There is no denying that the world over, plenty of us assume Italians have been one big happy family, speaking Italian since Roman times and indulging in the same rich food traditions. If you’re a history buff, you’ll know this isn’t quite how Italy came to be (and don’t worry if you don’t – I didn’t know all these facts about Italy until I moved here for the first time way back in 2003…)
In fact, Italy wasn’t even a unified country until the 19th Century! Before then, the Italian peninsula was divided into a number of regions, regions which to this day, give great importance to their unique culture. There are 20 regions in total, each featuring its own distinct landscape, history, food traditions, and identity. So, when it comes to Moving to Italy, how do you decide which region is the best for you?
To help you decide, I’ve decided to share some information about some Italian regions, starting with Lombardy. I have spent most of my time in Lombardy, and it’s one of the regions I suggest for people who are planning on working in Italy. Plus, if you want to experience Italy while still living in a city with an outward, cosmopolitan view of the world, then Milan is quite possibly the place for you!
But first, a brief history of how Italy became Italy!
Italian Unification
Okay, I’m not going to go all the way back to Roman times. That would take far too long! Instead, we’ll start with Italy’s unification. The official date of Italy’s unification is set as March 17, 1861. In reality, the process of unification was spread over several decades, as a number of military campaigns were waged across the Italian peninsula by generals like Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was actually sentenced to death after taking part in a revolutionary uprising in Piedmont, fought across Italy, bringing together Italians from all walks of life in the battle for a unified Italy. He famously freed the Sicilian kingdom from the French alongside 1000 volunteers and helped the Lombards to overthrow the Austrians. Ever since he has been seen as one of Italy’s founding fathers. Almost every Italian city and town have a street named Garibaldi, and one of Milan’s central neighborhoods is named after him.
Since unification was officially declared, Italy has well and truly developed a national identity, but – as I said! – the regions have retained a strong hold on their individual cultures.
Which is why, if you plan to Move to Italy, it’s so important to consider exactly where you are going to live in Italy. Let’s start by visiting Lombardy.
Where to Live in Italy: Lombardy (aka Lombardia)
Location: Northwest
Capital City: Milan
Population: 10.06 million
Unemployment Rate: 4%
Weather: -1°C / 29°C
Lombardy’s Provinces & Geography
Lombardy is one of Italy’s northern regions and is a beautiful mix of mountains to the North, foothills moving to the south, and the Lombard plain to the South. It’s made up of 12 provinces: Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Milano, Monza & Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio, Varese.
A Brief History
Like most of Northern Italy, Lombardy has a turbulent history. This region in Italy’s northwest has been ruled by the Spanish, the French and the Austrians at one stage or another, however it is undeniably an Italian region. The ‘royals’ with the most lasting influence were the Visconti family and the Sforza dukes of Milan. The Visconti family’s ascension to power coincided with the start of construction of the Duomo di Milano, Italy’s largest church. While Lombardy’s fortunes ebbed and flowed with those of Milan, the State is home to so much more than just these incredible historical sites.
What is Lombardy Known For?
Asides from being home to the City of Fashion, Lombardy is famous worldwide for its beautiful lake district, notably Lake Como. Perhaps lesser known is the fact that Lombardy is Italy’s most important industrial and commercial region, with an impressive manufacturing sector centered around Milan. Lombardy is also Italy’s leading agricultural region with rich farmland to the south that produces rice, wheat, corn, fruit, vines, olives and so much more!
Food Specialties
Lombardy’s cuisine revolves heavily around rice, beef, pork, and butter. Possibly their most famous dishes are Risotto alla Milanese (risotto flavored with saffron), and Cottolette (crumbed veal steaks). The region is also famous for its delicious Ossobuco, sweet Panettone, and fresh cheeses like Gorgonzola and Crescenza.
Fun Facts
Lombardy is a surprisingly adventure-rich area, especially in the North which boasts a breathtaking mix of mountains and lakes. You can do everything from paragliding and skydiving to rock-climbing, canyoning, skiing, sailing, and even kitesurfing!
Duomo di Bergamo
Where You Could Live in Lombardy
You’ve probably heard of famous cities in Lombardy like Milan and Como, but Lombardy is home to several beautiful cities you could consider calling home, like Bergamo, Pavia, and Brescia. Bergamo, located an hour from Milan, is rich with art history and located in Lombardy’s rolling foothills. Pavia, towards Lombardy’s South, has a much lower cost of living compared to bigger cities like Milan – you can rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Pavia’s historic center for around €750 a month. On the other hand, Brescia is found in the east and is situated between Iseo and Garda Lakes, making it perfect if you want to live in the city, but still stay close to nature.
If you’re considering moving to Italy, then why not take a moment to check out my Move to Italy Masterclass? Enrollments are currently closed, but you can sign up to be notified when they open up again by clicking on the button below. You never know, you could be living out your Italian dreams sooner than you imagined!
