Know before you go: planning a trip to Italy
Italy is a beautiful and fascinating country with a rich history and culture. From its stunning cities and beautiful countryside to its delicious cuisine and vibrant art scene, there is so much to see and do in Italy. Here are some interesting facts about this amazing country:
Italy is home to the oldest university in the world: The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country, with a total of 55 sites. These include cultural sites such as the Colosseum in Rome and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as natural sites such as the Aeolian Islands and the Dolomites.
Italy is home to the oldest pharmacy in the world: The Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, located in Florence, is the oldest pharmacy in the world. It was founded in 1221 and is still operating today.
Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance: The Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic achievement, began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe. Italy is home to many of the most famous Renaissance artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Italy is home to the oldest bank in the world: The Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472, is the oldest bank in the world. It is still in operation today.
Italy has the highest number of UNESCO-recognized vineyards: Italy has the highest number of UNESCO-recognized vineyards of any country, with a total of 20 vineyards. These include the Piedmont wine region, home to famous wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, and the Tuscany wine region, home to famous wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Italy is home to the oldest botanical garden in the world: The Orto Botanico di Pisa, founded in 1543, is the oldest botanical garden in the world. It is home to a wide variety of plants and is a popular tourist attraction.
Italy is the home of the first modern-day orchestra: The orchestra, as we know it today, originated in Italy in the 16th century. The first modern-day orchestra was the "Concerto delle donne," an all-female group of musicians in the court of Ferrara.
Italy is home to the oldest continuously operating theater in the world: The Teatro di San Carlo, located in Naples, is the oldest continuously operating theater in the world. It was founded in 1737 and is still in operation today.
Italy has the highest number of certified artisanal products: Italy has the highest number of certified artisanal products of any country, with a total of 1393 products. These include traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, and food products.
Italy is a country with a rich history and culture, and there is so much to see and do. Whether you're interested in art, music, food, or history, Italy has something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to this amazing country and discover all that it has to offer?