Italian Culture

Italians have been arriving on America's shores for several centuries. In fact, the very name "America" comes from Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer who suggested that a new continent lay...

Romans used many weapons to conquer much of Europe. One of the tools that they used was a chariot. Not only did they use the chariot in combat, but they also used it to race. Dozens of chariots...

Constructed more than two centuries ago by Nicola Salvi, the Trevi Fountain, in the heart of Rome's historic center, derives its name from its location at the intersection of three roads. Although...

Zuccotto is a popular Italian dessert that combines the elements of cake and ice cream, effectively creating a tasty cultural dish. Like many other sweets, zuccotto has captivated the hearts of...

Italian is a beautiful and elegant language that many find romantic and even musical. The key to speaking Italian like a native is knowing how to pronounce the vowels, consonants and combinations...

Although Rome was the largest empire of its time, its art was greatly influenced by the world around it. Ancient Greek and even distant "barbarian outlands" influenced some of the greatest Roman...

The Italians are known as stylish people who take tremendous pride in their appearance. Many of the world's best fashion designers come from Italy. In fact, according to the Life in Italy.com...

This is a Christmas Eve Traditional Italian Dinner dish. Santa would love it! Mussel or Clam Zuppa (Special rich soup) with Tomatoes, Zuppa di Cozze o Vongole al Pomodoro: Classic, simple...

The great Roman amphitheater the Coliseum--or "Colosseum"--is an iconic structure, known as much for its beauty as for its bloody history.

Whether you need a birth certificate for legal reasons (such as an application for for dual citizenship) or you are gathering documentation for a family tree project, you can obtain a birth...

Teaching children about Romulus and Remus requires a thorough understanding of the mythological tale. Children are very inquisitive and will have questions, and preparation is the key to answering...

Located in the Italian region of Tuscany, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or "Torre Pendente di Pisa," is one of Italy's most visited sites. A fine example of medieval architecture in its own right,...

Mount Vesuvius is probably one of the most mysterious and feared travel destinations in Italy. With a couple of exceptions, Vesuvius has erupted almost every century and sometimes twice. Although...

Venetian masks have been a tradition in Venice for centuries. They are worn primarily during the Carnival of Venice, which is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated on Shrove Tuesday. However, the masks...

Pellegrino is the Italian word for pilgrim, but it also the name of a popular bottled sparkling mineral water from Italy, as well as the name of an Italian priest who became the patron saint of...

Roman women's hairstyles offer insight into life in ancient Rome, its republic and later the empire. The styles reflect the social mores and manners of Romans as well as the growing opulence and...

Michelangelo's David may be the world's most recognizable statue. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the the Italian city of Florence to see one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian...

Before there was such a place as Italy, there were the roots of what we know as Italian Food. From its humble beginnings, the cuisine of Italy has spread throughout the world.

The Vespa scooter, made famous by the classic movie, "A Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, has been an enduring symbol of European mechanics and beauty. And the Italian scooter...

Italian can be a fun language to speak, and comes in handy when you're visiting Italy or even if you're just ordering dinner at a nice Italian restaurant. Whether you're planning a trip or just...

Learning a second language often comes with misconceptions like, "The only way to learn a language is to spend time in a country where that language is spoken," and "It's easier for children to...

Italian ice has a long and often-debated history. Many people enjoy this tasty treat during the summer, while others enjoy it year-round, stocking their freezers with their favorite flavors....

So we have all seen The Godfather and the Sopranos. Don't ya just love those familiar phrases these mobster say. Here are some ways you can use them!

Pavia is an Italian university city about 22 miles south of Milan. It was built by the Romans and was the capital of the Italian peninsula under the Lombards.

Rome, a powerful city with a turbulent past that once ruled the civilized world, has significantly influenced the course of Western history.

Admit it: the best way to pick out the perfect piece of Italian wall art is by finding an out-of-the-way gallery in Florence that features the work of an emerging talent and ship it home. If...

Education in Italy is run by the state, and free education is provided for all primary and secondary students (even the children of foreigners, as long as they are living in Italy). Private...

Roman gladiators were the movie stars of their day, and their props were a veritable cornucopia of death. Not only did gladiators fight with weapons that were traditionally Roman, but also with...

Food and family are inextricably entwined in Italian culture. In a proper Italian dinner, large groups gather around a long table, and the food and conversation just keep coming. A large Italian...

In Italy, prospective licensed drivers must be at least 18 years old and must go through a four-step process---receiving a learner's permit, driving in a practice car, passing a theory test and...

The Roman Aqueducts were one of the earliest engineering feats of the first millennium, built and used for a period of 500 years (from the first century A.D. to the Fall of the Roman Empire,...

Ireland currency varies depending on if you are in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has made modern changes while Northern Ireland has stayed traditional.

Lake Como is one of Italy's top destinations, frequented by celebrities and the wealthy as well as everyday tourists. Looking back through the centuries, the lake has long been a desirable retreat...

Learning a new language can be difficult, but learning Italian doesn't have to be. You can make learning your new language fun by listening to Italian radio programs online. This helps improve...

A unique tradition of wearing masks to conceal one's identity emerged in Venice, Italy during times of antiquity. Banned by the Catholic Church at one time, the masks had become part of a culture...

Italian is one of the most beautiful languages in the world, so it's understandable that their music is also beautiful. Languages are always learned fastest by hearing them spoken and using them...

From art to music to decadent desserts, a lesson in Italian culture and heritage can be fun and informative. Stop by the library and the grocery store on a summer day or a rainy weekend and...

Bologna has had a complex history, changing hands between many conquerors, yet remaining an important religious, intellectual and trade capital. Remnants of its history are preserved in many...

Visiting the ancient Trevi Fountain of Rome, Italy is one of the "must see" itineraries on any tourist's visit to the eternal city. Taking three centuries to complete the magnificent figures...

Drinking wine with meals is an ancient custom in Italy, as in much of the rest of Europe. This custom is passed down to the younger members of most Italian families. The familiar glass of wine at...

Italy has long been known as a net exporter of its citizens to other countries. So it came as some surprise when the 1981 census showed that 320,778 foreigners were living in Italy. Further, a...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an eight-floor bell tower that stands over 183 feet or nearly 56 meters tall in Pisa, Italy. The city of Pisa was a successful trading center, and the Tower of Pisa...

Ruling the world for centuries, the Roman Empire has left ageless structures as a legacy to its reign, and the Coliseum is among the world's most recognized treasures. Today, the structure still...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic monument, due entirely to its long-standing and unintended tilt. However, the tower and its white marble make for a lovely example of medieval Italian...

The term "Cosa Nostra" appeared in the 1962 Congressional testimony of Joseph Valachi (AKA Joe Cago, Charles Chanbano and Anthony Sorge) as a name used by American mafiosi for their otherwise...

Construction on Rome's famous Colosseum started around 71 A.D. and was finished within ten years. Throughout the Colosseum's long history, many changes have taken place. Slaves, emperors, popes...

As the saying goes, "all roads lead to Rome." The city's history has had its ups and downs, but Rome has never ceased to be important in some way. From a collection of huts on an Italian hillside,...

The hallmark of contemporary Italian ceramics is bright yet earthy colors and functional forms. The style is especially popular in kitchens, bringing both warmth and practicality to the spaces....

The national flag of Italy has gone through several changes over 250 years. The common thread during all those years has been its three colors--green, white and red--depicted as equal sized...

The Roman army's existence spanned more than 1,200 years. It began as a fierce, amateur militia from a small central Italian city, and rose to be the world's first professional and standardized...