Places of happiness in Italy: 10 legendary rituals and places for good fortune!

Between fate and scaramanzia: a journey to Italy's magical places of good fortune

Italy is much more than an open-air museum of ancient history. It is a country where myths, legends, and small everyday wonders form the foundation of social life. Anyone who has experienced the lively hustle and bustle in the winding alleys of Rome, the passionate atmosphere of Naples, or the timeless elegance of Florence will quickly realize that Italians are reluctant to leave their fate to pure chance.

This deep-rooted belief in so-called „Scaramanzia,“ that charming superstition deeply embedded in everyday life, is not a relic of days gone by, but a living part of the national identity. Over centuries, specific rituals have become established at magnificent monuments, inconspicuous statues, and hidden street corners, all aimed at appeasing fate. In the process, the boundaries between Christian tradition and pagan customs blur in a fascinating way.

Whether it's sealing eternal love with a discreet gesture, paving the way for the next step in your career by touching a centuries-old bronze statue, or protecting yourself from the dreaded „malocchio,“ the evil eye, actively seeking out „buona fortuna“ is an integral part of any authentic trip to Italy. We take you on a journey of discovery to the ten most fascinating places of luck in Italy, where the hope for a little bit of fortune is palpable in the air.

Northern Italian forces of fate: Of iron bars and golden fingers

The journey through the north begins in the historic upper town of Bergamo, where the Colleoni Chapel attracts attention as a Renaissance masterpiece in Piazza Duomo. But while art lovers admire the filigree façade, those in the know seek out the wrought-iron grille that protects the tomb of the famous mercenary leader Bartolomeo Colleoni. There you will find the unusual family crest, which, contrary to all heraldic norms, depicts three stylized testicles—a proud allusion to the condottiero's surname, which is onomatopoeic from the Italian word „Coglioni“ It is now considered an indispensable ritual to touch these shiny, polished symbols of virility, as legend has it that touching them not only brings good luck, but also strengthens one's own vitality and assertiveness.

In Verona, The city of lovers inevitably draws visitors to the courtyard of the Casa di Giulietta. Beneath the world-famous balcony stands the bronze statue of Juliet, whose right breast has been polished to a golden sheen by countless hands. It is said that anyone who touches it will be rewarded with eternal happiness in love or a soon-to-be encounter with their soul mate. Since the metal of the original sculpture has become thin and cracked from millions of touches over the decades, a faithful copy now stands in the courtyard, while the original from 1969 rests safely in the museum. Despite its purely literary origins, this place remains a powerful symbol of the longing to positively influence one's own destiny in matters of the heart through a small gesture of hope.

If you follow the route further west into the magical Turin, the path leads under the elegant arcades of the Castle Square. Near the royal palace, there is an inconspicuous but highly revered bronze relief depicting the explorer Christopher Columbus. One glance at the work immediately reveals the object of desire: the sailor's little finger has been polished so bright by countless touches that it almost stands out in gold from the dark metal. Those who rub this finger hope, in the spirit of the great navigator, to always stay on the right course in life or to maintain the necessary foresight when making difficult decisions. Especially before important exams, the city's students flock here to secure a pinch of the determination that once opened up the New World.

The crowning glory of this journey in search of happiness in northern Italy is a visit to the magnificent „living room.“ Milans, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Amidst the luxurious shop windows and beneath the enormous glass dome, there is an elaborate mosaic on the floor depicting the bull from the coat of arms of the city of Turin. A custom has become established here that has gained fame far beyond the borders of Italy: you place your right heel exactly on the bull's genitals and spin around three times. It is said that anyone who completes this pirouette without stumbling is guaranteed a whole year of good fortune. The fact that the mosaic in this spot has to be restored regularly is impressive proof of how deeply rooted the belief in this moment of magic is in the hearts of the Milanese and their guests.

