Dolceacqua, Italy: What to See, History and Local Life

Credit: Expedia

Just a short drive inland from the beaches of the Italian Riviera, Dolceacqua offers a different side of Liguria. Stone houses climb towards a medieval castle, narrow passageways disappear beneath ancient buildings, and an elegant arched bridge crosses the Nervia stream.

This village has attracted travellers and artists for generations, most famously Claude Monet, who visited in 1884. Yet Dolceacqua is more than a picturesque place to photograph. It remains a lively community, shaped by centuries of history, local traditions, food, wine and an active calendar of cultural events.

Where is Dolceacqua?

Dolceacqua lies in the Nervia Valley, in the province of Imperia, Western Liguria, approximately 10 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast.

The village is around 10 kilometres from Ventimiglia, 13 kilometres from Bordighera and 25 kilometres from Sanremo. Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is approximately 50 kilometres away, making Dolceacqua accessible from both the Italian and French Rivieras.

A medieval village shaped by the Doria family

Dolceacqua’s history is closely connected to the powerful Doria family, one of medieval Liguria’s most influential noble families.

The village and castle appear in records dating back to the 12th century. In 1270, Oberto Doria acquired the local feudal territory, beginning a period that would shape the village’s architecture and identity.

Today, Dolceacqua is divided into two neighbourhoods: Terra, the oldest part beneath the castle, and Borgo, which developed across the Nervia stream.

Castello dei Doria

Credit: Wikipedia

Dominating the rooftops, the Doria Castle began as a medieval fortress before developing into a fortified aristocratic residence.

The restored complex now houses historical exhibitions and multimedia installations, offering visitors an insight into the village’s past alongside panoramic views across the Nervia Valley.

Dolceacqua and Monaco: five centuries of shared history

Few visitors realise that Dolceacqua has a remarkable historical connection with the Principality of Monaco.

On 3 November 1523, representatives of Dolceacqua and neighbouring communities pledged allegiance to Bartolomeo Grimaldi in Monaco, following a turbulent period of conflict involving the Doria and Grimaldi families.

Exactly 500 years later, on 3 November 2023, Dolceacqua and Monaco formally signed a twinning agreement, celebrating their historical ties.

The occasion included the donation of an organ from Monaco to Dolceacqua’s Church of San Giorgio and the planting of an olive tree originating from Monaco’s Parc Princesse Antoinette.

This connection offers an unexpected glimpse into the intertwined history of these two Mediterranean communities.

The bridge that fascinated Claude Monet

The Ponte Vecchio is undoubtedly Dolceacqua’s most recognisable landmark.

Its single stone arch, spanning approximately 33 metres, connects the Terra with the Borgo and has inspired generations of artists.

Among them was Claude Monet, who explored the Riviera in 1884 after an earlier journey with Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Monet was particularly struck by the village’s bridge and castle, describing the bridge in his correspondence as a jewel of lightness. His paintings, including Le Château de Dolceacqua, immortalised a scene that remains remarkably familiar today.

In 2019, his work returned temporarily to Dolceacqua for a special exhibition at the Doria Castle, part of the cultural initiative Monet Returns to the Riviera.

Exploring the historic Terra

Credit: Sanremo.it

Crossing the bridge into the Terra reveals a fascinating network of carugi, narrow stone streets connected by staircases and covered passageways.

The route climbs towards the castle, passing small squares, historic doorways and occasional glimpses across the rooftops.

Among the village’s artistic treasures is a 16th-century polyptych by Ludovico Brea, featuring Saint Devota, patron saint of Monaco, preserved in the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate.

Dolceacqua also has a quieter artistic side, with local galleries and the Giovanni Morscio Art Gallery offering further reasons to explore beyond its famous monuments.

Rossese di Dolceacqua and local gastronomy

Credit: Cooperativa Omnia

The landscape surrounding Dolceacqua is characterised by olive groves and terraced vineyards producing Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC, one of Liguria’s most distinctive red wines.

Generally lighter and more elegant than many Italian reds, Rossese is appreciated for its red-fruit character, delicate spice and freshness.

Visiting a local winery is an excellent way to discover this wine and the agricultural traditions of the Nervia Valley. Producers include Terre Bianche, Altavia, Testalonga and the Maixei cooperative.

