Welcome to Italy

Italy is a country of dramatic contrasts. From the bustling cities of the North, rich in artistry and history to the sweeping mountains of the Italian Lakes to the rustic, timeless beauty of Calabria, Italy is a sometimes quixotic mix of sights and sounds, beauty and brutality. When a traveller is tired of Italy, he is truly tired of travel. If you're thinking of moving to Italy, allow us to introduce the country and its people.

History

Almost unmatched in the splendour of its history - even among its storied European rivals - everywhere you look you will see reminders of both its sometimes bloody past and the prosperous modern country it has become.

From the still-bustling Victorian galleries of Milan, to the mute ruins of Imperial Rome... from the scenes of religious wars past, to soaring triumphs of architecture and art, a lifetime could be spent here barely scratching the surface.

Culture and Style

Italian design has become a byword for high taste. From orange squeezers to fashion, city cars to architecture and iconic graphic design, Italian life has a publicly visual flair that few other countries can offer.

Whether it is their passionate embrace of football, opera, fashion or photography, Italians are dedicated to the aesthetics of life and this runs like a rich seam through all the regions.

The Food

Italian food is so much part of our daily lives that it is almost a cliché. Italians don't just sit down to eat - meals are a time of camaraderie and shared appreciation for excellent food.

Each region has its specialities and you'll find the cuisine to be seasonal. Simple dressings of olive oil and herbs make way for spices further south, but throughout the whole country the fresh ingredients shine through. From handmade pasta to cured meats and cheese, so many dishes we think of as speciality are eaten here every day.

The People

Italians are a passionate, proud race with an appreciation for the good things in life. City folk are worldly and cosmopolitan, and the bustle of Italy's commercial centres has a certain flair you won't find anywhere else.

Country folk enjoy a slower pace of life, and for the traveller in need of relaxation Italy provides a step back in time to simpler days. From limoncello sellers to oyster fishermen, many Italian villagers pursue traditional arts and are pleased to share the small joys of life with an interested visitor.

The Climate

The climate of Italy is as varied as its history and culture - from the Mediterranean heat of Venice in summer to the cold, wild and snowy valleys of the Alps. Whether you're seeking adventure or just want to bask in the sun, Italy offers a spectrum of weather to match the changing moods of the landscape.

Experiencing the stunning backdrops of city and sea, mountains and meadows in all their seasonal finery is one of the most enjoyable aspects of moving to Italy.