13 Common Myths About Italy: They Aren’t True
There are all sorts of stereotypes, misconceptions, and myths about Italy and Italian people. How many are you guilty of believing? Find out here.
Passionate people. Lively hand-gestures. Sun-ripened tomatoes. Awful drivers. Italy’s such a famous destination that most people have an idea of it in their head before they go.
Unfortunately, our mental pictures of Bel Paese are often based on misplaced stereotypes instead of reality. While kernels of truth can exist in them, you visit in person and realize this beautiful European country is as diverse and surprising as any other.
Want to test your knowledge and see how accurate your understanding of it is? Read on as we bust 13 particularly common myths about Italy.
1. Meals Must Be Multiple Courses
Some people think dining out in Italy has to involve a five-course extravaganza that lasts all night. Although that’s exactly what can happen if you eat a traditional meal with an Italian family, a typical restaurant outing can be as long as you want!
The aperitivo, antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolce options on the menu aren’t obligatory. You can order as much or as little as you want without upsetting any waiters.
2. They Only Eat Pizza and Pasta
Most people’s idea of Italian cuisine involves pizza, pasta, and not much else. They picture their latest trip to Papa John’s or Pizza Hut and assume the menus will be similar.
In reality, the food is incredibly diverse, and the dishes vary a lot by region. Depending on where you are in Italy, you might be eating risotto, artichokes alla Roman, steak alla Fiorentina, tortellini, calzone, veal Marsala, and literally hundreds of other dishes.
3. All Pasta Is Made Equal
Everyone knows Italy is famous for pasta. What they fail to realize is just how many different pasta dishes exist there! Oh, and spaghetti Bolognese isn’t one of them (there’s Ragu alla Bolognese, but that’s the name for the sauce, which isn’t served with spaghetti).
Italian pasta is basically an art form. You find literally hundreds of different pasta shapes and types around the country, usually served with their own distinctive sauces.
4. Italian Food in America Is the Same in Italy
Don’t be surprised if the Italian meals you get served in Italy are completely different from what you’re expecting! For one thing, the portion sizes will be significantly smaller. For another, most traditional Italian meals have been adapted to meet modern American tastes.
It’s still delicious, but giant meatballs and pizzas laden with assorted toppings aren’t a thing. Authentic Italian cuisine relies on a few simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver a taste sensation.
5. Everyone Has Dark Hair
Not all Italians walk around with dark brown hair and glorious olive-colored skin. While common, you’ll meet people of all creeds and colors as you explore the country.
In the north and far south, Italians are renowned for having fair hair and light eyes. Visit towns around the Dolomites, and you’ll feel transported to another country! South Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919, so residents are often tall, pale-skinned, and blonde.
6. Italian Is the Only Language
Italian food isn’t the only thing that differs around the country. The language does, too. The modern Italian language has only been widespread since the mid-20th century, and it only became the country’s official language in 2007!
Before this, most people’s first language was the dialect of their specific region, many of which are still widely spoken today. Oh, and remember South Tyrol? Much of the population speaks German.
7. Italians Are Loud and Passionate
In pop culture, Italians are usually portrayed as loud and emotional people who talk with their hands using elaborate gestures. Although there’s some truth in this (particularly regarding their gesticulations), it’s been exaggerated for effect.
They’re open and more animated than locals from, say, England, but most Italians talk at a normal volume. Equally, any extra decibels you notice stem from their vocalic language, whereby they fully pronounce every vowel in each word.
8. All Italian Men Are Notorious Flirts
Another myth is that every Italian male you meet is a ladies’ man looking for love. This is another stereotype perpetuated by movies and TV shows. There’s no doubt they can be passionate and romantic people, and most Italians appreciate beauty.
The myth is that their attention is always overt, audacious, and vaguely predatory. Men like that exist in every country, including Italy, but it’s not the status quo.
9. It’s Always Sunny
Travelers adore Italy for its glorious weather. The summers are hot and sunny (sometimes overly so) – a perfect match for Bel Paese’s stunning beaches and outdoor opportunities. The myth is that it’s like this all the time, everywhere, which isn’t the case.
Because Italy has such a diverse topography, the weather varies considerably in some regions, especially during winter. For example, in the mountainous north, it might be close to freezing, while in Sicily, it’s still 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. That Italy Is Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pisa
One of the biggest myths is that you’ve “done Italy” after visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pisa. These world-famous locations boast jaw-dropping attractions and are 100% worth visiting, but there’s so much more to see in this incredible country!
Italy is a diverse and multi-faceted destination with new and fascinating things to see around every corner. The Dolomites, northern lakes, Cinque Terre, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and hilltop towns down south are just a few other bucket-list locations to explore.
11. You Can Get Cappuccinos Anytime, Anywhere
If you order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. in Italy, don’t be surprised if you get some dirty looks. This popular beverage originated here, and there are unwritten rules about when you should drink it.
It’s reserved for breakfast time. Why? In part, tradition – it’s become a social norm to have cappuccinos exclusively in the morning. However, others say it’s because of the high milk content, which can fill you up and disturb digestion.
12. Pickpockets Are a Constant Threat
You should 100% protect your pockets and be vigilant about valuables while visiting Italy – particularly in crowded places, like on the subway. The myth is that being pickpocketed is a) almost inevitable and b) much more prevalent here than in other European countries.
If you take sensible precautions (e.g., don’t leave your bag open), avoid showcasing valuables, and limit your time in crowds, you have to be unlucky to suffer this fate.
13. North Beats South
Except for the Amalfi Coast, most of Italy’s best-known attractions are in Rome and further up the country. Yet that doesn’t mean the south isn’t worth exploring! This part of Bel Paese is less touristy, quieter, more traditional, and full of incredible sights and attractions.
Highlights of southern Italy include Matera (one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited towns), Castelmezzano, Lecce, and Sicily, all of which are bucket-list destinations in their own right.
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