Local cuisine is equally rooted in the countryside. Traditional specialities include barbagiuai, fried pastry parcels filled with pumpkin and other ingredients, ravioli c’ù pesigu, handmade pasta closed with a characteristic pinch, and coniglio alla ligure, often prepared with Rossese wine and olives.

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Coldirodi, San Remo: Discover a Village Above the Italian Riviera

Credit: Sanremo storia e tradizioni

Just a few kilometres from the beaches and lively streets of San Remo, Coldirodi offers a surprisingly different atmosphere. Situated on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, this small Ligurian village has narrow streets, historic buildings, beautiful coastal views and a strong sense of local identity.

Coldirodi is not a major tourist destination, and that is precisely what makes it interesting. Life here follows a quieter rhythm, shaped by everyday routines, village traditions and a community that has maintained its own character over the centuries.

Whether you are exploring the lesser-known corners of the Italian Riviera or considering a home away from the busy seafront, Coldirodi is worth discovering.

Where Is Coldirodi?

Coldirodi is a historic hamlet of San Remo, situated approximately 254 metres above sea level, on the hills between San Remo and Ospedaletti.

The village is around 5 kilometres from central San Remo by road, while Ospedaletti lies directly below it, on the western side of the hill. Bordighera and the other coastal towns of western Liguria are also within easy reach by car.

This location is one of Coldirodi’s advantages. You can spend the morning by the sea, enjoy lunch in San Remo and return to the quieter atmosphere of a hillside village later in the day.

Coldirodi can be reached by car or by local bus from San Remo, although public transport schedules should be checked in advance.

The village was once known as La Colla and even enjoyed a period as an independent municipality before becoming part of Sanremo in 1956. Despite this administrative change, Coldirodi has retained a distinct identity that is still evident today.

What to See in Coldirodi

The pleasure of visiting Coldirodi begins with a walk through its historic centre.

The village developed along the ridge of the hill, creating a network of narrow streets, small squares and houses closely arranged around the old settlement. As you explore, the buildings occasionally give way to views of the surrounding countryside and the sea beyond.

At the centre of village life is Piazza San Sebastiano, overlooked by the parish church of the same name. The Church of San Sebastiano has origins dating back several centuries and remains an important landmark for the local community.

Piazza San Sebastiano

Rather than rushing through the village, take time to explore its streets and look for the architectural details that characterise traditional Ligurian settlements. Coldirodi is small enough to discover on foot, and its appeal lies as much in the atmosphere as in its individual monuments.

Pinacoteca Rambaldi: Art and History at Villa Luca

Credit: Ministero della Cultura

One of Coldirodi’s most interesting surprises is the Pinacoteca Rambaldi, an art museum housed in the elegant Villa Luca.

The collection originated with Paolo Stefano Rambaldi, a priest and scholar born in Coldirodi in 1803, who left his remarkable collection of artworks and books to his native community.

Today, the museum preserves approximately one hundred paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, alongside a historic library containing more than 5,000 volumes, including rare books and manuscripts.

It is an unexpected cultural attraction for a village of this size and a reminder that Coldirodi has a history extending well beyond its rural character.

Villa Luca is also surrounded by a terraced garden with views towards the coast, making it a particularly pleasant place to visit.

Before planning your visit, check the museum’s current opening times, as access is limited to specific days and hours.

Beautiful Views Between the Sea and the Hills

One of Coldirodi’s most appealing characteristics is its position overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Bay of Ospedaletti

From different points around the village, the views extend towards the Bay of Ospedaletti, San Remo and the green hills that rise behind the coast.

Bay of San Remo

The panorama changes as you move through the village. Some streets open towards the sea, while others look across the countryside, where terraces and Mediterranean vegetation remain characteristic features of the landscape.

The gardens of Villa Luca provide another opportunity to appreciate the setting.

For visitors, these views are part of the pleasure of discovering Coldirodi. For those considering buying a property here, they can also be an important attraction, particularly when a house or apartment benefits from a well-positioned terrace or outdoor space.

Naturally, not every property in Coldirodi has a sea view. Orientation, position and the surrounding buildings all make a difference.

