CuriosITy
Discover some of the most curious stories of Made in Italy products.
From italian-made extraordinary creations, to the most important and revolutionary ideas of our compatriots.
#9 TRULLI OF APULIA
In the region of Apulia, Trulli stand as remarkable symbols of ancient architecture and cultural heritage. Nestled in the Valle d’Itria, these unique limestone structures have enticed travelers for centuries, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s history.
They are traditional dry-stone huts with cone-shaped roofs, constructed without mortar. The Trulli’s distinctive design not only holds aesthetic appeal but also serves practical purposes, providing natural insulation to keep interiors cool during summers and warm in winters.
One of the most famous Trulli villages is Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its charming streets are lined with whitewashed houses adorned with mystical symbols and ancient signs, offering a window into the architectural techniques handed down through generations.
Beyond Alberobello, other picturesque towns like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino showcase their clusters of Trulli, each with its own unique flair and historical significance.
Trulli hold cultural significance and offer a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the past, in the boot of Italy.
#8 LIMONCELLO
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur capturing the essence of the sunny Mediterranean. Made from the zest of lemons, it is a popular drink enjoyed both in Italy and around the world.
The preparation of Limoncello starts with a selection of the finest lemons, usually grown along the Amalfi Coast or in Sicily. The zest of these lemons is then steeped in pure alcohol, allowing the oils and flavors to blend. After a period of maceration, the mixture is combined with a simple syrup made from water and sugar. This step adds sweetness and balance to the liqueur. The Limoncello is then filtered and bottled, ready to be savored.
Limoncello is primarily produced in Southern Italy. Here the climate is ideal for growing the fragrant lemons required for its production. The Amalfi Coast, with its picturesque and terraced gardens, is renowned for producing a sublime Limoncello made with IGP, the Amalfi Lemon. Other regions, such as Sicily, also have their own variations and unique recipes.
When visiting Italy, sampling Limoncello is a must. Its vibrant yellow color and tangy flavor evoke the spirit of the country’s sunny landscapes. Whether sipped as a refreshing digestif or used as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts, Limoncello is a typical and impressive taste of Italy.
#7 PALIO DI SIENA
The Palio di Siena is a captivating and centuries-old horse race that takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, in the heart of the beautiful city of Siena, Tuscany. Steeped in tradition and passion, this historic event attracts visitors from all over the world.
The origins of the Palio date back to the Middle Ages, when the city was divided into “contrade” (districts). These districts would compete against each other in various challenges, including horse races.
The race itself is a thrilling spectacle. Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, is transformed into a track surrounded by temporary stands. Ten of the seventeen contrade participate in each race, represented by skilled jockeys who ride bareback around the treacherous course.
The race lasts just 90 seconds, but the intensity is unparalleled. Victory in the Palio is a matter of immense pride and honor for the winning contrada whose celebrations continue long into the night.
The Palio offers a glimpse into Siena’s vibrant history and unique culture. The Italian sense of community that surrounds the event makes it a truly unforgettable experience for all visitors.
#6 FAENZA CERAMICS
The city of Faenza, located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, has been one of Italy’s most important centers of ceramic heritage. The art of Faenza ceramics, also known as Faience, is a traditional art form originating from the city. For over five centuries, artisans have been using their expertise to create stunning ceramic pieces admired and coveted around the world.
Every piece of Faenza ceramics is entirely made by hand, which means that no two are exactly alike: their intricate designs and vibrant colors make them true works of art. The superior quality of the local clay used in the manufacturing process, when mixed with water and other natural materials, creates a beautiful and durable result that can be molded into a wide variety of shapes and designs.
From pottery moulding to dip glazing, decoration painting and glaze firing, the transformation of raw clay into Faenza ceramics is long and requires a specific savoir-faire. The craftsmen and women who create these pieces take great pride in their work and are committed to preserving the traditions of their craft.
The art of Faenza ceramics has become synonymous with “Made in Italy”, as a testament to the skill and dedication of the local artisans.
#5 GELATO
Gelato is a beloved dessert that has been a part of Italian culture for centuries. Made with high-quality ingredients, gelato is synonymous with the taste of Made in Italy. According to Coldiretti, the gelato industry employs over 75,000 people in ice-cream shops in the country, with a turnover of 2,7 billion euros in 2022.
