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Italy Quotes
Italy
by
Marilyn Tolhurst2 ratings, 2.50 average rating, 1 review
Italy Quotes
Showing 1-25 of 25
“After World War II, the Italians made tremendous efforts to rebuild their country’s industry and economy. During the 1950s and ‘60s, with the aid of the European Recovery Program, the country encouraged new industries and improved its agriculture.
Today, Italy’s industries are thriving, bringing work and wealth to the country. Nearly all families have homes, are well-fed, and own cars, televisions, and other consumer goods. Industrial success has brought problems, however. Building new factories, power stations, and roads has meant less land for housing, and millions of people live in crowded high-rise apartment houses. Industrial waste has caused pollution problems, especially in the rivers and along the coast.
On the positive side, the gap between the rich, industrial north and the poorer, agricultural south is narrowing. The Southern Italy Development Fund has helped to make farming more efficient and established new industries, such as making electronic goods, in the south. Tourism has increased greatly, and more care is now being taken to preserve the country’s wildlife, natural landscapes, historical buildings, and works of art.”
― Italy
Today, Italy’s industries are thriving, bringing work and wealth to the country. Nearly all families have homes, are well-fed, and own cars, televisions, and other consumer goods. Industrial success has brought problems, however. Building new factories, power stations, and roads has meant less land for housing, and millions of people live in crowded high-rise apartment houses. Industrial waste has caused pollution problems, especially in the rivers and along the coast.
On the positive side, the gap between the rich, industrial north and the poorer, agricultural south is narrowing. The Southern Italy Development Fund has helped to make farming more efficient and established new industries, such as making electronic goods, in the south. Tourism has increased greatly, and more care is now being taken to preserve the country’s wildlife, natural landscapes, historical buildings, and works of art.”
― Italy
“The vacation month
On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, known as Ferragosto, is a signal for working life to come to a standstill. Families head for the beaches or go walking in the hills. Vacation villas such as this one, in the Italian Alps, are popular with Italians and tourists alike, for skiing or sightseeing vacations.”
― Italy
On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, known as Ferragosto, is a signal for working life to come to a standstill. Families head for the beaches or go walking in the hills. Vacation villas such as this one, in the Italian Alps, are popular with Italians and tourists alike, for skiing or sightseeing vacations.”
― Italy
“Soccer is Italy’s favorite sport, and is played and watched all over the country. Each Sunday the great stadiums of Milan, Turin, Naples, Rome, and Bologna are filled with thousands of fans. Italian club soccer teams are among the best in the world, and regularly win international competitions. The national Italian team won soccer’s World Cup in 1982. Wages for successful players are high, and this helps to attract soccer stars from many other countries.
Cycling also is very popular, as a sport to both do and watch. The Grand Tour of Italy takes place each year, following a long, grueling course over mountainous country. Many Italians forsake their favorite cafes to watch this bicycle race on television. Other popular pastimes include bowls, a game played on a sanded rink, and card games, commonly seen in cafes and bars across the nation.
During August, many businesses close and workers go on vacation to the coast or mountains. The big cities are mostly deserted, except for tourists.”
― Italy
Cycling also is very popular, as a sport to both do and watch. The Grand Tour of Italy takes place each year, following a long, grueling course over mountainous country. Many Italians forsake their favorite cafes to watch this bicycle race on television. Other popular pastimes include bowls, a game played on a sanded rink, and card games, commonly seen in cafes and bars across the nation.
During August, many businesses close and workers go on vacation to the coast or mountains. The big cities are mostly deserted, except for tourists.”
― Italy
“Getting together
Social gatherings are popular with Italians, and it is common to invite relatives and friends for a meal, even if there is no special occasion. On the weekend, many people visit their relatives or go to a soccer match. Some families like to have Sunday lunch in a restaurant, such as these people in Tuscany.”
― Italy
Social gatherings are popular with Italians, and it is common to invite relatives and friends for a meal, even if there is no special occasion. On the weekend, many people visit their relatives or go to a soccer match. Some families like to have Sunday lunch in a restaurant, such as these people in Tuscany.”
― Italy
“Leisure time
Children in Italy enjoy similar pastimes to young people from elsewhere in Europe. There are many television channels to watch, and pop music and comic strips also are popular. Watching soccer is a national passion, for both men and women. Young boys, such as these from Turin, are often seen in the parks and alleys, practicing their skills.”
