo da Vinci - Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci - Mona Lisa

Leonardo da Vinci - Vitruvian Man

Gomorra - A Must See Movie

2008-12-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

Gomorra - A Must See Movie

Italian Mafia movie - Gomorra - was the biggest winner of the the 21st European Film Awards Festival held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Gomorra won 5 awards including the best European movie and best European director.
The story of Gommora is based on a non-fiction book by 29 years old Italian Roberto Saviano, who has lived under the police protection for more than 2 years because of the death threats he received from Italian gangsters, the hard-hitting movie shows us how Italian criminal organization Commora (based in Naples) actually works.

Gomorra made the debut at Cannes Film Festival, France, where the movie won the Grand Prix award and also received the Italian nomination for the 2009 foreign-language movie Oscar.Defiantely a must see! The 2009 European Film Awards will be held in Essen, Germany.

Italy Vs Europe

2008-08-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Italy Vs Europe

The differences between Italians and Europeans, showed in very funny way. But as always there is some truth in this animated video. Check this video you won't regret, it really very funny!

Facts about Italy: Venice - Italy

2008-07-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Venice Italy – Quick Presentation
Venice is to the Northwest in Italy. It is also the capital of Veneto and has over 250,000 residents as of 2004. Not only is it a breathtaking city, there is no place you can go and not find romantic gondolas floating to and fro in the water that makes this the “City of Water”. It reaches across 118 tiny islands next to the Adriatic Sea in the northeastern part of Italy. It was built on what is commonly referred to as an Archipelago
Venice Canals

With so much water, it is no wonder that Venice is best known for its canals. Having the smaller islands makes hundreds of canals in the shallows of this lagoon. To keep everything connected, there are over 400 bridges. The canals are the roads of this city. Either you walk to where you need to go or you ride on the water.
View of Venice from St. Mark's Campanile

This is also true of transportation of goods to and from their destination. There is a railway line and an automobile passage but not directly in the city itself. It is the one place in Europe that can be considered to be free of cars and the most environmentally friendly town.
Gondoliers in Venice, Italy

Facts about Italy: Michelangelo Facts

2008-06-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Michelangelo Facts
Michelangelo was a true genius of his time. He had the most extraordinary skills when it came to painting, engineering, math, philosophy, and architecture. His pride and joy can when he took the challenge and succeeded in painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling with “The Last Judgment”. His sculpture of David was simply magnificent to see and hard to believe this man could have the patience and care needed to complete this tedious task. He believed in finishing a task he started before moving to another.

Born in Italy in 1475, he was one of five boys to father Ludovico di Leonardo di Buonaratto Simoni and mother Francesca Neri. His painting skills were perfected by serving as an apprentice to the great painter Ghirlandaio. He also studied sculpture at the Medici Gardens. He died in 1564 after completing the wall of the Sistine Chapel. Other great works by Michelangelo include Battle of the Centaurs done between 1490 and 1492, the Pieta completed between 1498 and 1500, and the Statue of David sculpted between 1501 and 1512.

The Creation of Adam was created at the same time as he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel from 1505 until 1512.

Facts about Italy: Florence, Tuscany, Italy – Quick Presentation

2008-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Florence, Tuscany, Italy – Quick Presentation
The great Julius Caesar founded Florence Italy in 59 BC as a choice spot to retire his soldiers after their fight in the war. It was built with the soldiers in mind and was an army camp with streets that soon became the hub of the commerce and trade. The beautiful architecture and artistic culture is still found today and is a true miracle to withstand the hundreds of years. Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo were part of those who resided in Florence as was Donatello and Brunelleschi.

In the past few years the amount of people living in Florence has grown to almost one million. The majority of those are known to be Italian and the other 7% are immigrants from another country. Asians make up almost 20,000 residents in the city while the African population ranges at the 11,000 mark. The smallest amounts of those who live in Florence Italy are from America. Weather in Florence is hot and full of humidity from June to August and has low wind to help the temperatures. Very little rain will be seen during the summer. Rain is more prevalent in the winter as is a small amount of snowfall.

Facts about Italy: Facts About Enzo Ferrari

2008-06-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Facts About Enzo Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena in 1898. Not taking after the men in his family who were food wholesalers and metal workers for the local railways, he chose to follow along with his love of fast cars. It was not long before Ferrari was driving at the mere age of thirteen. At the age of ten, he had already taken his first race with him in his memory. He combined forces with Alfo Romero in 1920 who hired him to be lead driver for the team. Nine years later, he stopped racing and took over the management of the Alfa racing team.

Ferrari lost his father and brother in the war. He was not allowed to participate in the same war. He moved into his villa with his wife and mother who had a strong dislike for each other. Each woman was given their own side of the villa to live in. His mother died from choking on a boiled egg in 1965. Ferrari had a son with his wife. He died of muscular dystrophy and Ferrari became diligent about visiting his grave on a daily basis. He also carried a mistress who also bore him a son. His wife passed away in 1978 and his mistress and family moved to be with him in the Villa she had resided in.

Facts about Italy: Rome Useful Information

2008-05-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Rome Useful Information

This time we'll present some useful tips for those of you who are planning to vist the enternal city of Rome.

City original name: Roma
Rome Population: 2 547 000 - more than 4 million in whole metropolitan area

Currency: Euro

Phone code: +39 06 xxx....

Museums: Rome has around 50 museums (the most famous are the following Vaticano Museum, The Barracco Museum, National Museum, Coloseo, Capitolino, Museo delle Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Venezia, Palestrina, Palazzo delle Belle Arti, Museo Napoleonico)

Theaters: 13 (Teatro Sistina, Teatro Quirino, Teatro Valle...)

Transport from the airport: By taxi - around 40 euros, By Bus via Termini Station - 9/15 euros bus line works all night long. By train - Leonardo Express to Termini station - 9,50 euros.

Public transportation within Rome: Buses, Underground, rail, trams

Public transportation ticket prices: Single ticket - 1 euro, day ticket - 4 euros, 3 day ticket - 11 euros, week ticket - 16 euros

Facts about Italy: Language Camps in Italy

2008-05-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy prsents Language Camps in Italy
Since US Dollar/Euro exchange rate is rapidly falling more and more Americans find it hard to visit Europe. But there is one great solution, you'll have a great time and even earn some Euros!Read on.........
ACLE is an Educational company that provides Italian students with fun and opportunity to learn the English language at their Summer Camps. They are recruiting enthusiastic, dependable, native English speakers to teach and work in English Camps throughout Italy. Summer Camps start in June 2008. City and Summer Camps are located all over Italy from North to South to name just a few of them: Rome, Milan, Bologna, Sicily, Pisa, Dolomites, Siena, Naples and many many more. All you need for this job is to be a Native English speaker and of course you got to love to work with kids, Italian language skills are not a must!

The ACLE program just upped wages to approximately €220-240 per week, depending on your experience and with some budgeting, you'll make enough money to actually afford the unique Europiean holidays this summer!

Facts about Italy: Rules For Venice Tourists

2008-05-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Rules For Venice Tourists

North Italian city of Venice used to be a super romantic getaway. In year 2008 it's like being in grade school again! Why? Well the answer is very simple; because there are many new rules you'll have to follow when visiting Venice. Last few years there were some simple rules that everyone should obey such as: keeping your shirt on, or not having a picnic on St Mark's Square. If you didn't follow this rules you could get fined for $40. But right know, also feeding pigeons is banned!

Authorities in Venice are sick of all the damage that pigeons cause, not just from droppings, but also because birds peck at gaps in building facades. If you decide to feed the pigeons you'll be fined even more, than if you're showing your chest; you'll pay around $80.

Facts about Italy: Car Renting in Italy

2008-05-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Rent a Car in Italy

If you really want to immerse yourself in the magical Italy then you'll definitely need to hit for the open road and take in the diversity of this amazing and astonishing country.If you decide to rent a car in Italy you'll provide yourself with a holidays of many different choices. It's one thing to take an organized trip and totally other, to rent a car in Italy.Just imagine how free you'll feel; you could explore the artistic secrets of Florence by yourself, then there is a charming Sicily in the south, the Alps, the eternal city of Rome, the stylish streets of Milan or the beautiful landscape of Tuscany.

If you decide to rent a car in Italy you'll enjoy the total independence and freedom! You'll stop in remote villages and meet the locals, the experience that no travel agency can provide. So if you're adventurous type of person, go ahead and rent a car while being in Italy, you won't regret it!

Facts about Italy: Is Pizza An Aphrodisiac?!

2008-05-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Is Pizza An Aphrodisiac?!

Pizza ingredients might have aphrodisical effect!!?? Many of the pizza ingredients and sauces are known to have aphrodisical effect that stimulate the desire for having sex. Mushrooms, red peppers, green chilies, onions and tomatoes are on the top of the list. Many of us wouldn't agree with this statement however, in Italy, homeland of Pizza, a survey about aphrodisiacs was made recently.

And the results were very interesting: more than 22 percent of Italian girls included in this survey, named cheese as their favorite aphrodisiac and the second place was taken by the salami, as we all know both cheese and salami are almost "a must" ingredients of Pizza. And one more fact or better said myth; famous Italian lover, Casanova, once said that cheese and red wine have aphrodisiacal effects that "can restore an old love and ripen a new one."

Facts about Italy: Passeggiata

2008-04-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Passeggiata

No matter whether you're visiting Italy as a tourist or because of some business matters, one thing you really shouldn't overlook is the traditional Italian »passeggiata«. Every day and it really doesn't matter if it's Spring or Winter, Summer or Autumn the evening promenade is a parade of all kinds of people dressed in their best clothes, simply walking to the main piazza (square) to meet their neighbors and friends, maybe do a bit of shopping or simply enjoy the fresh air. Parents pushing prams, husbands and wives walking with hand in hand, kids chasing pigeons, and youngsters in groups, boys and girls chatting and flirting…..everyone can find their joy in a famous passeggiata.

Stopping at the bars and cafes for a drink, greeting one another or simply watching the scene from the distance, all above is a part of a big Italian tradition performed by tens of generations in the past and this will definitely continue by new generations in the future. If you want to get unique and true experience of a passeggiata, then you should visit some neighborhood which is not crowded with tourists.

Facts about Italy: Scooters in Milan

2008-04-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

Seeing Italy on the back of a scooter is a thrilling, highly recommended and surprisingly, totally comfortable way to experience Italian cities and their people. A scooter will give you some kind of freedom and comradeship on the road. Check out this great video!

Facts about Italy: Gelato

2008-04-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Gelato
Well it's almost a sin not to have Gelato while being in Italy. If you don't know what Gelato is, then we can give you a tip, it's something very refreshing and very desired during hot Summer months...............yes you guessed it right; Gelato is Italian type of ice cream, if you want to get more information about Gelato, check this video!

Oh and one more tip; if you want to have very good Gelato, make sure it has real fruit and doesn't have the appearance of artificial colors!

Facts about Italy: Roman Forum

2008-04-22T00:56:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is probably one of the most important archaeological findings in the whole world, you can find it across the street from the Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the heart of life in Rome during ancient times. It was also the place where the administration of justice and commerce had their headquarters. Check this great video and learn more about the Roman Forum.

Facts about Italy: More Quick facts

2008-04-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents More Quick facts

Car manufacturer FIAT is one of the best known Italian brands. FIAT stands for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, translated in English - Italian automobile manufacturer from TurinSome very famous cars come from FIAT factory, let's just name few of them: FIAT, Alfa Romeo and Lancia.

