Learn more about Italy and its culture by viewing the below video links. Keep in mind that Italy is 2,000 years old, so many of the buildings are old and have eroded overtime. Did you know that Italy is 26 and a half times smaller than Australia? Well, it is. Italy is slightly bigger than Victoria in size. Italy is located in Europe and is made up of 20 regions which are similar to states. Each region has its own capital city. Italy’s population is approximately 60 million whilst Australia has a population of approximately 23 million. In Italy there are many famous landmarks. In most regions there is a famous landmark which reflects the region’s history. Have you ever visited some of these famous places in Italy? Tell us all about your experience by posting a comment below.
Explore the beautiful region of Venezia, Venice. Venice is surrounded by water canals- How do you think people get around? In Venice, you will find a gondola. Have you ever had a ride in a gondola?
Pompeii, Naples, Mt Vesuvius- The Lost City of Pompeii
Find out more about this interesting famous landmark, The Colosseum. The Colosseum is in Rome, Italy. Why was the Colosseum built during the Roman Empire period?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Tuscany, Pisa, Italy. Find out why such a bell tower leans and how long it took to build.
Find out more about the Colosseum- Il Colosseo
St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy. The St Peter’s Basilica is the centre of the Catholic Faith. This Church is 2,000 years old and has such a rich history. The St Peter’s Basilica is built on St Peter’s tomb, the tomb of one of Jesus’ disciples. The Peter’s Basilica has been designed to hold a large number of people- 60,000 people to be precise. Listen carefully to the above link and discover much more about such an amazing landmark.
Pope Francis celebrates his First Christmas Eve midnight mass inside the St Peter’s Basilica in 2013. Pope Francis carries the statue of Baby Jesus.
The Trevi Fountain is situated in the heart of Rome, Italy. Discover why so many tourists visit such a famous landmark each year. Did you know that the design of the Trevi Fountain ( La Fontana di Trevi) was inspired by the Greek Gods??
The Alfa Romeo is designed and manufactured in Milano, Italy. The Alfa Romeo manufacturing industry started in 1910 and is still going strong. Nowadays, we see many Alfa Romeo cars on our Victorian roads. Next time you see an Alfa Romeo you can reflect on where did such a prestige car come from?
The Ferrari is also another fast car which is designed and manufactured in Italy. Listen carefully to the above link to explore more facts about such a fast and very expensive car.
A Biography of Enzo Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari also engineered the Alfa Romeo P1 before designing the Ferrari.
Did you know that in Milano,Italy some of the fast and expensive cars are designed and manufactured such as the Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.
Many people forget that Italy also manufactures the small car, the Fiat. I hope to one day own a Fiat with Italian coloured strips- I guess it can be my retirement car. What do you think about the Fiat? Keep in mind that small cars are very popular in Italy due to the fact that the streets are very narrow and a car like the Fiat is very versatile and easy to park.
Each year, Carnevale is celebrated before the Lent season begins. Carnevale is a religious ceremony where people wear masks to hide their personal identity. The Italian saying for Carnevale is “Ogni Scherzo Vale” – Every Joke Counts. People play pranks and jokes on one another, it is an opportunity to be silly and crazy before the Lent season takes place. The Lent period is 40 days leading to Easter. Have a look at some of the spectacular masks and costumes worn by people.
Milano, Italy is the home of beautiful fashion, fashion which travels the world.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Naples, Italy
Sicily, The Aeolian Island, Lipari
Many people ask if I was born in Italy. My answer to this question is NO. I was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. My beautiful parents were born in Italy. My gorgeous mum, Adelina was born in Naples, Salerno in a village called Postilgione. She came to Australia when she was 23 years old. She is now 74 years old. I enjoy having an Italian conversation and a cappuccino with my mum.
My adorable dad, Antonio was born in Sicily on a small island called Lipari. He came to Australia when he was 10 years old. Schooling in Australia was quite hard for him as he did not know the English language very well. For many immigrants not knowing the English language was a big challenge. My dad is now 78 years old. He speaks English all the the time and rarely do I hear him speak Italian. My parents are both amazing human beings and I love them dearly. Explore the above links about Naples and Sicily.