― Italy
Children in Italy enjoy similar pastimes to young people from elsewhere in Europe. There are many television channels to watch, and pop music and comic strips also are popular. Watching soccer is a national passion, for both men and women. Young boys, such as these from Turin, are often seen in the parks and alleys, practicing their skills.”
― Italy
“The family has always been a very important part of Italian life. In country areas, it is still common for grandparents, parents, and children to live in the same house. Even when young couples find a home of their own, they like to visit their parents regularly.
In recent years, the traditional closeness of the family has become less important for some Italians, especially in the big cities. Each year thousands of young people from the southern regions leave their families and move north, to find work in the industrial areas.
A typical Italian family in a town lives in an apartment, probably with a kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, and two or three bedrooms. Children come home from school around noon. Many workers also come home for a two-hour break, joining the family for a large midday meal, and perhaps taking a nap afterward, before returning to work. For children, the afternoon is usually occupied with homework, after which there is time for play or activities such as swimming or judo. The evening meal is usually small and taken while watching television, reading, or enjoying conversation.”
― Italy
In recent years, the traditional closeness of the family has become less important for some Italians, especially in the big cities. Each year thousands of young people from the southern regions leave their families and move north, to find work in the industrial areas.
A typical Italian family in a town lives in an apartment, probably with a kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, and two or three bedrooms. Children come home from school around noon. Many workers also come home for a two-hour break, joining the family for a large midday meal, and perhaps taking a nap afterward, before returning to work. For children, the afternoon is usually occupied with homework, after which there is time for play or activities such as swimming or judo. The evening meal is usually small and taken while watching television, reading, or enjoying conversation.”
― Italy
“The school system
Nursery School
3 to 6 years
Primary School
6 to 11 years
Middle School
11 to 14 years
Academic Studies
14 to 18 years
Technical Institute
14 to 18 years
Teacher-Training College
14 to 18 years
Arts Academy
14 to 18 years
University
18 years and over”
― Italy
Nursery School
3 to 6 years
Primary School
6 to 11 years
Middle School
11 to 14 years
Academic Studies
14 to 18 years
Technical Institute
14 to 18 years
Teacher-Training College
14 to 18 years
Arts Academy
14 to 18 years
University
18 years and over”
― Italy
“Education in Italy is paid for by the state. All children must attend school between the ages of six and 14. Most go to local state schools, although there are some private schools where parents pay for their children’s education.
Children leave primary school at the age of 11, taking an exam before entering middle school. At 14, it is possible to leave school altogether, but most pupils take another exam to qualify for further education. According to their skills and interests they might choose to continue with academic studies at a liceo (grammar school), or they may prefer technical studies, taking an arts course at an academy, or training to become a teacher. Pupils in further education can take an exam which, if they pass, entitles them to a place at a university. There are some government grants for university students, although most of them pay about 200,000 lire ($160) each year in fees.
In recent years, the Italian government has made a great effort to improve standards of education and to make sure that everyone learns to read and write. However, the northern, more industrial part of the country still has better equipped schools than the less populated south.”
― Italy
Children leave primary school at the age of 11, taking an exam before entering middle school. At 14, it is possible to leave school altogether, but most pupils take another exam to qualify for further education. According to their skills and interests they might choose to continue with academic studies at a liceo (grammar school), or they may prefer technical studies, taking an arts course at an academy, or training to become a teacher. Pupils in further education can take an exam which, if they pass, entitles them to a place at a university. There are some government grants for university students, although most of them pay about 200,000 lire ($160) each year in fees.
In recent years, the Italian government has made a great effort to improve standards of education and to make sure that everyone learns to read and write. However, the northern, more industrial part of the country still has better equipped schools than the less populated south.”
― Italy
“Europe’s earliest cookbook came from ancient Rome. In it, the writer Epicius described the recipes for dishes such as stuffed dormouse, and snails soaked in wine and oil.
Food fashions may have changed, but many Italians still take great pride in their cooking. Regional Italian dishes have become familiar in countries around the world. They include bolognaise sauce from Bologna, cassata siciliana (an ice-cream dessert) from Sicily, and from Parma, the smoked parma ham which is often served thinly sliced with fresh figs. Italian restaurants are found in towns and cities in many other countries.