Some of the most famous stories of William Shakespeare happened in Italy, let's name just few of them: Julius Caesar, unforgettable Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Winter's Tale.

Volcano Vesuvius erupted for the last time in 1944.

One of the most famous kids story, the Pinocchio, was written by Italian Carlo Collodi.

The most important Italian industries are: tourism - definitely number one industry in Italy, machinery, chemicals, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing and automotive industry.

It is believed that the Northern parts of Italy are much more developed than Central and specially Southern Italy with the Sicily. The majority of industry is concentrated around big cities in the North: Turin, Milan and Genoa. Italy's unemployment rate is around 8 percent, however it is much higher in the South with more than 20% unemployment rate.

Not so long ago Italians were famous for having very big families with 5 or more children, but the things have changed know and at this moment Italy has one of the lowest birth-rate in Europe.

Within Italy you can find two micro states San Marino and famous Vatican City.

Italians invented ice cream.

Facts about Italy will be back soon!

Facts about Italy: Lasagna

2008-04-07T02:47:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Lasagna
Originating from Italy, Lasagna has become one of the most recognizable dishes in the world, just after pizza. Lasagna is both a form of pasta in sheets but also a single dish, sometimes named lasagna al forno (which in Italian means oven cooked lasagna) made with alternate layers of pasta, cheese and a meat or tomato sauce. Wanna know how to make delicious Lasagna? Check this great video!

How To Make Lasagna

Facts about Italy will be back soon!

Facts about Italy: Some Short Facts

2008-04-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Some Short Facts

Italy borders France, Austria, San Marino, Vatican City, San Marino, Switzerland and Slovenia (who took the presidency of European Union on January 1st 2008).

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Slovenia, Lake Bled

Italy has the longest border with the Switzerland.

Italian territory is a little bit larger than Arizona.

The Italian flag (vertically colored in green, white, red) was inspired by the French flag which was for the first time shown when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the peninsula in 1797.

Some of worlds most famous explorers had Italian oregins, the most famous are: Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci.

Amerigo Vespucci

The average Italian will live few days less than 80 years.

Italians invented the thermometer.

Naples the city in Sicily, Southern Italy, is home of worlds most famous dish Pizza.

Italian longest river is river Po.

Italy is home to two microstates Vatican City and San Marino.

Facts about Italy: Espresso Machine

2008-03-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Espresso was invented in 1903 by Luigi Bezzera, the owner of a manufacturing business. Mr. Bezzera was looking for the solution how to brew coffee faster, then wasting some time after work, one day he added pressure to the coffee brewing process and the revolution was made!He later named his invention "Fast Coffee Machine", (espresso means "fast" in Italian).

Espresso machine didn't just reduced brewing time, but also made much tastier cup of coffee. But Luigi Bezzera was not very good in marketing and promotion, so he sold the patent rights for the espresso machine to Desidero Pavoni in 1905. Pavoni successfully introduced espresso to his home market. Cafe's with the sign "CAFE ESPRESSO - LA PAVONI" were almost on every corner and this was just the beginning of this successful story! Espresso machine is really legendary Italian invention!

Facts about Italy: Antonio Vivaldi

2008-03-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi was one of the most famous Italian composers and violinists. He was born in Venice on the 4th of March. Vivaldi had a big influence on the baroque music and on the development of the concerto. Antoniao was in the priesthood and because his hair was red he also got a nickname "The Red Priest." From 1704 to 1740 he worked in the Ospedale della Pietŕ where he was a teacher, conductor, and composer. Antonio Vivaldi liked to travel and presenting his operas all across the Europe.

As for many artists Vivaldi's work was also forgoten for more then 100 years, but when J.S. Bach arrange some of Vivaldi's concertos, his music became again very interesting. He left Venice in 1741 in the apparent hope of finding his friends in Vienna, Austria where he died shortly after his arrival. The most famous of all Vivaldi's concertos are I'll quattro stagioni in english The Four Seasons!

Facts about Italy: Italian Riviera

2008-03-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera is a natural extension of the French Riviera, dotted with beautiful Italian villages and often hidden beaches. Well maybe Italian Riviera isn't famous and popular as it is French riviera, but there is still much to see and you really won't regret it if you visit it during hot Summer months. With a term Italian Riviera we usually mean the stretch of coast in Liguria region which borders France.

Same as beautiful French Riviera, the Italian coast boasts blue seas, fancy tourist resorts with casinos and palm trees waving along the promenade. Attractive coastline, blue sea, sandy beaches, and very mild climate have long been the Italian Riviera's biggest attractions.

More facts about Italy soon!

Facts about Italy: Back to Italian Girls

2008-03-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

The previous topic about Italian girls, was amazingly accepted so here is the second part about Italian girls. Italian girls are really beautiful usually with dark hair, brown eyes and taned skin, they are perfect!

Giorgia Surina

Federica Ridolfi

Sara Tommasi

Elisabetta Canalis

Ilary Blasi

Facts about Italy will be back soon!

Facts about Italy: Italian virgin olive oil

2008-02-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy present the best Olive Oil in the world!
Some say to have true and genuine Italian virgin olive oil, it's enough to be bottled in Italy, some other people say it's enough to have an Italian label. But the only fact that really stands is the fact that original virgin olive oil, the pride of Italy, has to be made with Italian olives, pressed and bottled in Italy to be called Italian virgin oil.

Facts about Italy will be back soon

Facts about Italy: Lamborghini - Italian pride

2008-02-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents Lamborghini
No half measures. No compromises. Always exceeding expectations. Innovative design, the latest and best technology, the most modern of concepts - this is what Lamborghini excellence is all about.Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly known as Lamborghini, is based in the small Italian village of Sant'Agata Bolognese, near Bologna. The company was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini (1916–1993) as a spin-off from his very successful tractor factory, Lamborghini Trattori S.p.A.

