Italian Culture

You can learn the Italian language through books and tapes, but it is so much more fun if you can immerse yourself in the culture as well. Learn how the language relates to the culture by visiting shops, restaurants, shows, and more. The best way to experience Italian culture is to, of course, visit the country, so start saving your money and making an itinerary!

Italian Cuisine

When most people think of Italian cuisine, heaping portions of spaghetti and meatballs immediately come to mind. In fact, Italian cuisine is almost completely regional. Tomato sauce isn't used throughout the coutnry, it is mostly used in the Southern regions. In the North butter and cream sauces are favored.

Notable Italian Families

Undoubtedly the most notable Italian family to date has been the d'Medici family. These sometimes brutal rulers helped Italy rise to its current prime state and have been a part of the political structure for hundreds and hundreds of years. Other notable families include the Guarneri violin makers and the Abetti astronomers.

Notable Italian Schools

One of the most modern and forward thinking colleges in Italy is the IUSS Institute for Advanced Study. Here emphasis is placed on core subjects and classes. Italy, too, is a center for the arts, so there are many great colleges and schools dedicated to all forms of art. One of these schools is Accademia Europea di Firenze. Here focus is placed on art, music, and culture.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is located south of Italy. While Sicily is part of the country of Italy, it is an autonomous region that operates pretty individually. Most people associate the mafia with Sicily, but the region has many other notable attributes. The mountainous landscape is offset by the ocean making the region a great place to take photographs or hiking tours.