Italy: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Italy

Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe that reaches into the Mediterranean Sea, plus the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It has the Alps in the north, rolling hills and active volcanoes. It is known for pizza, pasta, art and ancient Rome.

About Rome

Rome lies on the Tiber River in central Italy and was first built on seven hills. Called the Eternal City, it is famous for the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and ancient Roman ruins.

Fun facts about Italy

1. Two tiny countries, San Marino and Vatican City, are completely surrounded by Italy.
2. Leonardo da Vinci, who painted the Mona Lisa, was born near the town of Vinci in 1452.
3. Mount Etna in Sicily is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is in an almost constant state of activity.
4. Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon, linked by canals and hundreds of bridges.
5. The art of making Neapolitan pizza in Naples is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
6. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a bell tower, tilts because the soft ground under it sank during construction.