11 Unusual Laws in Italy Even Italians Don’t Know About
- Crimes against fashion.
- Hands off, men!
- No making sandcastles at the beach.
- Goldfish bowls are banned.
- No noisy footwear.
- No kissing in cars.
- Even dead people need health care.
- Don’t save a spot at the beach with a towel.
In this post
What is the weirdest law in Italy?
The strangest nationwide law in Italy is that men may not touch their genitals in public. It seems this law is based on an old superstition that states touching your own crotch is bad luck. However, it’s doubtful this law is followed by many, if anyone.
What can’t you do in Italy?
10 things you should never do in Italy
- Don’t overtip.
- Don’t order a cappuccino after 11am.
- Don’t put cheese on a pasta that contains fish or seafood.
- Don’t cut your spaghetti with a knife and fork, ever.
- Don’t order the Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Don’t wear shorts, tank top or flip-flops when visiting a church.
What are laws of Italy?
The law of Italy is the system of law across the Italian Republic. The Italian legal system has a plurality of sources of production. These are arranged in a hierarchical scale, under which the rule of a lower source cannot conflict with the rule of an upper source (hierarchy of sources).
Is it illegal to not have a shirt on in Italy?
Keep Your Shirt On
Not only is it offensive to locals to have visitors wandering the streets in varying states of undress, it is also against many local ordinances and you can get fined. A good rule of thumb is to take a look around and see how the locals are dressed.
Is it legal to cut pasta in Italy?
It is such a culinary sin that some people ask if it is illegal to cut pasta. The answer is no but it isn’t good etiquette. In Italy, it is very common to use the spoon to taste a lot of dishes (e.g. pretty much anything that is creamy or a contains a lot of sauce).
Is it illegal to break spaghetti in Italy?
The SPAGHETTI rule
Not everyone knows that, when Italians cook spaghetti, they never break them before putting them in the hot water! It is forbidden! Spaghetti must be cooked just the way they are: intact! Then, they must be eaten rolling them up with a fork.
What should you not wear in Italy?
You should avoid wearing tank tops or other clothing that exposes the shoulders when entering the Vatican or a church. Try not to wear anything that is too revealing as that can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Wearing mini-skirts or short shorts would be frowned on in the Vatican.
What is considered rude in Italy?
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
How safe is Italy?
According to the Global Peace Index, which measures societal safety, security, ongoing conflict, and militarization, Italy is the 31st safest country in the world. This puts it well ahead of other popular destinations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. And expatriates do indeed feel very safe in Italy.
What is the drinking age in Italy?
18 years old
What is the minimum drinking age in Italy? The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.
Are drugs legal in Italy?
Drug use itself is not mentioned as an offence, but possession for personal use is punishable by administrative sanctions (such as the suspension of a driving licence, ban of possession of firearms, ..).
What is illegal in Rome?
More illegal things include graffiti, attaching stickers and, bizarrely enough, hanging your laundry in plain view of passers-by: so as you can see these bans don’t just target foreign travelers! Other restrictions include using pushchairs or wheeled suitcases down (or up!)
Is baldness illegal in Italy?
Davie504 on Twitter: “@SethEverman I’d love to help, but unfortunately baldness is illegal in italy ?” / Twitter.
Is pineapple on pizza illegal in Italy?
It is considered a barbaric practice that violates the very essence of morality, humanity, culinary dignity of all Peoples and good taste. The State of Italy has also unilaterally announced that putting pineapple on pizza under any circumstances is tantamount to an Act of War under International Law.
Is it illegal to wear a skirt in Italy?
Dear men, do not wear skirt in Italy
Well, given the fact that Italians are high on fashion and there are designers engaged in making skirts for men, it is illegal to wear skirt in public if you are a man. Of course, you could get arrested for the ‘crime’.
What happens if you break pasta in Italy?
There is no physical of chemical change in breaking pasta. It does make it easier to cook, because you don’t have spaghetti sticking out of your pot, but let me explain this from the double viewpoint of being both Italian and a cook. Is it just tradition? Definitely not.
Why do we put salt in pasta water?
Salting Water for Flavor
Usually, you add salt to water in order to boil the water to cook rice or pasta. Adding salt to water adds flavor to the water, which is absorbed by the food. Salt enhances the ability of chemoreceptors in the tongue to detect molecules that are perceived through the sense of taste.
Do Italians eat pasta with a spoon?
It’s customary to set the table with a fork, knife, and spoon, and you can use your spoon to add sauce and cheese, and then to mix the pasta. However, pasta is meant to be eaten with your fork alone – no spoons to assist.
Do you eat ravioli with a spoon or fork?
Table manners for eating pasta. When pasta is served on a plate or in a shallow bowl, such as spaghetti, it is eaten with a fork, but if served in a deep bowl, such as ravioli, it is eaten with a spoon.
Can I wear ripped jeans in Italy?
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks.