Italy is politically divided into 20 regions (regioni), each with its own government. This complex political system with multiple layers of government is reflecting a decentralized approach to governance.

 

The regions are further subdivided into a total of 90 provinces (province) and 15 metropolitan cities (città metropolitane). Provinces and metropolitan cities are in turn divided into a total of 7,904 municipalities (comuni).

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The Italian regions have a regional constitution, known as a Statute.

Five regions have a special statute (statuto speciale), which grants them a varying degree of autonomy; these are Sicily, Sardinia, Venetia, Trentino and Aosta Valley.

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Due to regional autonomy, real estate laws can vary from region to region.

This means that property transactions, ownership rights, and regulations may differ depending on the specific region.

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Regional governments have the power to impose local taxes and fees on real estate transactions, which can impact the overall cost of buying or selling property. 

 

Italy's 20 Regions: A North, Central, and South Breakdown

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North Italy

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Aosta Valley: Mountainous region in the Alps. (autonomous)

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Piedmont: Home to the Langhe wine region and the city of Turin.

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Liguria: Known for its stunning coastline, including the Italian Riviera.

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Lombardia: The economic powerhouse of Italy, including Milan.

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Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: A bilingual region with both Italian and German influences. (autonomous)

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Veneto: Home to Venice, Verona, and the Dolomites.

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Friuli-Venezia Giulia: A region bordering Slovenia and Austria. (autonomous)

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Emilia-Romagna: Known for its cuisine, including Bologna and Parma.

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Central Italy

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Toscana: The heart of the Renaissance, with cities like Florence and Siena.

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Umbria: A hilly region with beautiful towns like Perugia and Assisi.

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Marche: A coastal region with stunning beaches and historic towns.

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Lazio: Home to Rome, the capital and "Eternal City".

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Abruzzo: A mountainous region with national parks and medieval villages.

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South Italy

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Molise: A small region with beautiful countryside and historic towns.

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Campania: Home to Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast.

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Puglia: A region with stunning beaches, ancient towns, and delicious cuisine.

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Basilicata: A region with beautiful landscapes, including the Matera Sassi.

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Calabria: The "toe" of the Italian boot, with its rugged coastline and ancient traditions.

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Sicilia: The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with diverse landscapes and rich history. (autonomous)

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Sardegna: Large island, known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and archaeological sites. (autonomous)

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​While Abruzzo and Molise are geographically located in central Italy, they are often culturally and historically associated with southern Italy. In fact, both regions were part of the Kingdom of Sicily in the 19th century.​​