Capitol: Rome
Language: Italian
Location: In southern Europe. Italy is bordered by France and Switzerland to the north. From the south there is the well-known “boot” of Italy and the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Climate: The climate of Italy can range in different temperatures. Towards the north, they can experience warm and sunny summers and then cooler winters. The areas inland often have snow during the cooler months. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate, being warm and sunny much of the time.
Italy is a country well known for delicious meals. Many think of pasta, seafood, espresso and rich, tempting desserts when they think of Italy.
One thing to remember about Italian cuisine it is simple, with typically between four to eight ingredients in a dish. High quality ingredients are critical to creating delicious food.
Here are some scrumptious favorites you’ll often enjoy that come from Italy:
Espresso – this is a dark roasted coffee bean that is far richer than coffee. It is served in a small cup. Today you’ll find many fancy coffee drinks that start by using espresso as an ingredient, including the popular latte.
Bruschetta – flavorful, grilled bread that is covered with tomatoes, olive oil and a little salt and pepper. It also has a garlic taste.
Prosciutto e melone – this is a delicious and indulgent appetizer, often served for special occasions. Prosciutto and melon. The rich, slightly salty prosciutto meat is wrapped around or put on the fresh, cool, light tasting melon.
Minestrone – a classic Italian soup featuring vegetables and pasta.
Pasta e fagioli – A classic Italian soup known as “pasta and beans.”
Pesto – this is a sauce, often used on pasta and meat. It is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts and cheese combined with olive oil. It is best made when the basil is picked fresh!
Pizza – this classic Italian favorite is enjoyed around the world now. There are many types of pizza, not simply the tomato sauce and cheese classic that you know. Consider the rich and indulgent Focaccia al rosmario, scrumptious pizza with prosciutto, rosemary and olive oil. Or Pizza alla napoletana, a pizza with anchovies, mozzarella and tomatoes.
Many types of pasta come from Italy. Here are just a delicious few:
Spaghetti. The kid and adult favorite of spaghetti & meatballs!
Lasagna – with layers of thick noodles, ricotta cheese and then meat sauce with a layer of cheese on top, this is the perfect meal for many.
Ravioli – you’ll find many varieties of Ravioli today. The most classic are beef or cheese. But the indulgent will want to try lobster Ravioli!
Gelato – this is a classic Italian favorite dessert. Known as ice cream in other parts of the world, Gelato is typically a bit richer than ice cream.
Granita – a sweet iced dessert that can be created in many flavors, most often in fruit flavors.
Panettone – this is a mild, sweet cake often enjoyed during Christmastime.
Tiramisu – A rich, indulgent Italian dessert with cream, lady’s fingers and flavored with espresso or chocolate.
Things That Make Italy Special
Venice in Italy is a city and is actually islands! People can ride on gondolas through the canals, something you simply cannot do most places. The Grand Canal is the most well known canal in Venice.
Vatican City is a holy and well-known place. This is where the Sistine Chapel paintings by Michelangelo and many other beautiful artworks can be found.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa started to sink a long time ago, which helped it to lean (gaining it its well-known nickname). It is in the city of Pisa.
The Amalfi Coast is simply stunning. If you are looking to visit the coast of Italy, this is a beautiful site to come to, featuring towns along the hills.
Famous & Notable People Born in Italy
photo (c) Dan Marsh
Amy Adams, Actress 1974 – present
Michelangelo, Painter 1475 – 1564
Raphael, Painter 1483 – 1520
photo (c) tonynetone
Galileo, Astronomer 1564 – 1642
Leonardo da Vinci, Artist/Inventor 1452 – 1519
Gianni Versace, Fashion Designer 1946 – 1997
Federico Fellini, Director 1920 – 1993
Christopher Columbus, Explorer 1451 – 1506
