Here is our interesting and fun facts quiz that will get you thinking. We enjoy the comments when we publish these quizzes and enjoy knowing how you scored. I think some of these are pretty difficult – but we shall see!
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Let’s start the fun facts quiz… Answer the fourteen questions below. Consider sharing and challenging your friends and family to beat your score!
Good luck! In bocca al lupo!
14 Random Interesting and Fun Facts about Italy Quiz
Question 1: While Milan’s Duomo is one of the largest in the world, the largest cathedral in Italy is the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Vatican City. Which “technically” is in the Vatican City State.
Question 2: In Italian culture, yellow flowers are associated with jealousy and envy.
Question 3: Valerio Evangelisti was an Italian writer of science fiction, fantasy, historical novels, and horror. He is known mainly for his series of novels featuring the inquisitor Nicolas Eymerich. Antonio Tabucchi writes short stories and playwrights. Elena Ferrante is the author of the hugely popular four-book series, the Neapolitan Novels.
Question 4: Octavian- also known as Augustus, was the first emperor of Rome. He was the adopted son of Julius Caesar and became the sole ruler of Rome after defeating Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium.
Question 5: The original statue of David is in the Galleria dell’Accademia, not the Uffizi Gallery.
Question 6: The Romans called the Colosseum the Flavian Amphitheatre. This name was given to the Colosseum because it was commissioned by the Flavian dynasty, specifically Emperor Vespasian, and completed by his sons Titus and Domitian. The term “amphitheater” refers to the shape of the building, which is a large oval or circular structure with tiers of seating surrounding a central arena.
Question 7: Roberto Vittori is a famous Italian astronaut. He has been a member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and has participated in several space missions, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Vittori has made significant contributions to space exploration and has garnered recognition for his achievements in the field.
Question 8: Hungary is the correct answer because it does not share a border with “The Boot,” which refers to Italy. Slovenia, Austria, and Switzerland all share a border with Italy, but Hungary is located further northeast and does not have a common border with Italy.
Question 9: The oboe is the instrument that the Italians did not invent. While Italy is known for its contributions to music, including the invention of the piano, violin, and cello, the oboe originated in France in the 17th century. It is a double-reed woodwind instrument that has been widely used in classical music.
Question 10: It is an amazing fact that, as long as the Grand Canal is in place, only the Rialto Bridge in the center of the market district links one side with the other. So, how do you get from one side to the other? Why, by boat, of course!
Question 11: There are no sewers in Venice – it’s true! All that terrible stuff is just dumped into the canal, and twice a day the tide washes it out to sea.
Question 12: Florence Nightingale was named after the city of her birth, Florence. She was a famous nurse and social reformer known as the founder of modern nursing. Her work during the Crimean War revolutionized healthcare, and she is remembered for her dedication to improving medical care and advocating for hospital sanitary conditions. Nightingale’s contributions to the nursing field have had a lasting impact, and she is considered a pioneer.
Question 13: In Ivrea, Italy, the citizens celebrate the beginning of Lent by throwing oranges at one another. This tradition is known as the “Battle of the Oranges” and reenacts a historical event. Participants divide into teams and throw oranges at each other, symbolizing the overthrow of an oppressive ruler. The event attracts thousands of people and is a unique and exciting way to mark the start of Lent.
Question 14: Henri De Tonti is the correct answer because he was an Italian explorer who explored the Mississippi Valley in America. He was a trusted companion of the French explorer Robert de La Salle and played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of the region during the late 17th century. Tonti established a trading post and fort at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, known as Fort St. Louis, which served as a base for further exploration and trade in the area.

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I demand a recount! 😂😂😂 The Vatican is a separate country and is not in Italy. Thus the Duomo in Milano is the largest Cathedral in the country of Italy! Love you guys! 😉