The main language spoken in Italy is, well, Italian! But it’s more complicated than that.
Italy is actually a relatively new country. Its various regions weren’t unified until the mid-1800s. At that time, each region had its own dialect. However, because Tuscany and its capital city of Florence were considered the most culturally and politically powerful part of the country, their dialect was chosen to become the language of the new unified Italy. Even today, many Italians can speak both formal Italian and their own local dialect.
Until 2002, Italy’s currency was called the lira. However, when the European Union formed, Italy eventually adopted the euro, which is the currency of the European Union. The European Union does not require that its member countries use the euro, but 21 of the 27 countries in the European Union today do choose to use it.
I always pack a reusable water bottle, so I haven’t bought a plastic bottle of water on this trip. I do know that at a restaurant, you can get a large jug of water for 3 euro (3.5 dollars). You can order the water either still or sparkling. (I always choose sparkling!)