Everyday Life in Coldirodi

What distinguishes Coldirodi from many picturesque villages is that it remains a functioning residential community.

There is a supermarket, a pharmacy, local bars and places to eat, together with a primary school and a lower secondary school. These everyday facilities make the village more practical than its hillside setting might initially suggest.

The pace of life is different from central San Remo. The village square, local businesses and familiar faces are part of the daily routine, particularly outside the summer tourist season.

For a wider choice of shops, restaurants, entertainment and other services, San Remo is only a short drive away. The city offers a lively cultural calendar, excellent sporting opportunities and a wide range of activities throughout the year. You can discover more about living in San Remo in our dedicated article.

This balance between village life and access to a larger coastal town can be particularly appealing to international buyers looking for somewhere to spend extended holidays or several months of the year.

Continue reading Coldirodi, San Remo: Discover a Village Above the Italian Riviera →

Olioliva 2026 à Imperia : quand l’huile d’olive raconte la Riviera ligure

Credit: La mia Liguria

À Imperia, certaines conversations commencent autour d’un verre de vin et se terminent par une discussion passionnée sur l’huile d’olive. Quelle récolte cette année ? Quelle variété ? Quel moulin ? Dans cette partie de la Ligurie, on parle de l’huile avec presque autant d’attention que du vin en France.

Chaque automne, Olioliva donne à cette tradition toute la place qu’elle mérite. Pendant trois jours, les producteurs quittent leurs collines pour faire découvrir aux visiteurs leurs huiles nouvelles, leurs spécialités et un savoir-faire qui a profondément façonné le paysage de la Riviera ligure.

Mais pour comprendre ce qui rend cette fête si particulière, il faut aussi regarder au-delà des étals, vers les oliveraies, les terrasses de pierre sèche et les moulins où commence véritablement l’histoire de l’huile.

Olioliva 2026 : trois jours autour de l’huile nouvelle à Imperia

Du 6 au 8 novembre 2026, Olioliva revient dans le centre historique d’Oneglia, l’un des deux grands quartiers d’Imperia, sur la Riviera italienne.

Cette vingt-sixième édition met à l’honneur l’huile d’olive extra vierge de la nouvelle récolte et les spécialités gastronomiques ligures. Producteurs, dégustations, marchés, ateliers, rencontres et démonstrations culinaires composent le programme général annoncé.

L’intérêt d’Olioliva ne se limite pourtant pas à acheter quelques bouteilles. C’est l’occasion de discuter directement avec ceux qui cultivent les oliviers, de comparer différentes huiles et de comprendre pourquoi deux productions issues de la même variété d’olive peuvent présenter des caractères très différents.

On y découvre également toute une cuisine régionale : focaccia, préparations aux olives Taggiasche, conserves artisanales et spécialités qui mettent en valeur les produits de l’arrière-pays.

Dans les rues d’Oneglia, à quelques pas du port, cette rencontre entre gastronomie et vie locale donne une excellente raison de consacrer un week-end de novembre à Imperia.

Des oliviers qui ont dessiné les collines de Ligurie

Credit: Torre dei Paponi

En quittant le littoral pour les vallées situées derrière Imperia, le paysage change rapidement. Les maisons se font plus rares, les routes deviennent sinueuses et des milliers d’oliviers couvrent les versants.

Beaucoup poussent sur des terrasses soutenues par des murs de pierre sèche, appelées fasce en ligure. Ces terrasses ont permis, génération après génération, de cultiver des terrains trop pentus pour une agriculture ordinaire.

Elles racontent aussi la difficulté du travail. Sur certaines parcelles, les machines passent difficilement, voire pas du tout. La récolte peut nécessiter des filets, des outils portatifs et de nombreuses interventions manuelles.

Ces murs ne servent pas uniquement à retenir les oliviers. Entretenus correctement, ils contribuent aussi à stabiliser les sols et à maîtriser l’écoulement des eaux de pluie. Leur abandon pose donc des questions qui dépassent la seule production agricole.

C’est l’un des aspects les plus intéressants de la culture de l’olive en Ligurie : préserver les oliveraies, c’est aussi prendre soin du paysage.