Lamborghini used to be an independent company, but today it is a subsidiary of the German company Audi AG. Audi AG became the owner of Lamborghini in 1998. Lamborghini went bankrupt in 1978 and was sold to Chrysler a long time before Audi AG became the sole owner of the company.

More facts about Italy tomorrow

Facts about Italy: Romulus and Remus Myth

2008-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

This time Facts about Italy presents historical topic
Facts about Italy presents the famous Romulus and Remus Myth

Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars and the Vestal Rhea Silvia, were the mythical founders of Rome. At birth they were placed in a basket and set afloat on the Tiber (note the similarity to the story of Moses). The basket came aground at the grotto Lupercal, under a fig tree called Ruminal, where the twins were found and suckled by a she-wolf, and later raised by the shepherd family of Faustulus and and his wife, Acca Larentia.

When young men, the brothers decided to found a city. After studying the flights of birds, and signs in the sky, it was determined that each Romulus and Remus would be in charge of a section of the new city, but the signs also determined that Romulus section would be twice the size of Remus' section. Romulus, using a plow pulled by a white cow and a white bull, cut a furrow to mark the boundary of his section. Remus, angry at his brother getting the larger part, jumped over the furrow into his brothers section, where Romulus killed him (in another version of the story, invented later by the poet Ennius, Remus just disappeared during a storm).Romulus went on to build the city, which was named Rome after him. He was later deified and became associated with Quirinus, under whose name he was worshipped.
Romulus and Remus are represented on a number of Roman coins, usually is as babies suckling at the she-wolf. The most common of these are the small bronze coins issued during what is known as the Constantine commemorative period, ca. 330-346 AD.

More facts about Italy soon!

Facts about Italy: Le Belle Donne Italiane - Beautiful Italian Women

2008-02-21T02:59:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents beautiful Italian women
Why are Italian babes so attractive? Beautiful girls in Italy are not necessarily born that way, they make and keep themselves that way! How can this be done?

Most foreigners do not realize how important young Italian girls regard their physical appearance. Before going out in public they very carefully choose the correct clothing and facial treatments. When they exit their homes everything must look perfect.
It is not uncommon for Italian girls to spend few hours in front of a mirror putting on different kinds of cosmetics before they present themselves to the public.

In addition to this, girls in Italy also have to take into account the need for designer dresses and shoes. In Italy, especially in girls hometown, you never get caught wearing the same fancy dress as someone else. You must also constantly be up to spiff on the styles, which may vary from one area of the country to another, and babes must buy something new before the change of every season, forgetting all the money they spent the previous year on things they will never wear again. Italian girls are simply amazing!

Very soon more facts about Italy.

Facts about Italy: Michelangelo Buonarroti

2008-02-18T23:43:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents Michelangelo Buonarroti
INTRODUCTION
Michelangelo Buonarroti is possibly the greatest artist and sculptor who has ever lived. His paintings and sculptures have changed the meaning of art for good!
BACKGROUND
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on March 6, 1475, in a town near Florence. His mother died by the time Michelangelo was six years old, leaving him to live with his father, a nobleman.
He began to show interest in art and drawing by the age of ten, and became an apprentice by age 12. When Michelangelo was 13 he was set to be an artist. He became a pupil of the great sculptor, Donatello. As he grew older, Michelangelo Buonarroti became interested in the male nude. Most of his paintings included pictures of nude males, though sometimes just in the background.
Michelangelo lived to the age of 89, and died in 1564.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Michelangelo was a great leader in the Italian Renaissance. His greatest glory, painting the Sistine Chapel, began in 1508, and was completed in 1512. In the beginning, Michelangelo was to paint twelve pictures of the apostles around the outside of the ceiling. Instead of doing so, Michelangelo made another suggestion. He used the central area of the ceiling to paint the history of the Old Testament. It included over 300 figures.
Beginning in 1491, Michelangelo carved Madonna of the Stairs. It took him one year to complete it. Next was the Pieta. It was started in 1498 and finished in 1500. He began Doni Tondo in 1503, taking him two years to complete the painting. In 1534, twenty-three years after the Sistine Chapel was completed, Michelangelo began to paint The Last Judgment, located over the altar at the same church as the Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo was noted for use of color, light, tone design, and draftmanship. He excelled in architecture, sculture and anatomy.

IMPACT
Michelangelo set standards for sculpting, painting, poetry, and architecture. When sculpting, he always carved from front to back as shown on the unfinished piece, St. Matthew. His paintings were all equally proportioned, with very good perspective. All of his pictures had a 3-D effect to make his figures stand out from the background.
Michelangelo was also a poet and architect, but painting and sculpting were his specialties.

more facts about italy soon

Facts about Italy: Capri Island

2008-02-17T02:02:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents amazing Capri Island
There are plenty of well-known tourist destinations that don't live up to their billing, but Italy's Isle of Capri isn't one of them.
This beautiful island in the Bay of Naples, immortalized by Frank Sinatra's classic song, is every bit as mesmerizing and memorable as you would expect. Frank did get something wrong, though: the correct pronunciation is CAP-ri, not Ca-PRI.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: ITALIAN MEN ARE THE MOST ROMANTIC

2008-02-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Here is another part of facts about Italy.
It is no secret that Italian men are very romantic here are few facts:
16% of Italian men agreed that honesty is the best policy.
84% of Italian men agreed that lies are sometimes okay.
73% of Italians have planned to bump into someone on purpose in the hope that it would lead to a date.
77% of Italian's regard their anniversary with their partner as the most important day of the year.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Cost of Living in Italy

2008-02-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

This part of Facts about Italy speaks about costs of living in Italy
As fears of a recession circle the globe, DW-WORLD.DE asked people from seven European countries about their impressions of the cost of living. Here's the story from Italy:
Stefania lives in an apartment she owns about 10 minutes by subway from the center of Rome. She works two jobs: in the human resources department of an educational institute and as a private business consultant. Monthly income: 1,300 euros ($1,918.50)
Rent: 400 euros ($590) per month in maintenance fees
Monthly utilities: 130 euros ($192)
Bus / metro ticket: 1.00 euro ($1.47)
One liter milk: 1.50 euros ($2.21)

Loaf of bread: 3.00 euros ($4.43)
Domestic stamp: 0.70 euros ($1.03)
Movie ticket: 7.50 euros ($11)

Have you noticed that things have become more expensive recently?
The prices have doubled since the introduction of the euro [at the beginning of 1999 -- Eds.]. More recently some products' prices have increased, such as bread or some fruits and vegetables. However, the big price increases happened with the introduction with the euro. When it comes to petrol the price is increasing constantly -- almost every 15 days it rises, in a month it rises a few cents.