In a hidden courtyard in the city Treviso, At Palazzo Zignoli, not far from Piazza dei Signori, you will encounter one of Treviso's most curious and charming landmarks: the Fountain of the Breasts, known as the „Fountain of Breasts.“ This unusual monument was erected in 1559 on the orders of Alvise da Ponte, a governor of the Republic of Venice, to celebrate the end of a severe drought. What makes this place so special is its boozy history, because until the end of the Venetian Republic, on special occasions – such as the inauguration of a new podestà – wine flowed from the statue's breasts for three days instead of water: red wine from one side and white wine from the other, which all citizens were allowed to drink for free. Even though only clear water flows today, the belief in the figure's lucky powers remains unbroken. It is said that touching the statue ensures a life of prosperity and fertility. As the constant interaction with the weather and visitors took its toll, the original is now protected under the arcades of the Palazzo dei Trecento, while the copy in Vicolo Zignoli continues to serve as a symbol of the joie de vivre and abundance of the Veneto region.

If you travel further south to the historic city of Ravenna, the path leads to the Lombard Loggia. The building houses the Museo d'Arte della Città (MAR), which contains a very special gem. There lies the famous marble statue of the knight Guidarello Guidarelli, a masterpiece by Tullio Lombardo from the early 16th century. Depicted in magnificent armor, the young mercenary leader appears so peaceful and graceful in death that a persistent and romantic legend has grown up around his figure. For generations, it was said that women who kissed the knight's stone lips would find true love or even walk down the aisle within the same year. This custom became so popular that an estimated millions of lipsticks left their mark on the light marble. Today, kissing the statue is strictly prohibited for conservation reasons, in order to protect the delicate stone from further damage. But the knight's magical appeal remains. The sight of his gentle face and the desire for lasting love make this place a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of eternal fidelity.

Central Italy: Of shiny snouts and the echo of eternity

Anyone visiting Tuscany will encounter one of the most charming traditions of Florence not over: the Fontana del Porcellino. The bronze statue of a wild boar is actually a detailed replica of an ancient marble work and watches over the hustle and bustle at the edge of the Mercato Nuovo. The name „Ferkelchen” (little piglet) is somewhat misleading, as it depicts a stately boar whose snout shines bright gold from millions of touches. The ritual, which is supposed to promise visitors a safe return to the city of the Renaissance, is a two-step process and requires a little skill. First, you gently stroke the animal's shiny snout and then place a coin in its open mouth. However, actual good luck is subject to one condition: the coin must fall through the grate below directly into the water basin. If this succeeds, fate is considered sealed—a tradition so firmly integrated into a visit to Florence that the regular clinking of coins is part of the market's soundtrack.

In Rome arrived, there is no way around the Fontana di Trevi which is considered the most magnificent embodiment of Italian dream destinations. Here, the game of chance is elevated to an almost choreographed gesture that goes far beyond a simple coin toss. To fulfill the legend and ensure a return to the Eternal City, the coin must be tossed with the right hand over the left shoulder while turning your back to the monumental fountain. Those who want to delve deeper into superstition even throw two or three coins. A second coin promises new love with a Roman, while the third coin, according to popular belief, rings the bells for an imminent wedding. This hope for personal happiness also has a profound social component, as the city administration fishes over a million euros out of the basin every year. This considerable sum is traditionally donated to the charity Caritas, making every coin thrown into the Trevi Fountain indirectly a good deed for those in need.

Not far from the Tiber, the question ultimately arises as to whether the famous Bocca della Verità, the „Mouth of Truth,“ can be considered a classic place of good fortune. Although it is primarily known as an archaic lie detector—according to legend, the marble mask bites off the hand of anyone who does not speak the truth—at its core, it is closely intertwined with the themes of fate and providence. In ancient times, it was probably used as an ornate manhole cover and gained particular fame as a cult object for lovers through the classic film „Roman Holiday.“ Those who pull their hand out of the river god's wide-open mouth unscathed often see this as confirmation of the purity of their intentions or the sincerity of a relationship. Thus, the test of courage in front of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin becomes a ritual that requires courage but leaves behind the comforting feeling of being at peace with fate.

Southern Italy's mysterious guardians: Of budding happiness and protective giants

In Naples superstition is not merely an accessory, but permeates the entire city like a living pulse. A particularly impressive place for this deep spirituality is the Cimitero delle Fontanelle, a vast underground cemetery in the tuff caves of the Sanità district. Over centuries, the cult of the „Anime Pezzentelle” developed here. The Neapolitans adopted abandoned skulls, cared for them, and prayed for them. Among the thousands of bones, the skull of Donna Concetta occupies a special place. While most skulls are covered with a thick layer of dust, hers often appears damp and shiny. Believers interpret this physical phenomenon of condensation as the „sweating“ of the soul, through which she hears the prayers of those who seek her. Those who treat Donna Concetta with respect hope for assistance in seemingly hopeless situations.

