75 Italian Trivia Questions: From Pasta to the Pantheon

Think You Know Italy? Take This Ultimate Trivia Challenge!

Italy is a country rich in history, culture, art, food, and breathtaking landscapes. From the Roman Empire to Michelangelo’s masterpieces, from pasta and pizza to fashion and Ferrari, Italy has left an undeniable mark on the world. But how much do you really know about this beautiful country?

This trivia challenge will test your knowledge of Italian history, geography, food, famous people, landmarks, and fun facts. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just love all things Italian, get ready to put your knowledge to the test. Answers are at the end.

Buona fortuna!


🏛️ Italian History & Landmarks (10 Questions)

  1. What ancient civilization ruled Italy before the Romans?
  2. What year did the Roman Empire officially fall?
  3. Which Italian city was known as the heart of the Renaissance?
  4. What is the name of the famous Roman amphitheater where gladiators fought?
  5. Who was the first emperor of Rome?
  6. What Italian explorer is credited with discovering America?
  7. What city is home to the famous Leaning Tower?
  8. In which Italian city can you find the Vatican?
  9. What year was Italy officially unified as a country?
  10. What is the name of the large canal system in Venice?

🗺️ Geography & Regions of Italy (10 Questions)

  1. What is the capital of Italy?
  2. What mountain range forms Italy’s northern border?
  3. Which island is the largest in Italy?
  4. What is the name of the active volcano near Naples?
  5. What body of water surrounds Italy?
  6. What Italian lake is famous for its stunning views and celebrity visitors?
  7. What is the smallest country within Italy?
  8. What famous region in Italy is known for its wine production?
  9. Which Italian region is famous for Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar?
  10. What are the two largest islands in Italy?

🎭 Famous Italians (10 Questions)

  1. Who painted the Mona Lisa?
  2. Which Italian scientist improved the telescope and supported the heliocentric theory?
  3. Who composed The Four Seasons?
  4. What famous Italian fashion designer was tragically murdered in 1997?
  5. Who is known as the father of modern physics and developed the laws of motion?
  6. What Italian filmmaker directed La Dolce Vita?
  7. Who is the Italian opera composer of Aida and La Traviata?
  8. What Italian dictator ruled during World War II?
  9. What famous soccer player won the Ballon d’Or five times and played for AC Milan and Juventus?
  10. What famous Italian explorer traveled to China and wrote The Travels of Marco Polo?

🍝 Italian Cuisine & Drinks (10 Questions)

  1. What is the most famous Italian pasta dish, made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper?
  2. What Italian cheese is commonly used in tiramisu?
  3. What are the two main ingredients in a classic Margherita pizza?
  4. What is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine?
  5. Which Italian coffee drink is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk?
  6. What is the name of the Italian dessert made of layered coffee-soaked biscuits and mascarpone cheese?
  7. What is the main ingredient in traditional pesto sauce?
  8. What Italian dish consists of rice balls stuffed with cheese or meat?
  9. What Italian drink is often served as an aperitif and made with Campari and sweet vermouth?
  10. What is the name of the Italian ham that is dry-cured and thinly sliced?

🗣️ Italian Language & Traditions (10 Questions)

  1. What is the Italian word for “hello” and “goodbye”?
  2. How do you say “thank you” in Italian?
  3. What is the Italian word for “cheers”?
  4. What is Italy’s most famous holiday celebrating the end of winter with masks and parades?
  5. What do Italians throw in the Trevi Fountain for good luck?
  6. What is the traditional Italian wedding gift given to guests?
  7. What day do Italians celebrate Ferragosto, a summer holiday?
  8. What is the name of the Italian hand gesture that expresses confusion or frustration?
  9. What is Italy’s national anthem called?
  10. What do Italians eat on New Year’s Eve for good luck?

🎬 Pop Culture & Fun Facts (10 Questions)

  1. What Italian luxury sports car brand is known for its prancing horse logo?
  2. Which famous Italian actress starred in La Dolce Vita?
  3. What Italian city is home to the Venice Film Festival?
  4. What is Italy’s most-watched soccer league called?
  5. What is the most popular Italian gelato flavor?
  6. Which James Bond film featured scenes in Venice and Rome?
  7. What Italian fashion brand is famous for its interlocking G logo?
  8. What is the traditional Italian celebration of the Epiphany where a witch delivers gifts?
  9. What iconic American mafia movie series was inspired by Italian crime families?
  10. What famous opera house in Milan is considered one of the best in the world?

Italian Trivia Answers

🏛️ Italian History & Landmarks

  1. The Etruscans
  2. 476 AD
  3. Florence
  4. The Colosseum
  5. Augustus Caesar
  6. Christopher Columbus
  7. Pisa
  8. Rome
  9. 1861
  10. The Grand Canal

🗺️ Geography & Regions of Italy

  1. Rome
  2. The Alps
  3. Sicily
  4. Mount Vesuvius
  5. The Mediterranean Sea
  6. Lake Como
  7. Vatican City
  8. Tuscany
  9. Emilia-Romagna
  10. Sicily and Sardinia

🎭 Famous Italians

  1. Leonardo da Vinci
  2. Galileo Galilei
  3. Antonio Vivaldi
  4. Gianni Versace
  5. Galileo Galilei
  6. Federico Fellini
  7. Giuseppe Verdi
  8. Benito Mussolini
  9. Cristiano Ronaldo (played for Juventus, but Italian-born winner is Roberto Baggio)
  10. Marco Polo

🍝 Italian Cuisine & Drinks

  1. Carbonara
  2. Mascarpone
  3. Tomato and mozzarella
  4. Prosecco
  5. Cappuccino
  6. Tiramisu
  7. Basil
  8. Arancini
  9. Negroni
  10. Prosciutto

🗣️ Italian Language & Traditions

  1. Ciao
  2. Grazie
  3. Salute
  4. Carnevale
  5. A coin
  6. Sugared almonds (confetti)
  7. August 15
  8. The “Italian hand” gesture
  9. Il Canto degli Italiani
  10. Lentils

🎬 Pop Culture & Fun Facts

  1. Ferrari
  2. Anita Ekberg
  3. Venice
  4. Serie A
  5. Stracciatella
  6. Spectre
  7. Gucci
  8. La Befana
  9. The Godfather
  10. La Scala Opera House