To what extent does inflation affect you?
When it comes to food items it affects me. I try to look for things on sale or to compare the prices at different supermarkets when I can. The salaries are quite low, and the increases in monthly salaries haven't caught up with the increases in prices. It does have an effect because the salary is always the same but the consumers' purchasing power is less.

How easy is it for you to get by?
fortunately, I'm by myself so I manage to get by, but I couldn't have a family. I'm by myself so I have lower expenses, which means I can take a vocational course or go to the gym, but perhaps not as often as I'd like to. I manage to have a social life -- I can't work all the time! I manage to go to the gym, to take a dance class or take a short trip during the year.

Would an increase in your wages be necessary to make it easier for you to meet you basic needs? Yes it would be. The salaries need to be increased by quite a lot here.

What's your opinion on the European economy?
There are countries that are further ahead than us and are growing more. Italy, for example, had its economic boom a decade or so ago, now other countries are having their booms.
Europe is made up of many different countries with large differences between them so it's a complex economy. The Italian economy has slowed down dramatically and is halted as a result of our government. There are no courageous steps or encouragement from the politicians. So the economy is slowing.

Nb. Currency conversion based on one euro = $1.47840 US

DW-WORLD.DE

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Facts about Italy: Italy - 5th Most Visited Destination

2008-02-06T03:41:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy: Italy - 5th Most Visited Destination
According to the the World Tourism Organization, Italy still keeps its 5th position as one of the most visited destinations in the world. Last year, tourist arrivals reached the record of 898 million travelers (+6,2%). Italy also recorded an increase of 6,6% from January through October 2007. France, Spain, USA and China are the leading countries.

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Facts about Italy: Venetian Masks

2008-02-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

This part of Facts about italy presents world famous Venetian Masks
See how Venetian masks are formed and learn what they were used for in historic times.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Vespa scooter

2008-01-28T01:04:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy present the most popular motorcycle in the while world Vespa!
There is only one Vespa and it remains the iconic scooter brand with its unique metal-bodied design. Over 60 years as a lead player,the history of the Vespa is a unique example of immortal
industrial design, so much that it has gone beyond a mere transport product to a part of social history.

The Vespa is a symbol of Italian creativity that is known worldwide!

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Il Palio di Siena - Unique experience

2008-01-22T04:40:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents Il Palio di Siena - Unique experience
Imagine this. A jostling, impatient crowd of 33,000 people closeted in a square. An absolute cacophony of bells, bugles, trumpets and drums. Fluttering flags, spectacular banners and myriad colors all around. Charged excitement in the air. A boom echoes around the arena and suddenly a group of horses appear goaded by their jockeys. The crowd goes crazy, voices at their peak. The horses race around the arena, the jockeys intent both on racing as well as displaying open hostility to fellow jockeys. For two minutes, the entire world is filled with thundering hooves and the din of the crowd.

Twice each summer ten horses are selected to represent ten of the seventeen contrades (or “city wards”) of Siena, in a horse race celebrating a famous apparition of the Virgin Mary. The Palio di Siena always sees the piazza packed with spectators, but it’s not due to the particularly complicated tradition and history of the event; in spite of the detail in its preparation, the Palio is really all about the spectacle – it’s a colourful cultural celebration, a high energy, patriotic sporting event. The pageant that precedes the race builds excitement amongst the crowd as flag-wavers in medieval costumes parade through the streets and mounted, sword-bearing carabaneiri charge around the track. The race has a history of being taken very seriously, and in the bleachers of the Piazza del Campo, it’s difficult not to be consumed by the infectious enthusiasm.
Check the video!

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Facts about Italy: Italy essential facts

2008-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Essential Facts about Italy
If you’re planning your next visit to Italy, then make sure you know some essential facts about traveling to this extra popular tourist destination in Europe, as it will help you plan and arrange your visit in the right way.
Here are some important Italy-Travel-Facts that you may want to know:

Italy Travel Facts

1. Accommodations
Italy offers a wide range of accommodations for all sorts of tourists. A lot of hotels can be found near train and bus stations and are usually low budget-types although some few are seedy. Inspecting a hotel before committing to it is often advisable. Italy hotels are generally rated by government system that does not take into account the appeal of the place. If you are staying longer, renting a house or apartment for a week is a good idea.
2. Italian Festivals
The best way to see more than what just an average tourist may see is finding sagras and Italian festivals. Sagras are blessing of such things as porcini mushrooms. One is likely to find great food served outdoors at communal tables and are a great way to meet Italians, all you need to do is dive in.

3. Language
Italy’s spoken language is Italian although you may hear some local dialects. In heavily tourist areas though, English is widely spoken. If there’s one Italian word you should remember, it is sciopero, pronounced as sho-per-o meaning strike. Strikes often happen in Italy that usually lasts for about a day or less, and seldom cause too many problems for tourists who are flexible. Labor issues are often displayed to public consciousness by short strikes so if you see papers on walls or windows of trains or bus stations, look for this word and you’ll know what’s up.

