Italy has long been at the centre of Western civilization, with its ancient history dating back to the Etruscans, the Greeks, and later the Romans, who established Italy as the home of art, innovation, education, and cuisine that it still is today. Rome, founded in 753 BC, became the heart of one of the world's most powerful and influential empires, spanning much of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Roman Empire has shaped law, politics, engineering, and culture all across the world and its influence is still felt keenly in Italy today, making it the ideal place to live for all those searching for greatness, whether it be in art, cooking, fashion, intellect, or industry.
In the modern age, Italy has become known for its lifestyle, shaped by a strong sense of community, family, and love of good food, often expressed as “La Dolce Vita,” or, “the sweet life.” Italians value a balance between work and relaxation, with mealtimes often lasting hours so family and friends can connect and wind down over fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The country is also a leader in global fashion and art, and cities like Rome and Milan serve as highly sought-after international hubs, drawing brilliant minds from all over the world. If you are looking to find a place in Italy’s rich history and cultural fabric, below is a list of the best places to buy in Italy. Read on to find your new foothold in the centre of the world.
Rome
This gorgeous three-thousand-year-old city has so much more to offer than what can be summed up here, but among its many appealing features are its archaeological sites, its Renaissance buildings and palazzos, its art galleries, the Vatican, and its many narrow and romantic roads overflowing with divine restaurants, artisanal shops, and quaint cafés serving excellent espresso. There is plenty on offer in the city in terms of real estate. Still, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty lists some of the most outstanding properties on the market, whether you are looking for a villa with a garden or an inner city apartment.
Milan
Milan is the industrial hub of Italy and attracts many business people, artists, and designers every year, as well as tourists. Milan is known for its fashion district with many boutiques, and its historic centre full of palaces and mediaeval architecture. Milan offers rich real estate, from contemporary skyscraper apartments to cutting-edge urban living and beyond. The city is the perfect place for those who travel for business and for those who are keen to keep a finger on the pulse of fashion and the arts.
Portofino
Located on the Ligurian Sea, this absolutely charming town is nestled in verdant green hills and features colourful houses overlooking the brilliant blue bay. The town itself is a maze of cobbled streets, tantalising eateries, and luxury boutiques. The bustling township has the very best of luxury city life in a pocket-sized and truly gorgeous seaside setting. Property in Portofino is not abundant, but what is on offer is beyond stunning and comes with access to all the charms of the area, like luxury yachting, fishing, and swimming.
Lake Como
This sublime part of Italy has been attracting artists and writers for many years, including Alessandro Manzoni, Alfred Hitchcock, and Gianni Versace. The town is located near Switzerland and is set against a stunning alpine backdrop. The lake is well known for its nature trails, it is a popular place to escape to in the summer and take advantage of all the landscape has to offer. The town itself is picturesque and quaint, home to luxury lakeside villas where the lucky occupants get to delve into the quintessentially Italian “Dolce Vita” ambience.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular areas in Italy, with its azure waters, steep hillsides, deep gorges, and winding coastal roads. A short distance from Naples, this stretch of coastline is dotted with perfect little townships, striking rock formations, and brilliant flora covering the hills. Towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are internationally renowned for their beauty and exquisite fresh seafood, luxury seaside activities, and stunning views. Villas in the area are unmatched for seaside views.
Naples
For those seeking more of a coastal city vibe, Naples is the answer. A city of food, theatre, and historical intrigue, Naples is located near Mount Vesuvius and the infamous Pompei, and it is home to several gorgeous churches and basilicas, most notably the Cathedral of Naples, and the Basilica of Santa Chiara. The city hosts the oldest still active opera house in Europe, the Tiatro di San Carlo, which was founded in 1737. Naples is famous for its iconic architecture, and while new properties could easily be viewed with a more minimalist lens, the terracotta roofs and stucco walls still speak to a fine tradition of house building that holds history in its heart. Owning a part of the next chapter in this city’s wonderful story can prove to be very tempting indeed.
Italy has the perfect track record when it comes to sustaining wonderful cultural and business attractions. This means that considering a purchase in this wonderful Mediterranean country can easily be combined with a startup endeavour or the growth of an existing business. With everything that Italy offers, you certainly won’t need many excuses to spend a lot more time there too.
