Lazio

01 / Lazio

Introduction

Lazio is my second home in Italy—a region I know not only through visits, but through the years I spent living in Rome.

Of course, Rome is its magnificent heart: a city where ancient history, art and everyday life exist side by side. But Lazio has so much more to discover beyond the capital.

One place that has stayed in my memory is Civita di Bagnoregio, near Viterbo. I first visited it around 35 years ago and still remember crossing the long pedestrian bridge to reach the ancient village, perched dramatically above the surrounding valley. No cars, just the walk towards this extraordinary little place—it was incredibly picturesque and felt almost suspended in time.

Then there are the volcanic lakes and hill towns of the Castelli Romani, the landscapes and traditions of Tuscia, and elegant coastal towns such as Sperlonga.

Lazio is a region of remarkable contrasts: lively city streets and peaceful countryside, archaeological treasures and medieval villages, wooded hills, lakes and the Tyrrhenian coast.

For someone considering a life or property in Lazio, the possibilities are wonderfully varied—from the energy and international connections of Rome to a quieter life in a historic town, beside a lake or near the sea.

Lazio reminds us that sometimes the best discoveries begin just beyond the place everyone already knows.

02 / Lazio

Food & lifestyle

When people think of Lazio, they naturally think of Rome. But the region’s character extends far beyond the capital, from the hill towns of the Castelli Romani to volcanic lakes, rural countryside and a coastline stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Lazio’s food is direct, generous and deeply connected to everyday life.

Its famous pasta dishes are built from remarkably few ingredients. Carbonara combines eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale and black pepper. Cacio e pepe relies on the balance between pecorino, pepper and pasta water, while amatriciana and gricia celebrate the rich flavour of guanciale.

These dishes may appear simple, but getting them right requires experience and timing—something every Roman cook has an opinion about!

The region also offers carciofi alla romana, slowly cooked with herbs, and the crisp carciofi alla giudia associated with Rome’s historic Jewish community. Other classics include puntarelle, saltimbocca, abbacchio, coda alla vaccinara and porchetta from Ariccia.

Beyond Rome, the cuisine changes with the landscape. Along the coast, seafood becomes more prominent. In the countryside, tables fill with local cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, olive oil and wines from areas such as Frascati and the Castelli Romani.

Food in Lazio is inseparable from social life. A neighbourhood trattoria, a long Sunday lunch, an evening aperitivo in a piazza or a summer meal beside one of the region’s lakes are all part of its rhythm.

Living here can mean having the history, culture and energy of Rome within reach while also enjoying quieter towns, open countryside and the sea.

If you were sitting at a table in Lazio tonight, which would you choose first: carbonara, cacio e pepe or amatriciana?

03 / Lazio

Places & experiences

Lazio is often introduced through Rome—and understandably so—but the region offers far more than its extraordinary capital.

Rome

Few cities allow you to move so naturally between different periods of history. Ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains and lively neighbourhoods all form part of everyday life. Beyond the major monuments, Rome is best experienced slowly: walking through its streets, stopping in a piazza and discovering how each district has its own character.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Built on a dramatic hill of volcanic rock, Civita is approached by a long pedestrian bridge. I visited approximately 35 years ago, and I still remember how picturesque and unusual it felt. Its fragile position and remarkable setting have earned it the nickname “the dying town,” although residents and visitors have helped bring new life to it.

The Castelli Romani

South-east of Rome, the Castelli Romani combine historic hill towns, wooded landscapes and volcanic lakes. Castel Gandolfo overlooks Lake Albano, while towns such as Frascati offer elegant villas, local wine and a gentler rhythm within easy reach of the capital.

Ostia Antica

Once ancient Rome’s port city, Ostia Antica offers remarkably preserved streets, houses, baths, mosaics and public buildings. Walking through it provides a vivid impression of how an ordinary Roman city functioned—not only how emperors and aristocrats lived.

Lazio can offer monumental city life, peaceful lakes, archaeological landscapes and small historic communities within the same region.

04 / Lazio

Everyday life

Illustrative scenes of regional life, created with AI.

When people think of Lazio, they naturally think of Rome. But everyday life in the region changes considerably depending on whether you live in the capital, its suburbs, a commuter town, beside one of the lakes or in a smaller provincial community.

Rome offers employment, universities, hospitals, international connections and an enormous choice of shops, restaurants and cultural activities. It is a genuine year-round city rather than a destination that closes after summer.

But living in Rome also means dealing with traffic, parking, crowded public transport and journeys that can take much longer than the distance suggests. The experience varies enormously between neighbourhoods, so choosing where to live requires an understanding of your daily routine—not simply proximity to the historic centre.

Many residents live outside Rome and travel into the city by regional train or car. This can provide more space and a quieter environment, but reliability, station access and the final part of the commute must all be tested carefully.

Beyond the capital, places such as Viterbo, Rieti, Latina and Frosinone offer smaller-scale provincial life. Local markets, neighbourhood shops and personal relationships remain important, while communities around Lake Bracciano and Lake Bolsena can feel peaceful and very different from Rome.

Some lakeside and coastal locations become much busier in summer and noticeably quieter in winter. In rural areas, a car is often necessary for shopping, healthcare and everyday appointments.

Lazio offers almost every kind of lifestyle: international city life, commuter towns, countryside, lakes, coast and historic villages. The challenge is deciding which version genuinely fits your needs.

05 / Lazio

Property market

Lazio is frequently associated with Rome, but its property market extends from one of Europe’s great capital cities to coastal resorts, commuter towns, lakes, countryside and inexpensive inland villages.

Rome strongly influences the regional market. Even within the capital, prices vary considerably according to neighbourhood, transport connections, building condition, floor, lift access and outdoor space.

Buying in Rome requires close examination of the individual building. Buyers should investigate condominium finances, planned works, previous alterations, occupancy status, noise and any restrictions affecting historic buildings.

Outside Rome, the Castelli Romani and well-connected commuter towns can offer more space and greenery. However, traffic and actual journey times matter as much as distance on a map. A property that appears close to Rome may not provide a practical daily commute.

Lazio’s coast is another market entirely. In places such as Gaeta and Sperlonga, sea views and proximity to the beach can command a premium, but parking, humidity, salt exposure and seasonal demand must be considered.

Inland areas around Frosinone and Rieti can be significantly more affordable. Traditional houses and rural properties may offer considerable space, but lower prices can reflect weaker demand, fewer services and slower resale.

Before buying, consider

• The precise neighbourhood or town—not only the region
• Transport and genuine travelling times
• Condominium records and future expenditure
• Planning and cadastral compliance
• Structural and seismic condition
• Parking, access and lift availability
• Coastal maintenance and seasonal demand
• Services and resale prospects in rural areas

Lazio can offer capital-city life, the coast, lakes or peaceful countryside. The best choice depends on how you intend to use the property—not simply how attractive it appears during a viewing.