4. Italy Transportation
Italy public transport is served by extensive rail system and sometimes buses duplicate the rail routes. A lot of small cities in Italy have access to the larger cities nearby through twice-a-day bus conections. Bus stations are often very close to train stations. Since trains and busses are subsidized in Italy, they are slightly cheaper than most of the rest of Europe. Just take note that there are fewer trains on non-working days (weekends and holidays).
5. Maps of Italy
Providing yourself maps of Italy can be very helpfull, to plan your trip. There are a variety of maps of Italy that can be found online including rail map and region map.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Tuscany

2007-11-29T02:36:00.000-08:00

Facts about Italy presents Tuscany
Tuscany is perhaps one of the most desired locations for holidays around the world. Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons: to enjoy the Tuscan landscape, to search for the magical art of Tuscany; others come to explore the extraordinary countryside.
Tuscany is home to Florence - considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It's also where you'll find the curious shaped leaning tower of Pisa. Then there's Siena with its timeless borgo, Arezzo, San Sepolcro, Piero Della Francesca's home town and the Chianti wine region.

Tuscany

Florence

Pisa tower

Siena

Well Tuscany is absolutely a must if you decide to visit Italy!

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: When to visit Italy?

2007-11-29T02:16:00.000-08:00

This part of facts about Italy will talk about when is the best time to visit Italy.
If you have decided to have the best holiday of your life, then every time is the best time to visit Italy! But the best time to visit Italy would probably be late summer, autumn and winter when you'll will find absence of crowds and insipid noise, while the much needed peace and quiet will make your holiday perfect. January and February are too cold while July and August are too hot. Therefore, the months of September, October, April and May are the best times to visit Italy, as this is when the weather puts on her best behavior.

Northern Italy from space

If you are one of those lucky ones who don't have to worry about prices, then, you can visit Italy during Christmas and Easter, or in the July and August months when the prices go up to the sky!. Otherwise, you can plan your trip anywhere from November till March, when the prices are reasonable but some attractions may be closed.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Change of habits? Probably not!

2007-10-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Change of habits? Probably not!
"Pasta loving Italians" are eating less spaghetti, bread and beef and drink fewer glasses of wine after the food prices have risen in to the sky this year, two surveys showed.Three out of four Italians have changed their drinking and eating habits, according to this recent survey."The survey was based on polling 1,000 Italian residents.Pasta and bread consumption dropped of for more than 7.4% and beef consumption fell for 4% in the first eight months of this year. Wine consumption dropped for 7.9% .Economists say that recent food price rises have been fuelled by a surge in cereals prices due to tight supplies.

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Facts about Italy: Italians are visiting Bulgaria for dental tourism

2007-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

This time funny story in facts about Italy:
Two Bulgarian stomatologists said that their main clients are Italians. The so called ‘tourists' rent a hotel room for a few of days, go to a dentist, have their teeth done and leave after that. The dental services come out more than five time cheaper than in their homeland. In return Italians receive high quality treatment. According to off-the-record information's in Bulgaria you can get the most modern materials and the best work in whole Europe.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Mafia is big business

2007-10-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents th most notorious criminal organization in the world, Mafia
Revenue from organized crime, amounts to an amazing $127 billion annually in Italy, making it the largest segment of the Italian economy,the latest report which was published yesterday said. The figure, which represents approximately 7% of the country's GDP, is made from illegal activities such as extortion, loansharking, drug trafficking, and prostitution. In recent years, business lobbies have launched campaigns to increase awareness of the extent of organized crime in Italy, which they say limits investment in the country, but they were not very successful. Organized crime is particularly developed in Sicily, Naples and the southern regions of Calabria and Puglia.

Tano Grasso, head of Italy's antirackets commission, said on the national TV, that for every 100 foreign investors who will come to Italy, only one will establish business in the southern Italy. One of the biggest problems is so called "pizzo," as extorted "protection" money is known. Many businessmen in southern Italy have long considered it as "a must" expense. A business lobby of industrialists in Sicily recently said, that it will expel any member who will pay the "pizzo."But this proposal has been met with the violent resistance. Some merchants, factory owners and industrialists who have denounced extortion attempts by mobsters, have seen their businesses torched or company vehicles damaged. A small number of businessmen have also been killed for refusing to pay protection money.

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Italian men

2007-10-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Italian men
From the days of Casanova, Italian men have had a reputation for charming women and things are the same in 21st century, they are definitely God's gift to women! Most of the Italians are dark, strong, charming, sensitive, playful, emotional, smart, sexy and sometimes silly. They are probably the best flirters in the whole world and very trendy in fashion.

"Italian's have strong family values, which typically shine through in how they treat people, whether it's their family, friends, or even strangers. That's why you simply have to love them.

More Facts about Italy soon!

Facts about Italy: Rome

2007-10-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents the eternal city of Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, also known as Caput mundi (capital of the world), is the capital of Italy and also Italy's largest and most crowded city, with approximately 2.7 million inhabitants. Its metropolitan area is Italy's second largest, just after fashion capital Milan. Rome is located in the central - western portion of the Italian peninsula, where the river Aniene joins the river Tiber. Rome is also identified with the Catholic religion and the holder of its Episcopal seat is the Pope. So in the heart of Rome, we can find the State of the Vatican City, the sovereign territory within Italy and smallest nation in the whole world. Rome is blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate, so the best times to visit "Eternal city" would be in spring and autumn, the summer months however can be extremely hot.
A must see attractions in Rome:

St. Peters and the Vatican Museums

Colosseum

Roman Forum

Fontana di trevi

Pantheon

Spanish Steps

Roma-Lazio, football derby

More facts about Italy soon.......

