Islam in Italy has a long history, dating back to the 9th century when Muslim forces occupied parts of southern Italy. Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in Italy after Christianity. The Muslim population in Italy is estimated to be around 2 million, making up about 3.5% of the total population. Most Muslims in Italy are immigrants or children of immigrants from countries like Morocco, Albania, Tunisia, and Bangladesh. There are also a growing number of Italian converts to Islam. Explore our Muslim travel guides for more destinations. Explore halal food in Italy for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.

Italy is a welcoming country for Muslim visitors, offering safety and respect for religious practices. While traditional Italian cuisine isn’t entirely halal, halal food options are available, especially in larger cities. Muslims can enjoy their stay in Italy by being mindful of food choices and respecting local customs, while most Italians will reciprocate with openness and hospitality.

Is Italy Muslim-Friendly?

Italy offers moderate Muslim-friendliness with growing infrastructure:

  • 3 million Muslims: Second-largest religion in Italy
  • Halal options in cities: Rome, Milan, Florence have halal restaurants
  • Historic mosques: Including Europe’s largest (Rome Grand Mosque)
  • Welcoming culture: Italians are generally hospitable
  • Improving awareness: Tourism industry increasingly accommodates Muslims
  • Beautiful heritage: World-class art, architecture, and history

Italy requires some planning but rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences.

Does Italy Have Halal Food?

Halal food is available in major Italian cities, though not as abundant as in France or the UK:

Rome:

  • Esquilino district (near Termini): Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Middle Eastern restaurants
  • Centocelle: Growing multicultural dining
  • Near major attractions: Some halal pizzerias and kebab shops

Milan:

  • Porta Venezia: Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
  • Via Padova: Multicultural halal options
  • City center: Halal restaurants for tourists

Florence:

  • Near Santa Maria Novella station
  • Around Mercato Centrale
  • Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants

Venice:

  • Limited options near Piazzale Roma
  • Some halal pizzerias

Naturally halal Italian options:

  • Seafood pasta and risotto (verify no wine)
  • Margherita pizza (check dough ingredients)
  • Fresh fish at coastal restaurants
  • Vegetarian dishes (cacio e pepe, aglio e olio)
  • Most gelato is halal

Is Italian Food Halal?

Traditional Italian food presents challenges:

Generally safe:

  • Seafood (abundant and delicious)
  • Vegetarian pasta dishes
  • Pizza Margherita (cheese and tomato)
  • Fresh bread and olive oil
  • Most gelato and desserts

Avoid:

  • Carbonara (contains guanciale/pork)
  • Amatriciana (contains guanciale/pork)
  • Prosciutto, pancetta, and cured meats
  • Dishes cooked with wine (many traditional recipes)
  • Tiramisu (contains alcohol)
  • Meat dishes unless verified halal

Tips: Always ask “Senza maiale?” (without pork) and “Senza alcol?” (without alcohol).

Top Muslim-Friendly Destinations

Rome

Italy’s capital with excellent Muslim infrastructure:

  • Rome Grand Mosque: Europe’s largest mosque, stunning architecture
  • Vatican City: Non-religious art appreciation (St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel)
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum: Ancient history
  • Esquilino district: Best halal food area

Florence

Renaissance art capital:

  • Uffizi Gallery: World-class art collection
  • Duomo: Architectural masterpiece
  • Halal restaurants: Near train station area

Venice

Unique canal city:

  • St. Mark’s Square: Iconic piazza
  • Grand Canal: Water bus rides
  • Limited halal: Plan meals carefully

Sicily

Islamic heritage island:

  • Palermo: Arab-Norman architecture
  • Historical mosques: Now churches but Islamic heritage visible
  • Fresh seafood: Excellent halal option

What Is the Largest Mosque in Italy?

Rome Grand Mosque (Moschea di Roma) is Europe’s largest mosque:

  • Opened in 1995
  • Designed by architect Paolo Portoghesi with Islamic elements
  • Accommodates 12,000 worshippers
  • Beautiful gardens and courtyard
  • Islamic cultural center attached
  • Located in Parioli neighborhood

Other mosques: Milan, Turin, Florence, and other cities have smaller mosques serving local communities.

Is Italy Safe for Muslims?

Italy is generally safe for Muslim travelers:

  • Low violent crime rates
  • Tourist areas well-policed
  • Italians generally welcoming to visitors
  • Women wearing hijab may attract some attention but rarely hostility

Some political discourse around immigration exists, but tourists are treated as guests. Standard urban precautions apply.

Practical Tips for Muslim Travelers

  1. Seafood is your friend: Italy has excellent fish and seafood
  2. Rome Grand Mosque: Visit Europe’s largest mosque
  3. Esquilino in Rome: Best area for halal food
  4. Learn key Italian: “Senza maiale” (no pork), “È halal?” (Is it halal?)
  5. Book halal hotels: Some offer halal breakfast options
  6. Sicily’s heritage: Explore Arab-Norman architecture
  7. Coffee culture: Italian espresso is halal
  8. Gelato: Most is halal—enjoy Italy’s famous ice cream