Typically Italian - The List

These 15 little things are so uniquely Italian that they always make me think of Italy, even when I’m thousands of miles away.

They invariably make me long to return as soon as I possibly can, and some of them even have the power to reduce me to tears.

Here then is the list...

1] Cypress trees and sunflowers stretching towards the sun—these timeless symbols of the Italian countryside always revive memories of leisurely drives through Tuscany's rolling hills.

2) The mere whiff of fresh basil or the rich aroma of pesto sauce simmering on the stove transports me to bustling Italian kitchens, where generations have perfected the art of infusing dishes with the essence of the Mediterranean.

3) The quaint charm of little Fiat cars, and in particular the cute little Fiat 500, lovingly referred to as the cinquecento. Their diminutive size and unmistakable flair reflect the Italian spirit in automotive form. The Fiat 500 story is, in so many ways, the story of postwar Italy. Read it here.

4) The urban "symphony" or cacophony of motorini and the iconic Vespa always get me dreaming of Italian cities like Napoli, where the sound of these reverberates through cobblestone streets. The sounds are enough to conjure images of Italians zipping through city life with an unmatched sense of freedom and vitality. These two-wheeled companions embody the soul of Italian mobility.

A Vespa in a piazza in Tropea. Click for our guide to Tropea.

5) Italian music: Andrea Bocelli's song called "Il mare calmo della sera" is one I adore. It always has me in tears as soon as I hear it. It wraps around me like a warm embrace, conjuring poignant emotions and a heartbreakingly beautiful connection to Italy's lyrical soul. There are other songs that do it too; here is the full playlist you will want to listen to

6) Pasta and, of course, pizza. The artistry of pasta's myriad forms and the culinary perfection of pizza's symphony of flavors encapsulate the essence of Italian gastronomy, transporting me to trattorias where convivial conversations echo against ancient stone walls.

7) Pedallos, I see one elsewhere and close my eyes. Soon I am gently gliding over cerulean waters and savoring the simple delight of gelato by the seaside. Blissful moments amid the coastal beauty of Italy.

8) Mornings that awaken to the heavenly aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delicate sweetness of pastries form a symphony of scents that awaken memories of the dawn of another day in Italy's embrace.

9) The colors of the Italian flag: as soon as I see the colors together, memories of Italy come flooding back. An ode to the country's unity and heritage, conjuring vivid images of sun-kissed landscapes and spirited celebrations.

10) Sunday Mass in a Catholic Church, the Presepio at Christmas time and that great Italian Christmas cake, the panettone.

11) The photos and recipes in the book Autumn in Piemonte: Food and Travels in Italy's Northwest (Amazon affiliate link) remind me so much of the many happy years we spent in Piedmont before we moved to the Veneto. Evoking the captivating moments that colored our years there. Evoking the captivating moments that colored our years there.

Antico Podere Tota Virginia in Piedmont

12) Ferrari cars, not only for the car itself but because the Ferrari is absolutely adored by all Italians, both young and old. Ferrari embodies the nation's passion and tenacity, epitomizing the Italian zest for life. Italians don't follow a favorite driver in Formula 1, as the rest of the world does; they follow a car. One car only—the Ferrari! By the way, if you'd love to head out on some of the greatest road trips Italy has to offer, then click here to find out which are the best road trips in Italy.

13) Shuttered windows—I always dream of opening them and finding Italy lying beyond.

14) Walls that bear the marks of time, adorned with flower boxes overflowing with fragrant herbs and lavender, mirror the rustic charm that graces Italian homes, embodying the poetry of everyday life.

15) The sound of church bells on a Sunday morning.