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Italy Pavilion
Official Description
Enter this dazzling pavilion through architecture reminiscent of Venice, including a stunning version of the Campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark's Square, bridges, gondolas and colorful barber poles. Discover fine leather goods at the handsome II Bel Cristallo. Eat well with sweets from Delizie Italiane and La Bottega Italiana or sumptuous full course meals from L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante.
The Pavilion
The Italy Pavilion is part of the World Showcase within the Epcot theme park.
The Italy Pavilion features a plaza surrounded by a collection of buildings evocative of Venetian and Roman architecture, including a functional re-creation of St Mark's Campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark's Square. A replica of the Doge's Palace from Venice also figures prominently. The Pavilion is also (former) home to the four-star "L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante," which was created by the direct descendants of Alfredo di Lellio, the inventor of Fettuccini Alfredo and features classical Roman decor. The piazza is decorated with statues, such as the Neptune Fountain and the Lion of St. Mark. There are also small shops selling Italian goods, such as candy and wines. The Neptune Fountain is supposed to be a much smaller representation of The Trevi Fountain in Rome. Also the store Il Bel Cristallo is supposed to look like the Sistine Chapel from the outside.
Touring Tips
-The Italy pavilion, along with four others - Japan, United Kingdom, Morocco and Germany - does not currently have an attraction.
-Sergio, the juggler, appears Monday - Friday in the courtyard. The World Showcase Players also entertain (and there is audience participation).
-The Pavilion includes kumquat trees, olive trees and grapevines as well as several "container gardens."
-Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival - The beautiful patio garden is not to be missed (the sculptures are actually part of an old Regis and Kathy Lee set!).
-Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country. In Italy, La Befana makes appearances throughout the afternoon. La Befana is the good witch who brings gifts to children on the Epiphany, January 6th.
-Each of the World Showcase countries has a special "KIDCOT" area that provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting.
-Characters from Walt Disney's Pinocchio make daily appearances.
Dining
L'Originale Alfredo di Roma, rich in lorentine style closed August 31, 2007 when the contract with Epcot ended.
Tutto Italia opened for lunch and dinner September 2007. It will close sometime in 2008 for a total renovation.
Shopping
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Delizie Italiane - Italian chocolates, candies.
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Il Bel Cristallo - Murano crystal, Capodimonte florals and figures, glassware, decorative items.
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La Cucina Italiana - Gourmet foods and cookware, pastries, wines.
Interesting Facts
-Opening date: Opened with EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982
-The 83-foot bell tower in the World Showcase's Italy pavilion is an authentic replica of the original Campanile in St. Mark's Square in Italy. The angel atop the bell tower was created used a model of the original and, also like the original, is covered with real gold leaf. Unlike the angel in Venice , however, the Epcot version is also topped with a lightning rod.
-The placement of Doge's Palace and the Campanile of St. Mark in the Italy pavilion are reversed from where they actually stand in St. Mark's Square in Venice . Both the Palace and Campanile are exact 1/4 scale replicas of the original buildings.
-The Piazza San Marco in Venice is dominated by the city's most important historical sights - the Doge's Palace and the Campanile.
-The real Campanile is, by far, the tallest building in the city of Venice . From the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy incredible views of Venice , the lagoon and the peaks of the Alps . Originally the Campanile was built as a lighthouse to assist navigation in the lagoon. It was from the top of the Campanile that Galileo demonstrated how his telescope worked to the Doge in 1609. However, on July 14, 1902, the foundation gave way and the Campanile collapsed. The structure was rebuilt on the original spot exactly as it was.
-The original Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy was constructed between 1309 and 1424, and was designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Buon. It was, at one time, the seat of government, the Palace of Justice and the home of the Doge of the Republic of Venice . The "Doge" was title of the leader of Venice . Doge's ruled from 697 A.D. until about 1789 A.D.
-Located in the central plaza of the Italy pavilion, known as the "Plaza del Teatro," you can find the "Fontana de Nettuno." This fountain contains the image of Neptune, the God of the Sea, and was inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountain of Trevi, located in Rome, Italy. The original famous fountain is often recognized as having been seen in Federico Fellini's classic film, "La Dolce Vita."
-One of the statues on top of the columns at the square's entrance shows Theodore and the Dragon. The other statue is of the Lion of St Mark, protector of the city of Venice.