In every country, there are different architectural designs based on their way of living, local resources, climate, environment and etc. It is what makes them unique and stand out from the others. Italy has a very wide range of architectural designs.
The first people who led the designs in Italy are the Greeks and Etruscans. They started with wood and brick however, we rarely see this design nowadays. The Greeks on the other hand influenced the architectural design of Italy with bulky stones and marble pillars. We know that from the many world-renowned landmarks in Italy.
How about the smaller architectures of Italy?
When visiting a new place and you’re sitting in the car, the bus, or whatever mode of transportation you’re taking, do you also enjoy watching outside the window? Especially when you’re going through a town with so much history, it makes you get to know the personality of the place.
Let me show you the different personalities of the different towns in Italy through their houses.
Trastevere
Its name translates to “beyond the Tiber” which is the third longest river in Central Italy. In 753 BC, this land used to belong to the hostile Etruscans. The Romans successfully conquered it to have access on both river banks but were not interested to build on the land. In 509 BC, the are became populated with settlers which are mainly sailors and fishermen and started constructing the town.
Fast forward to what you currently see in the town of Trastevere…
The apartments in this town have a beautiful quirk to it. Even with slightly worn-out buildings, the attractiveness and charm still remain. Enjoy strolling around while marveling at the beauty of the luscious plants, cobblestones and the narrow labyrinth-like streets.
Firenze
We know this better as Florence, the capital of Tuscany, where Renaissance in Italy started. Pictured below is the Palazzo Capponi. Pallazo is one of the most iconic house styles in Italy. Many palazzi still have original features, like frescoes, ceiling paintings, engraving, etc.
Renaissance afficionados can enjoy this picture-perfect residence because it is now a bed and breakfast. It is filled with the Capponi family art collection with works from Jacopo Pontormo and Andrea del Sarto. Its garden? Walking on it will make you feel like you’re in a movie or a TV commercial.
Apulia
Apulia has the longest coastline in the Southern Peninsular Region. The climate in Apulia is one of the hottest and driest in the summers that could go up to 40°C while the coastal areas are frequently exposed to erratic winds and rains. The design of their houses makes it resilient to extreme weather conditions.
Personally, a Trullo is the most interesting type of Italian home for me. The roof is especially intriguing with a tower-like structure. Its roof has a double set of layers to keep it water-tight and a dry-stone construction of the house. It’s truly a unique Italian home.
Lecce
Villas are the most attractive rental homes to foreigner expats. It is because they have privacy as a villa stands alone usually surrounded with lush trees and grass. It is also an escape from the city life. Traditionally, only the wealthy and members of the upper-class society stay in a villa.
Worldwide, villas are the top pick when going on a vacation. Aside from the privacy you get, you have your own pool in the backyard. The typical design of villas is spacious with tall and arched windows.
Turin
This city, the capital of Piedmont, used to be a major European political center. It is dubbed as the craddle of Italian liberty” because it is the home notable individuals responsible for consolidating different states of the Italian Peninsula into a single state which is now known as the Kingdom of Italy.
The classic Italian city is dense and walkable. It is filled with charming pastel-colored flats which many are over a century old. The narrow streets and overlooking bustling squares are part of the city apartment life. The thin streets make the buildings close to each other which give the pedestrians shade and keep things cool and comfortable.
It’s fascinating how very different each type of house is with another. Every region has a different style of house fit for its needs. What about you? Do you know what type of house to rent for your future visit in Italy? What do you think will fit your personality? Or maybe you are moving to Italy for good and you’re looking for a house, can’t wait to hear you say “Casa Dolce Casa!”