Culture of Italy

From antiquity until at least to all the sixteenth century, the Italian peninsula was the central place of Western culture,[1] fulcrum or origin of universal phenomena as the Roman Empire,[2] Roman Catholic Church,[3] Humanism and Renaissance. During these times, Italy produced some of the greatest painters, sculptors, poets, musicians, mathematical and architects in history. Both the internal and external facets of Western Civilization were born on the Italian peninsula, whether one looks at the history of the Christian faith, philosophy, art, science or social customs and culture.



Italy did not exist as a political state until its unification in 1861. Due to this comparatively late unification, and the historical autonomy of the regions that comprise the Italian peninsula, many traditions and customs that are now recognized as distinctly Italian can be identified by their regions of origin. Despite the political and social isolation of these regions, Italy's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe remain immense. Elements which are famous of the Italian culture are its opera and music,[  its iconic gastronomy and food, which are commonly regarded amongst the most popular in the world (with famous dishes such as pasta, pizza, lasagna,focaccia, espresso and Italian gelato), its cinema (with classic films such as8½, Bicycle Thieves, Cinema Paradiso, La Dolce Vita, Life is Beautiful, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly etc.), its collections of priceless works of art and its fashion (Milan is regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world)


Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (44) to date. From the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church, the spirit of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, are events which greatly shaped Italy'sarchitecture, culture and art. Italy also has the world's 8th highest quality of life index, second best healthcare system and 19th highest life expectancy.