The word “gelato” comes from the Italian word for “frozen”, reflecting its roots in Italian culinary tradition. But did you know that while it is a generic word for ice-cream in the Italian language, it has come to be used to refer to a specific style of ice cream derived from the Italian artisanal tradition in the English language? Italian gelato contains less fat and air than ice-cream, which makes it dense and rich in flavor.
Gelato-makers, known as “gelatieri”, are highly skilled craftsmen who use the finest ingredients. From fresh fruit to rich chocolate, gelato comes in a wide range of flavors, each one a testament to the artistry and creativity of the gelatieri.
In addition to its delicious taste, gelato reflects the country’s passion for excellence. When you taste a scoop of authentic Italian gelato, you’re not just experiencing a dessert: you are experiencing a piece of Italian culture and history. In 2022, the art of the
Italian Gelato Maker (“gelatiere artigianale di tradizione italiana”) kickstarted the candidacy process to be recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.
#4 WINE
Italian wine is widely celebrated for its quality and diversity, making Italy the world’s largest wine-producing country: Italy has a rich history of winemaking, dating back over 4,000 years.
Italian wine is as diverse as the country’s landscape, with each region boasting its own unique terroir and grape varieties. It ranges from crisp and refreshing whites to full-bodied reds and sweet dessert wines.
Italy’s wine production is highly regulated to ensure quality and authenticity: it is the case of the IGP Wines (Protected Geographical Indication) and DOP Wines (Protected Designation of Origin). The latter includes the famous DOC Wines (Controlled Designation of Origin) and DOCG Wines (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin).
Italian winemakers use traditional methods passed down through generations, combined with modern technology, to produce wines of exceptional quality that reflect their regional identity. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or drink a glass from time to time, Italian wine is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the taste of Italian excellence.
#3 DANTE ALIGHIERI
Dante Alighieri is widely considered one of the greatest poets in history and a towering figure in Italian literature. Born in Florence in 1265, Dante’s impact on Italy and the world is immeasurable.
Italian poetry would not be whole without his works. His masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” is a poetic epic that describes Dante’s journey through hell, purgatory, and paradise. This monumental work is a testament to the human experience. Soon called the ’Sommo Poeta’ (or ’Supreme Poet), Dante revolutionized Italian poetry and became an Italian symbol abroad.
Dante helped to establish the Tuscan dialect as the standard Italian language, which is still in use today. His writings and his vision of a unified Italy continue to inspire thinkers and scholars today.
#2 THE VIOLIN
The violin is one of the most iconic and beloved musical instruments in the world. It has a rich history that spans several centuries, and its development can be traced back to the early 16th century, right in Italy.
The earliest known violins, in fact, were made by Andrea Amati in the city of Cremona, in the Italian region of Lombardy, in the mid-16th century.
The first four-stringed violin by Amati was dated 1555 and the oldest surviving of his instruments is from around 1560, but between 1542 and 1546 he also made several three-stringed violins.
Since then, his descendants continued to refine and improve the design of the instrument.
As the so-called “Cremonese school of violin making”, which included famous makers such as Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri.
Violins are one of the most known, admired and precious instruments of the world and due its origins to our country. Italian violins are spread and coveted all over the world, as living works of art that embody centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion, and their impact on music and culture is immeasurable.
#1 THE MURANO GLASS
Murano glassworks is a world-renowned art form that has been produced on the small island of Murano, just off the coast of Venice.
Murano glass is known for its unique beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, and has become a symbol of luxury and style. Over the centuries, this art form has evolved into a highly skilled craft, with its own unique techniques and styles.
As a testament to the significance and value of this glass art, Murano has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Visitors to Murano can explore the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) in the Palazzo Giustinian, where they can learn about the history of glassmaking and view glass samples ranging from the ancient Egyptian era to the present day.
The art of Murano glass is Italy’s intangible cultural heritage and is appreciated and exported all over the world, showcasing the masterful artistry of its craftsmen and their dedication to the preservation of this unique and cherished art form.
