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Italia 150 (Centocinquanta)
Italia Centocinquanta 1861-2011
The 150th Anniversary of United Italy
Italy as one united country celebrated its 150th anniversary in the year 2011. To mark this important milestone of national unity, the Italian government and the people of Italy organized numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and celebrations across the country.
The year 2011 was considered a special opportunity to experience Italy at its best, highlighting the nation's history, art, culture, and achievements since unification in 1861.
Turin – The First Capital of Italy
For an entire year the city of Turin, the first capital of unified Italy, became the center of the celebrations. The city hosted exhibitions, historical reconstructions, cultural festivals, and international gatherings designed to relive and celebrate the past 150 years of Italian unity.
Although the celebrations were particularly meaningful for Italians, the joy and excitement were shared with visitors from around the world.
ExoticItaly invited travelers to visit Italy during 2011. Special hotel room allocations and travel arrangements were coordinated with the organizers of Italia Centocinquanta in order to provide visitors access to major events and celebrations.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors were encouraged to bookmark this page and check regularly for updates regarding the Italia150 program and new announcements.
Travelers could also contact ExoticItaly for special arrangements, tours, accommodation, or participation in celebrations related to the anniversary.
Previous Anniversaries
Italy previously celebrated its 50th anniversary of unification in 1911 and the 100th anniversary in 1961. The 150th anniversary was therefore an even larger national celebration.
A committee was formed to organize the nationwide events. One of the first promotional gatherings and official dinners was held in Rimini during the Travel Trade Italia Workshop.
Map of Turin showing locations where many of the Italia150 celebrations were held.
Travel to Italy
Italy is a wonderful country with surprises at every step. Travelers can visit at any time of the year and enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience.
Flights to Italy are available from all corners of the world, offering convenient schedules and competitive fares for visitors planning their Italian holiday.
Italy’s Economic Transformation (1959-1992)
Between 1959 and 1992 Italy experienced deep economic and social transformations that radically changed the profile of the country.
After the Second World War Italy was still largely a semi-agricultural country. However, in the decades that followed it became one of the leading industrial powers in Western Europe with a modern and diversified production system.
One of the key indicators of this transformation was the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). From the early 1950s to the late 1980s the Italian economy expanded more than fourfold. During the same period, average income levels approached those of the most advanced European countries.
As a result, the standard of living improved significantly. For example, the number of passenger cars increased dramatically—by almost 47 times during this period.
Growth of the Road Network and Motorways
The rapid economic growth led to increased mobility and the need for improved road infrastructure. Italy introduced a new highway code in 1959 to replace the earlier regulations of 1933.
Large infrastructure plans were introduced, including the famous “Romita Plan” of 1955, which proposed major transport projects such as the Autostrada del Sole (Sun Motorway), over 700 km long, completed in 1964.
Another program, the “Zaccagnini Plan” of 1961, expanded the highway system with more than 5,000 kilometers of roads and expressways.
The Italian Economic Miracle
The period between 1958 and 1963 is often referred to as the Italian Economic Miracle. Rapid industrial development, internal migration from the countryside to cities, and expanding manufacturing industries fueled economic growth.
Large numbers of people moved from southern Italy toward the industrial cities of Milan, Turin, and Genoa in search of work.
The Spread of the Automobile
The automobile industry played a major role in Italy’s economic growth. Car ownership expanded rapidly despite high fuel taxes.
Popular models produced by Fiat, such as the Fiat 500 and Fiat 600, became symbols of the economic boom and made car ownership possible for millions of Italians.
In the early 1960s motorcycles and scooters were still extremely popular, especially Vespa and Lambretta models, which often outnumbered cars.
Road Safety and Traffic Growth
As vehicle numbers increased, road safety became an important public concern. By the early 1970s road accidents had become a significant social and health issue.
In 1972 the number of road fatalities exceeded 12,000 in a single year, prompting greater attention to traffic regulations and road safety measures.
Social Changes in Italy
The decades after the 1950s also brought major social changes. Traditional family structures gradually evolved as urbanization, economic growth, and cultural shifts transformed Italian society.
Marriage patterns changed, divorce became more common, and family sizes decreased. By 1970 the population of Italy had reached almost 55 million people.
Political and Social Challenges
The years between the late 1960s and early 1980s were marked by political instability and terrorism in Italy. Events such as the Piazza Fontana bombing in 1969 and the Bologna railway station attack in 1980 created a period known as the “Years of Lead.”
Despite these challenges, the Italian economy continued to grow and modernize.
The Development of Traffic Police
To manage increasing traffic and ensure road safety, the Italian Traffic Police expanded their organization and operational strategies.
Training centers, such as the one in Cesena, provided specialized education, while new technologies such as speed detection equipment, breathalyzers, and sound meters were introduced to improve traffic enforcement.
Sources and Bibliography
Source: ANFIA for motor vehicles; ISTAT for motorcycles.
Bibliography includes works by G. Biserni, L. Borselli, F. Della Peruta, S. Maggi and other historians and researchers on Italian transport systems, traffic regulation, and economic history.