Facts about Italy: Italian phrases

2007-10-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy part 12:
Italian is the language of some 70 Million people throughout the world today. It not only has its roots in Italy, but also in Switzerland and naturally in the USA.
Learn some useful Italian phrases:

si - yes no - no
per favore - please (when asking for something)
per piacere - please (when asking for something)
prego - please (when asking someone to do something or giving them something)
grazie - thanks
buongiorno - good morning, good afternoon (until 3pm)
buonasera - good afternoon (from 3pm), good evening
buonanotte - good night
benvenuti - welcome
ciao - goodbye
arrivederci - goodbye
ci vediamo! - see you
buona giornata! - have a nice day!
buona serata! - have a nice evening!
scusi - excuse me; sorry
parli inglese? - do you speak English?
non parlo italiano - I don't speak Italian
non ho capito - I don't understand
mi scusi, dov'è il bagno? - excuse me, where is the toilet?
destra - right
sinistra - left

More facts about Italy tomorrow........Bye

Facts about Italy: Sophia Loren

2007-10-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren, who was born on September 20, 1934 in Rome is considered to be the most famous Italian actress of all times.
She's an Academy Award winning actress (Two Women, 1961) and in 1991 she also received an honorary Academy Award for her contribution to world cinema.

One of her most famous quotes was definitely: “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.”

In "facts about Italy" part 12, you'll speak some Italian language, so don't miss next part of Facts about Italy!

Facts about Italy: Vesuvius Volcano

2007-10-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here is another part of facts about Italy
Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Located in southern Italy, near Naples it presents a constant threat to more then 1 million people.Vesuvius has an eruption cycle of about 20 years, but since the last eruption was in 1944, lot's of people live in fear.

In 79 AD an eruption devastated ancient city of Pompeii and its remains are still one of the most popular tourist attraction in southern Italy.

In next part of "facts about Italy" I'll present you the biggest Italian moviestar of all times.You know who she is? Facts about Italy will be back soon!

Facts about Italy: Ferrari

2007-10-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents, the pride of Italia, Ferrari
Ferrari, one word is enough! Definitely the most recognized brand in world of cars and motosport. And it belongs to Italy.
Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari in Maranello, Modena, Italy.
From it's beginnings Ferrari always concentrated on racing cars and the legend is still alive. Today Ferrari represents prestige and status symbol and only the richest can afford a piece of "mean red machine"!

Why is Ferrari red?
We have to go back to history to find the reason why. At the beginning of motosport competitions, every country competedagainst all the others and every country had it's own color.Green colour belonged to England, Blue to France and Italy got red.

More facts about Italy tomorrow!

Facts about Italy: AZZURI

2007-10-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

In this part of facts about Italy we're gonna talk about soccer.

The Italian national football team represents Italy in international football (soccer) competitions. Italians are very proud of their team, specially after they won World cup 2006 witch was held in Germany.

Italy is one of the biggest football powers in the world. They won 4 World cups, 1 European cup and one Olympic gold. The traditional colour of Italian national team is "light blue", that's way they are better known as "AZZURRI". Nowadays the most popular Italian football players are: Francesco Totti (AS Roma) and Fabio Cannvaro (Real Madrid).

Part 9 of "facts about Italy" will talk about "squderia Maranello".

Pizza

2007-10-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy wouldn't be real, if facts about Italy wouldn't present, the world's most famous
dish, Italian pizza.
Only few countries in the world can say their national dish has become world famous. One of those is definitely Italian pizza. Pizza is well known around the globe and Italians are very proud of it. Today pizza is consumed all over the world.

Do you know what AZZURRI means? You'll find out tomorrow in part 8 "facts about Italy".

Facts about Italy rules!

Facts about Italy: Italian Pasta

2007-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today you'll get more facts about Italy. Today facts about Italy presents Italian pasta

Every region in Italy has it's own story, better said a myth about pasta.

Inhabitants of Liguria presume that Genovese traders acquired the recipe from nomadic tribes.
In Venice, they believe that Marco Polo brought the first pasta from China.
Romans claim that ancient emperors and senators ate pasta already in years Before Christ.
Sicilians tell the story, that old Greeks and Arabs brought the pasta to Italy.

But one thing is certain, today we know more than 300 types of pasta and pasta is the most popular food in Italy!

More facts about Italy to follow!

Facts about Italy: Venice

2007-09-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy presents Venice!
Venice really doesn't need introduction. The Serenissima has been a "must see" destination for centuries. Just the name Venezia is enough to imagine, gondoliers in striped jerseys, the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs, golden barges, masked balls and crumbling palaces facing streets made of water.
Venice has plenty events to offer.The most significant are definitely The Venice Carnival, which is a wild, colorful and enjoyable festival of masks. Another important event is The Venice Biennale (the first one took place in 1895) and there is also one of the most important film festivals in Europe called Venice Film Festival which attracts the celebrities from all over the world.

In next part of "facts about Italy" we'll talk about Italian pasta

Facts about Italy: Italian fashion

2007-09-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

This time facts about Italy presents world-wide known Italian fashion
More then a half of the century the Italian fashion is the synonym for the superior design and legance. The glorious actresses such as Claudia Cardinale, Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Elisabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and unforgettable first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis carried out the glory of Italian tailors to the worldwide......

Facts about Italy: Italian fashion

......Phenomenon called "Italian fashion" is nowadays bigger than ever and Milan is together with Paris, the city which first comes on the mind when mentioning fashion.

Tomorrow in "facts about Italy" we'll talk about the most famous city in Italy.....

More Facts about Italy soon.

Facts about Italy: Skiing in Italy

2007-09-30T02:53:00.000-07:00

Facts about Italy are back with another story.
Easy access, gorgeous landscapes, amazing pitches and on average 8 from 10 sunny days! All these are the reasons to taste what Italian snow offers.and the offer is huge and you'll definitely won't be disappointed. Skiresorts in Italy are located in the North of Italy, relatively close to borders with the France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

More facts about Italy to very soon.

Facts about Italy: Italy - wine country

2007-09-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

Here is more facts about Italy. Italy is the wine country.

