Giacomo LeopardiIn Italy you can breathe the poetry even in the alleyways of central Naples: not just the poetry of street life, its smells, its food and its people (which would already be a lot), but also the poetry left by the imprint these places preserve of Giacomo Leopardi, the most celebrated poet (and philosopher) of Italy’s nineteenth century, not to mention one of the most important figures of world literature.

TuscanyIt may come as a shock to some that there is really no such thing as "Italian food": each region of Italy is known for particular ingredients and a certain style of cooking. Tuscan food is hearty and straightforward. It's simple--flavorful, but not showy or fancy. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are necessities, and such concepts as "artisanal" and "free range" are second-nature to most Tuscans.

If while scrolling down the annual list compiled by Forbes magazine it is not surprising to see that Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates regained the title of the richest man in the world, curiosity is aroused that the first Italian classified is Michele Ferrero.

The Ferrero family built its empire on chocolate. Its best-known product, Nutella, has become an icon all over the world.