Traditionally, the midday meal is the main meal of the day, and a family event. Fresh ingredients are usually used, and packaged “convenience foods” are less common than in many other countries. Fresh raw vegetables, sliced very thinly and arranged in a colorful display, are often served as an appetizer. Common drinks are wine (though often watered down for children) and mineral water. For dessert there is usually fresh fruit and more Italian specialties, ice cream and espresso coffee.”
― Italy
Food fashions may have changed, but many Italians still take great pride in their cooking. Regional Italian dishes have become familiar in countries around the world. They include bolognaise sauce from Bologna, cassata siciliana (an ice-cream dessert) from Sicily, and from Parma, the smoked parma ham which is often served thinly sliced with fresh figs. Italian restaurants are found in towns and cities in many other countries.
Traditionally, the midday meal is the main meal of the day, and a family event. Fresh ingredients are usually used, and packaged “convenience foods” are less common than in many other countries. Fresh raw vegetables, sliced very thinly and arranged in a colorful display, are often served as an appetizer. Common drinks are wine (though often watered down for children) and mineral water. For dessert there is usually fresh fruit and more Italian specialties, ice cream and espresso coffee.”
― Italy
“The local market
The local village or town market is often open-air, with canvas-covered stalls. The traders sell a variety of goods, from salami and prawns (shrimps) to feather dusters and straw hats. The customers meet to exchange news and talk about local affairs. This market, with a nut stall in the foreground, is in a village near Rome. Supermarkets are gradually becoming more common in large Italian towns, as they are in other European countries.”
― Italy
The local village or town market is often open-air, with canvas-covered stalls. The traders sell a variety of goods, from salami and prawns (shrimps) to feather dusters and straw hats. The customers meet to exchange news and talk about local affairs. This market, with a nut stall in the foreground, is in a village near Rome. Supermarkets are gradually becoming more common in large Italian towns, as they are in other European countries.”
― Italy
“The Italians are generally sociable people. For many, a shopping expedition is traditionally a family occasion and a time to meet friends, browse through the latest fashion designs, and perhaps enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
Despite the growing number of out-of-town supermarkets, many Italians still prefer to buy fresh food each day from the local market and stores. Food stores tend to open early, often at seven o’clock in the morning, and close late, perhaps at eight in the evening. However, they close for a long meal break, between about one o’clock and half past three in the afternoon.
The food markets are noisy and colorful, and customers like to pick over the goods for the best quality. Fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, and salami are usually on the shopping list. In most towns there are specialist food stores selling fish, smoked meats, dairy produce, or sweets and pastries.”
― Italy
Despite the growing number of out-of-town supermarkets, many Italians still prefer to buy fresh food each day from the local market and stores. Food stores tend to open early, often at seven o’clock in the morning, and close late, perhaps at eight in the evening. However, they close for a long meal break, between about one o’clock and half past three in the afternoon.
The food markets are noisy and colorful, and customers like to pick over the goods for the best quality. Fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, and salami are usually on the shopping list. In most towns there are specialist food stores selling fish, smoked meats, dairy produce, or sweets and pastries.”
― Italy
“A coin in the fountain
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a popular gathering place for tourists. There is a legend that if you toss a coin into the water, you will be certain to return to Rome.”
― Italy
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a popular gathering place for tourists. There is a legend that if you toss a coin into the water, you will be certain to return to Rome.”
― Italy
“Rome was built on seven hills in the wide plain of the Tiber River, about 16 miles from the sea. It was the center of the ancient Roman Empire, and many magnificent Roman remains survive today, including the Forum, the Colosseum and the Catacombs. The city is the seat of the Italian government and a major industrial center. Rome’s long history has earned it the name “The Eternal City.”
― Italy
― Italy
“From the 13th century until 1737, Florence was ruled by the wealthy and powerful Medici family. The Medicis were successful in business and politics, and they were interested also in art and learning. They encouraged people who had skills in art, science, architecture, and philosophy, paying them for their works. Some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors, and other artists came from this period in Italy’s history.