Facts about Italy: Italy - wine country....
......It's almost impossible to find a village without vineyards in this beautiful country. Italy is number one in the world in a yearly production of wine.
It consists of twenty wine regions with more than 900.000 reported vineyards. There are more than thousand documented sorts of grapes and the number of various sorts of wine is so huge that it remains a mystery.
Visit me again tomorrow, when there will be even more "facts about Italy"

Facts about Italy

2007-09-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

At this website you'll get various facts about Italy. It will be very interesting I guarantee!

Official name: Italian republic
Geographical location:Europe 8º O - 19º O/36º N - 47º N
Historical Year of the foundation:-753
Politically independent from 1861
Inhabitants: 58.133.509 inhabitants (2006)
Capital city: Rome 12º 29' O 41º 53' N
Population: 2,800,000 inhabitants
Largest city: Rome (2.800.000 inhabitants)
Official languages: Italian, German (regional), French (regional), Slovenian (regional)
Code: IT, ITA, http://www.*.it/

Hymn:
Fratelli d'Italia,l'Italia s'è desta,dell'elmo di Scipios'è cinta la testa.Dov'è la vittoria?Le porga la chioma,che schiava di RomaIddio la creò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò!Noi fummo da secolicalpesti, derisi,perché non siam popoli,perché siam divisi.Raccolgaci un'unicabandiera, una speme:di fonderci insiemegià l'ora suonò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò!Uniamoci, uniamoci,l'unione e l'amorerivelano ai popolile vie del Signore.Giuriamo far liberoil suolo natio:uniti, per Dio,chi vincer ci può?Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò!Dall'Alpi a SiciliaDovunque è Legnano,Ogn'uom di FerruccioHa il core, ha la mano,I bimbi d'ItaliaSi chiaman Balilla,Il suon d'ogni squillaI Vespri suonò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò!Son giunchi che pieganoLe spade vendute:Già l'Aquila d'AustriaLe penne ha perdute.Il sangue d'Italia,Il sangue Polacco,Bevé, col cosacco,Ma il cor le bruciò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò.Stringiamoci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l'Italia chiamò!

English translation:
Italian Brothers,Italy has awakened,She has wreathed her headWith the helmet of Scipio.Where is Victory?She bows her head to you,You, whom God createdAs the slave of Rome.Let us band together,We are ready to die,We are ready to die,Italy has called us.

Facts about Italy regarding population structure and economy

Population structure:

Inhabitants: 58.133.509 (2006)

0-14 years: 13,8%
male: 4.147.149
female: 3.899.980

15-64 years: 66,5%
male: 19.530.512
female:19.105.841

over 65 years: 19,7%
male: 4.771.858
female: 6.678.169

Average age: 42.2 years
male:40.7 years
female: 43.7 years
Population growth: 0,04% (2006)
Birth rate: 8.72 born/1.000 inhabitants (2006)
Mortality rate: 10,4/1,000 inhabitants (2006)

Children for each woman: 1,28
Child number of deaths: 5.83/1.000 births
Boys: 6.42/1.000 births
Girls: 5.19/1.000 births (2006)
Average life expectancy: 79.81 years
Men: 76.88 years
Women: 82.94 years

Education degree (2003): 15 yearsold and older can read and writein per cent:
98,6% of Men
99% of Women

Religion: Christian 83.0 %, denomination 16.0 %, other one 1.0 %

Ethnical groups:Italian 94.0 %, other 6.0 %

Climate conditions:
Italy's climate is predominantly Mediterranean, meaning sunny and coastal. In the far north, the climate is Alpine, colder with lots of snow. In the south of Italy, it's hot and dry.

Economy:

GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: $ 1.698 trillion (2005)
GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT - real growth rate: 1,3%
GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT per head: $ 27.700
GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT after industries: Agriculture: 2,3%;
Industry: 28,8%;Service: 68,9%

Occupation: 24,27 million
After occupation: Agriculture 5%;Industry 32%;Service 63%
Yearly income perInhabitant: 20,220 $ (US)
Unemployment ratio: 7,9,%
Population below poverty border: n/a

Inflation rate: 2,3%

Incomes: $ 768.9 billion
Expenditures: $ 820.1 billion
Agricultural products: Fruits, vegetable, potatoes, sugar beets, soy beans, grain, olives, beef, fish
cultivation of the country: 27,79%
Covered with water: 26.980 sq/km
National treasures:Coal, mercury, zinc, marble, asbestos, pumice stone, fluorospar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and reserves to crude oil products, fish

Electricity Production: 270,1 billion a KW/H
Consumption: 302,2 billion a KW/H
Exports: 500 million a KW/H
Imported: 51,5 billion a KW/H

Oil Production:136.200 bbl/day
Consumption: 1,874 million bbl/day
Export: 456.600 bbl/day
Import:2,158 million bbl/day
Reserves: 586,6 million bbl

Natural gas productuction : 15,49 billion cu m
Consumption: 71,18 billion cu m
Export: 61 million cu m
Import: 54,78 billion cu m
Reserves: 209,7 billion cu m

Industries:
Tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothes, footwear, ceramic(s)
Industrial production growth rate: -1,5%
Export: $ 371.9 billion f.o.b (freely on board)
Import: $ 369.2 billion f.o.b. (freely on board)
Import partners: Germany 18%, France 10.9%, the Netherlands 5.9%, Spain 4.6%, Belgium 4.4%, United Kingdom 4.3%, China 4,2%
Current account condition: $ -27.62 billion
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $ 60 billion
Debts: $ 1.682 trillion
Economic aid: - receivers

Goverment (2007):

President: Giorgio NAPOLITANO
Prime minister: Romano PRODI
Dep. Prime minister: Massimo D'ALEMA
Dep. Prime minister: Francesco RUTELLI

More facts about Italy to follow.

Privacy Policy

2007-03-03T23:45:00.001-08:00

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