Northern Italy has a distinct culture, cuisine, and geography compared to central and southern Italy. It includes eight administrative regions, each with its own cities, landscapes, and specialties. I found it to be much more relaxed and with fewer tourists than the more popular areas such as Rome. There are many interesting and fun facts about Northern Italy that appeal to families.
1. Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, stretching over 370 square kilometers and crossing over 3 regions. It has crystal-clear water, mountain views, and is very popular not just with tourists, but with locals as well.
2. The Oldest European University
The oldest university in the Western world is found in Bologna. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088. If you’re interested in learning more and are in the city, there are organised tours of the campus, classes, concerts, and more that are open to the public.
3. Cows and Cheese
You may already know that Italy is known for some famous cheeses, such as Grana Padano, a hard cheese similar to Parmesan as well as Mozzarella di Bufala, both of which are produced in Northern Italy. The mountainous terrain and micro-climates are perfect for cattle. There must be hundreds of local varieties of cheese as it seems as if every valley is known for its own specialty. If you love cheese, don’t miss out on trying as many you can.
4. World Famous Mountains
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and rightly so with their dramatic peaks which provide scenic summer hiking and winter skiing locations. They are also refered to as the Pale Mountains due to their colour in particular light conditions.
5. World Fashion Stage
Milan has long been known as the fashion capital of the world. It’s home to fashion houses such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace, which have influenced fashion around the world. Certainly, Milan residents are well-dressed. The designs created here trickle down to everyday brands, even influencing Target and Primark.
6. Venetian Gondolas
Perhaps the most famous scene from Northern Italy is the sight of gondolas in Venice. These traditional boats manoeuver through the ancient city with gondoliers skillfully gliding the crafts down canals and beneath bridges. Imagine this being the usual form of transportation rather than motorised vehicles.
7. Paper Money
Not only does Northern Italy have the oldest university in Europe, but it also has the oldest form of paper money, perhaps not surprisingly also developed in Bologna. This 14th century development also led to the banking systems we use today.
8. Sporty Motoring
Fashion isn’t reserved only for clothing in Italy. Northern Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous car manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Modena is the birthplace of Ferrari, while Lamborghini was created in the nearby town of Sant’Agata Bolognese. You can visit museums to see these cars up close and learn about their history. Time your visit right and you can also watch the F1 at Monza, not far from Milan.
9. Home of the Risotto
Risotto, a creamy Italian rice dish, originated in Northern Italy, and particularly famous is Risotto alla Milanese. This is made with saffron and is a must-try. Kids love the creamy texture, and it’s a great dish to introduce children to the flavors of Italy. In fact, this image is from my school lunch at an Italian school in Bergamo.
10. Italian Gelato
Italian gelato is world-famous, which is much more rich than North American ice cream, with more cream and less air, it’s very creamy and full of flavour. Try the stracciatella flavour, with ribbons of chocolate. This was created in Bergamo at Ristorante La Marianna in 1961, which you cana visit in the Upper Town. This photo is of the ‘stracciatella experience’ which has the gelato in a waffle cone, topped with whipped cream, a wafer, and a chocolate.
Discover more about Italy!
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6 Themes for Traveling with Kids to Rome, Part 2
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