Under the Medicis’ guidance, Florence became the cultural center of Europe. The period of new learning and cultural interest, from the 14th to the late 16th centuries, is known as the Renaissance. Its effects spread from Italy to the rest of Europe, and it became the basis of a new age in art and science.”
― Italy
Under the Medicis’ guidance, Florence became the cultural center of Europe. The period of new learning and cultural interest, from the 14th to the late 16th centuries, is known as the Renaissance. Its effects spread from Italy to the rest of Europe, and it became the basis of a new age in art and science.”
― Italy
“The might of Rome
Roman power was based on a well-disciplined, well-equipped army. A Roman legion was composed of 60 centuries, and each century was made up of 100 men. (After 43 AD, a century was only 80 soldiers.) This statue shows how a soldier dressed. On the march, he carried equipment weighing 194 pounds (probably more than his own weight), including food rations for three days.”
― Italy
Roman power was based on a well-disciplined, well-equipped army. A Roman legion was composed of 60 centuries, and each century was made up of 100 men. (After 43 AD, a century was only 80 soldiers.) This statue shows how a soldier dressed. On the march, he carried equipment weighing 194 pounds (probably more than his own weight), including food rations for three days.”
― Italy
“Roman engineering
The Romans accomplished amazing feats of engineering as they built roads, bridges, and aqueducts (bridges for water conduits) across their empire. This 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct at Segovia, in central Spain, has 128 arches. No mortar was used to cement the large blocks of granite together. Good roads were one of the reasons for the success of the Roman Empire. They allowed troops and supplies to be moved swiftly, before the enemy could either attack or escape.”
― Italy
The Romans accomplished amazing feats of engineering as they built roads, bridges, and aqueducts (bridges for water conduits) across their empire. This 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct at Segovia, in central Spain, has 128 arches. No mortar was used to cement the large blocks of granite together. Good roads were one of the reasons for the success of the Roman Empire. They allowed troops and supplies to be moved swiftly, before the enemy could either attack or escape.”
― Italy
“Romulus and Remus
There is a legend that the city of Rome was founded by twins called Romulus and Remus. They were abandoned when babies, and a she-wolf looked after and fed them. When they grew up, they founded the city at the spot where they themselves were discovered. This statue of the wolf and her babies can be seen on the Capitoline Hill in Rome. A caged female wolf also is kept here, in memory of the legend.”
― Italy
There is a legend that the city of Rome was founded by twins called Romulus and Remus. They were abandoned when babies, and a she-wolf looked after and fed them. When they grew up, they founded the city at the spot where they themselves were discovered. This statue of the wolf and her babies can be seen on the Capitoline Hill in Rome. A caged female wolf also is kept here, in memory of the legend.”
― Italy
“The Roman Calendar
ROMAN MONTH: NAMED AFTER
Martius: The god Mars
Aprilis: The “opening” of flowers
Maius: The goddess Maia
Junius: The goddess Juno
Quinctilis: The fifth month
Sextilis: The sixth month
September: The seventh month
October: The eighth month
November: The ninth month
December: The tenth month
Januarius: The god Janus
Februarius: The month of purification
The fifth month was later renamed in honor of Julius Caesar (July), and the sixth month in honor of Augustus Caesar (August).”
― Italy
ROMAN MONTH: NAMED AFTER
Martius: The god Mars
Aprilis: The “opening” of flowers
Maius: The goddess Maia
Junius: The goddess Juno
Quinctilis: The fifth month
Sextilis: The sixth month
September: The seventh month
October: The eighth month
November: The ninth month
December: The tenth month
Januarius: The god Janus
Februarius: The month of purification
The fifth month was later renamed in honor of Julius Caesar (July), and the sixth month in honor of Augustus Caesar (August).”
― Italy
“In the year 754 BC, on the hills near the Tiber River, the Romans founded their capital city, Rome. During the 6th century BC, they overthrew the Etruscans in central Italy and began to expand their territory. In 500 BC, the first Roman Republic was established. This was governed by its citizens, rather than by a king (although, after a time, the Roman emperor came to hold power).
The Romans soon showed their skills for organization and hard work. Their armies were well drilled and well equipped, and their republic went from strength to strength. By 264 BC, they had conquered all of Italy.
