Italian Geography & Landmarks
This city is famously built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon, and uses canals instead of roads.
What is Venice (Venezia)?
In Italian, the word “ciao” can be used both for “hello” and for this.
What is “goodbye”?
This popular staple is often served al dente and can be shaped like spaghetti, penne, or farfalle.
What is pasta?
Italy’s capital city, home to ancient ruins and Vatican City.
What is Rome (Roma)?
On January 6th, Italians celebrate the visit of a friendly old witch who brings candy and gifts to children.
Who is La Befana?
Known for its leaning bell tower, this Tuscan city’s most famous landmark is often featured in photos of people “propping” it up.
What is Pisa?
This polite word meaning “please” in English is used in Italian when making a request.
What is “per favore”?
This round, flat dish topped with sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients was born in Naples.
What is pizza?
The year Italy was unified in the 19th century.
What is 1861?
This hand gesture, fingers and thumb all together, pointing upward, is stereotypically associated with Italy and can mean “What do you want?”
What is the “pinched fingers” gesture?
This active volcano near Naples famously destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii in 79 AD.
What is Mount Vesuvius (Vesuvio)?
This Italian phrase literally means “good day” and is a common daytime greeting.
What is “buongiorno”?
Traditionally made of espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam, this breakfast coffee drink is very popular in Italy.
What is a cappuccino?
This period of great cultural change and achievement in Europe began in Italy in the 14th century, famously in Florence.
What is the Renaissance (Rinascimento)?
This major Catholic event in spring includes processions and religious traditions, and ends with Easter Sunday.
What is Holy Week (Settimana Santa)?
This massive Roman amphitheater once hosted gladiator fights and could seat over 50,000 spectators.
What is the Colosseum (Il Colosseo)?
Italian has four main definite articles in the singular form. Name any two of them.
Any two of “il, lo, la, l’”.
This northern Italian rice dish is cooked slowly, often with broth, butter, and Parmesan, until it’s creamy.
What is risotto?
Known for his “Prince” this political philosopher was an Italian diplomat, historian, and writer of the Renaissance period.
Who is Niccolò Machiavelli?
Every August, Italians celebrate this holiday that originally marked the mid-summer harvest break and is now a national vacation period.
What is Ferragosto?
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its temples and its capital, Palermo.
What is Sicily (Sicilia)?
This grammatical mood in Italian is used for giving orders or instructions (e.g., “Parla!” for “Speak!”).
What is the imperative (l’imperativo)?
Named after the “hunter’s style” this dish (often made with chicken) is simmered in tomato sauce, onions, herbs, and sometimes wine.
What is chicken cacciatore (pollo alla cacciatora)?
The city-state of Venice was a major maritime power. Name the sea that Venice dominated for centuries, crucial for trade routes.
What is the Adriatic Sea?
During Carnevale in Venice, people wear these to conceal their identity and join parties.
What are masks (maschere)?