To round off their happiness, many Neapolitans also wear the Cornicello, a small, red, handmade horn made of coral or ceramic. It is considered the most powerful amulet against the „malocchio,“ the evil eye, and only unfolds its full protective effect if it is given as a gift rather than purchased.

If you travel further southeast to Apulia, When visiting picturesque old towns such as Grottaglie or Ostuni, your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the magnificent balcony railings and house entrances decorated with colorful ceramic buds. These so-called Pumi – the name derives from the Latin „pomum,“ meaning fruit – represent an opening acanthus bud and are much more than just decorative elements. In Apulian tradition, they are considered powerful symbols of new life, fertility, and the triumph of nature over the adversities of everyday life. Originally, they were placed at the corners of noble balconies to ensure prosperity and the continuity of the family, but today they can be found in every household as guardians of the home. A pumo protects the inhabitants from harm and is said to signal to guests upon entering the house that they have arrived at a place of harmony and welcome. As a souvenir, it carries the warm sun and the permanence of Apulian tradition out into the world.

The crowning glory of the journey through the south is Catania on the east coast of Sicily, a city whose fate is inextricably linked to the imposing presence of Mount Etna. Amidst the magnificent Baroque buildings of Piazza Duomo stands the city's landmark: u’ Liotru, carved from black lava rock elephant, carrying an Egyptian obelisk on its back. Legend has it that this magical animal protected the city from wild animals in ancient times and today acts as a powerful talisman, designed to tame the destructive forces of the volcano and the tremors of the earth. The name „Liotru“ is probably a popular variation of the name Eliodoro, a legendary 8th-century magician who is said to have brought the elephant to life in order to ride it through the city. For the inhabitants of Catania, their black elephant is a symbol of indomitability and constancy. A visit to this stone guardian is considered a promise that even in stormy times and in the face of the forces of nature, one can find protection and inner peace.

Italien.news tip: Monument preservation meets belief in fate

As tempting as it may be to surrender completely to the magic of Italian rituals, it is important to be aware of the fragility of these historic sites. Most of these lucky spots are actually valuable art monuments of inestimable historical value, which have been subjected to enormous stress over the centuries by the sheer mass of visitors. As the examples of the statue of Juliet in Verona and the Porcellino in Florence show, even solid bronze and hard marble can be damaged or even lose their structural integrity through constant friction from millions of hands. Therefore, the golden rule for all modern fortune seekers is that a gentle, respectful touch or a purely symbolic gesture is perfectly sufficient to attract the attention of Fortuna.

No brute force or extensive friction is needed to establish an energetic connection to the legends; often it is precisely the mindfulness with which we treat our heritage that makes the moment particularly precious. By treating the monuments with the necessary care, we are actively helping to ensure that these fascinating traditions are not literally worn away. In this way, the magic of the „Bel Paese“ will be preserved for future generations of travelers who, just like us today, will come here in search of a little miracle and the protection of „Buona Fortuna.“.

Our conclusion: A journey marked by confidence and happiness

At the end of our journey, which took us from the majestic Alps down to the sun-drenched slopes of Mount Etna, it became clear that the search for „Buona Fortuna“ is much more than just a string of tourist curiosities. Each of these rituals—be it the lively spin in the Milan mosaic, the coin in the Roman fountain, or the silent prayer in the catacombs of Naples—reflects the deep, indestructible soul of Italy. „Scaramanzia” is not a sign of backwardness, but an expression of joie de vivre and the human longing to face unpredictable fate with a wink and a courageous gesture.

These places are living intersections where the country's magnificent art history meets the very personal hopes and dreams of its people. Those who embrace these customs discover Italy not only as observers of monuments, but also become part of a centuries-old narrative for a fleeting moment. It is this unique combination of historical weight and an almost childlike lightness that makes Italy so distinctive. So the next time you stand in front of the shiny trunk of the Porcellino or admire the soft lips of a stone knight, remember that it's less about the fulfillment of the wish itself and more about the moment of pause and the belief that happiness is often just a touch away. Italy invites us not only to accept life, but to actively shape it—always in the hope that the stars will be more favorable to us if we treat them with respect and tradition.

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