Expansion continued as the Roman armies moved into surrounding countries. By 200 AD, their empire stretched from Britain to Africa, and for the next two centuries the Romans ruled this vast area. But, eventually, their empire began to crumble. There were many reasons, including the problems of controlling so many different lands and peoples. Finally, the Goths, Vandals, and other peoples gathered strength, and Rome eventually fell in about 476 AD.”
― Italy
The Romans soon showed their skills for organization and hard work. Their armies were well drilled and well equipped, and their republic went from strength to strength. By 264 BC, they had conquered all of Italy.
Expansion continued as the Roman armies moved into surrounding countries. By 200 AD, their empire stretched from Britain to Africa, and for the next two centuries the Romans ruled this vast area. But, eventually, their empire began to crumble. There were many reasons, including the problems of controlling so many different lands and peoples. Finally, the Goths, Vandals, and other peoples gathered strength, and Rome eventually fell in about 476 AD.”
― Italy
“Italy’s climate is well suited to growing a variety of crops. However, in such a mountainous country, flat and fertile land is in short supply. Wheat is the main cereal crop and is grown in the lowlands of central and northern Italy. Sugar beet, potatoes, and maize also are cultivated, and some rice is grown in the Po valley.
The majority of Italy’s farms are small, averaging only 17 acres in size. Each farm is usually run by one family. Tractors and other farm machinery have become more common in the past 20 years, and bullock carts are now rarely seen. Since the 1950s the government has paid for ways to improve farmland by irrigating dry areas and draining swampy ones.
Despite these problems, Italy is the world’s leading producer of both olive oil and wine. More than half the farms in the country grow at least some grapes, and each region has its own special wine.
Fishing ports are dotted all around Italy’s long coastline. There are still some small, family-owned fishing boats. But the fishing industry is becoming more mechanized, with fleets of large boats.”
― Italy
The majority of Italy’s farms are small, averaging only 17 acres in size. Each farm is usually run by one family. Tractors and other farm machinery have become more common in the past 20 years, and bullock carts are now rarely seen. Since the 1950s the government has paid for ways to improve farmland by irrigating dry areas and draining swampy ones.
Despite these problems, Italy is the world’s leading producer of both olive oil and wine. More than half the farms in the country grow at least some grapes, and each region has its own special wine.
Fishing ports are dotted all around Italy’s long coastline. There are still some small, family-owned fishing boats. But the fishing industry is becoming more mechanized, with fleets of large boats.”
― Italy
“Travel in Italy has always been difficult because of the hills and mountains. The Romans of ancient Italy were great engineers, and about 2,000 years ago they laid out a system of roads across the country to improve transport. Some of their routes are still in use today.”
― Italy
― Italy
“North and south
Italy is a nation of contrasts. Most of the industries and businesses are in the north, where people can earn much money. The south is less prosperous and some farming people, such as this man from Sicily, may have to struggle to make a living. Even so, the average standard of living in Italy is one of the highest in Europe.”
― Italy
Italy is a nation of contrasts. Most of the industries and businesses are in the north, where people can earn much money. The south is less prosperous and some farming people, such as this man from Sicily, may have to struggle to make a living. Even so, the average standard of living in Italy is one of the highest in Europe.”
― Italy
“Today’s Italians
Many Italians are naturally expressive and affectionate people. They tend to talk easily and rapidly, making descriptive gestures. They are generally family-loving people. Their warmth is especially noticeable in their treatment of babies and children, who are adored by their proud parents.”
― Italy
Many Italians are naturally expressive and affectionate people. They tend to talk easily and rapidly, making descriptive gestures. They are generally family-loving people. Their warmth is especially noticeable in their treatment of babies and children, who are adored by their proud parents.”
― Italy
“Today, the official national language is Italian. This is based on the dialect of Florence, although people from each region have their own accents and speak Italian in a slightly different way. In some northwest border regions near France the people may speak French; and German is spoken in the far north. Sardinia has its own language.”
― Italy
― Italy
“Italy has been a single, united country only since 1870. For many centuries before this, it was a collection of independent “city states.” Each city state was based on a main city, such as Venice, Florence, or Milan, and had its own customs and language. Even today, many people think of themselves first and foremost as Venetians (from Venice), or Florentines, or Sicilians, and only then as Italians.”
― Italy
― Italy
