Italy is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world travel to Italy to immerse themselves in its culture and traditions. In this article, we share all the things you need to know about travelling to Italy and the lifestyle of its people so you can plan an unforgettable holiday!
Interesting Facts About Italy
Italy is the fifth-most visited country in the world, welcoming 46 million tourists annually.
The world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, was founded in Italy in 1088.
Italy has the eighth-largest economy in the world.
There are over 140 different types of pasta in Italy, with some being found in specific regions only.
Italy has more art masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
The most frequently visited city in Italy is Rome, it is also the 16th-most visited city in the world.
The Main Aspects of Italian Culture
Food
Italian cuisine is saturated with varieties of cheese, pasta and wine. For Italians, food is not just about nourishment; it is an artform and eating it is about family. Different areas in Italy specialise in different foods. For example, famous Italian foods like pizza and spaghetti are popular mainly in central Italy. In Northern Italy, potatoes, rice, fish, pork and cheese are more popular, whereas in Southern Italy, tomatoes dominate most dishes along with olives, garlic, capers, peppers and artichokes. Wine is also a big part of Italian cuisine, with some of the most famous vineyards in the world calling Italy home.
Architecture
People travel from all over the world to see historical structures like the Colosseum, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and various basilicas, which are open-space public court buildings. There are also a number of opulent castles to see, including Valle d’Aosta Fort Bard, the Verrès Castle and the Ussel Castle.
Art
Italian locations like Florence, Venice and Rome are world-famous for the art in their galleries and museums. More historic art can be seen in churches and public buildings as well. One of the most highly-regarded frescoes is at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.
Opera
Most people agree that opera has its roots in Italy. Famous operas such as “Aida,” “La Traviata,” and “Pagliacci” were originally written and performed in Italian, and they are still performed this way today. Famous opera singers including the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli are prime examples of Italy’s operatic excellence.
Fashion
If you enjoy shopping for famous fashion brands in the UAE, you will be delighted by Italy’s world-famous fashion houses. Big names such as Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Fendi, Ferragamo, Prada and Versace all originated in Italy!
Family
Italians focus a lot more on their extended family members than just the “nuclear family.” They have family gatherings often where they prepare and share food. Young adults remain connected to their families much longer and are not quick to move out of their parents’ houses. This tradition makes Italy a great destination for a family holiday.
Places to Go to Experience Real Italian Culture
The Colosseum: you’ve probably been wanting to see this since you saw The Gladiator. This now-quiet stadium dates back to 70-80 AD and held more than 5,000 cheering Romans in the many gladiator tournaments that it once hosted.
Pompeii: curious about what Italian life looked like 2,000 years ago? Visit this iconic city that was preserved in ash in 79 AD by the volcanic eruption of the nearby Mount Vesuvius. You can walk the streets of this city and look at the frescoes and bodies preserved by the volcanic ash.
Tuscany: for wine lovers, a Tuscan sunset with a relaxing glass of wine is a must! If you’re not one for alcohol, you can still enjoy the Tuscan countryside in a food tasting or cooking class.
Vatican City: seeing where the Pope lives is not the only reason to visit this location. You will also be able to visit the Sistine Chapel and other legendary frescoes and artefacts that line the Vatican’s ornate halls.
The Amalfi Coast: drive along the 50 km Amalfi coastline to see beautiful Italian towns like Positano, Amalfi Town, Ravello, and Sorrento all at once. The high sea cliffs and exotic beaches are some of the best places to be in all of Italy!
Currency and local language
The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in 2022 has been averaged at about EUR 1,600 per month, making Italy one of the cheapest countries in which to live in Western Europe[1]. The official language of the country is Italian, with 93% of the population speaking it as their native language. English is also prevalent in Italy; at least 30% of Italians claim to be fluent in English. This number is higher in bigger cities like Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice, so don’t hesitate to ask a friendly Italian for directions! You may also encounter Italian dialects like Sardinian, Friulian, Neapolitan, Calabrian, Venetian, Sicilian, and Ligurian, as well as Milanese in Milan.
Visa requirements in Italy
You don’t require a Schengen visa as a UAE citizen to travel to Italy if you intend to stay less than 90 days. However, residents in the UAE who have a valid residence visa need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai.
To apply for a Schengen visa as a UAE resident, you need to complete an Italian visa application form, provide a valid passport, a passport-size picture, your UAE residency card, proof of accommodation in Italy, proof that you have enough money to sustain yourself in Italy, proof of your civil status, and a Schengen travel visa insurance certificate.
About Allianz Travel
As a UAE resident and traveller, you can get a Schengen Travel Insurance package from Allianz Travel that will provide you with the mandatory insurance certificate needed for your Schengen visa application.
You can easily get coverage for up to USD 50,000 in emergency medical expenses for injury, sickness and other medical-related instances. Unlike other Schengen visa insurance providers, Allianz Travel includes up to USD 300 that covers you in the event of the loss or theft of your travel documents. An additional cover of USD 5,000 is included to help you in case of personal accidents.
Get in touch with us for any queries you may have so that we can help you travel to Italy with peace of mind.
References: https://housinganywhere.com/Italy/cost-of-living