La Taggiasca, une petite olive au grand caractère

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

La reine des oliveraies du Ponant ligure est la Taggiasca, une variété étroitement associée à cette partie de la région.

Petite, délicate, elle possède une double vocation : elle permet de produire une huile appréciée pour sa finesse et se déguste également comme olive de table.

L’huile issue de la Taggiasca présente souvent un fruité délicat, avec des notes pouvant évoquer l’amande et une amertume généralement mesurée. Mais il n’existe pas un goût unique : le degré de maturité des olives, les conditions de récolte et le travail du moulin influencent le résultat.

Cette finesse explique sa place dans la cuisine locale. Quelques gouttes suffisent à accompagner un poisson, des légumes cuits, une salade de tomates ou simplement une tranche de pain grillé.

Deux indications de qualité méritent d’être distinguées. Riviera Ligure DOP, notamment dans sa mention géographique Riviera dei Fiori, concerne une huile d’olive extra vierge répondant à un cahier des charges précis. Olive Taggiasche Liguri IGP, reconnue au niveau européen en 2025, désigne quant à elle des préparations d’olives de table et non une huile.

Cette différence est utile à connaître lorsqu’on achète directement auprès d’un producteur.

Du fruit au moulin : comment naît une huile d’olive extra vierge ?

On imagine parfois qu’il suffit de presser quelques olives pour obtenir une bonne huile. La réalité est un peu plus subtile, et la visite d’un moulin, appelé frantoio en italien, permet de la comprendre.

Tout commence par la récolte. Selon la pente du terrain et l’équipement disponible, les olives sont recueillies dans des filets à l’aide de peignes, de secoueurs ou de méthodes manuelles. L’objectif est de récolter des fruits sains et de les acheminer rapidement au moulin.

Première étape : nettoyer et broyer les olives

À leur arrivée, les olives sont débarrassées des feuilles et des petites branches, puis lavées.

Vient ensuite le broyage. Contrairement à ce que l’on pourrait penser, l’olive est généralement broyée avec son noyau. On obtient ainsi une pâte composée de pulpe, de fragments de noyaux, d’eau végétale et de minuscules gouttelettes d’huile.

Dans les moulins traditionnels, cette opération était réalisée à l’aide de grandes meules de pierre. On peut encore admirer ces équipements dans certains anciens frantoi, témoins d’une époque où le travail demandait beaucoup de temps et de manutention.

Deuxième étape : permettre à l’huile de se rassembler

La pâte passe ensuite par une opération appelée malaxage, ou gramolatura en italien.

Elle est brassée lentement afin que les petites gouttes d’huile puissent se réunir. Le temps et la température sont surveillés attentivement : ces paramètres influencent le rendement et la qualité du produit.

Continue reading Olioliva 2026 à Imperia : quand l’huile d’olive raconte la Riviera ligure →

Triora: witches, witch trials and Halloween in the Italian Riviera

Credit: Liguria.info

Mention the Italian Riviera and most travellers picture the Mediterranean: colourful coastal towns, palm lined promenades, beaches and small harbours.

Less than an hour inland, Liguria tells a very different story.

High above the coast, surrounded by forests and mountains, Triora is a medieval village of stone houses and narrow passageways that has become known throughout Italy as the “village of witches”.

This reputation is not simply a modern Halloween invention. It originates in a series of witch trials that began here in 1587 and left such a mark on the village that, more than four centuries later, they remain part of Triora’s cultural identity.

That makes Halloween here rather different from Halloween almost anywhere else in Italy.

From the Mediterranean to the mountains

Triora sits at around 780 metres above sea level in the upper Argentina Valley, in the Province of Imperia in western Liguria.

The journey itself is part of the experience. Leaving the coast near Arma di Taggia, the road follows the valley northwards as Mediterranean vegetation gradually gives way to wooded slopes and mountain scenery.

Triora appears above the valley as a compact medieval settlement of stone buildings, arches, covered alleys and small squares.

It is an excellent reminder of something international visitors sometimes overlook: the Italian Riviera is not just a narrow strip of coastline. Behind Sanremo and the seaside towns lies an extensive hinterland of valleys and historic villages with their own architecture, food and traditions.

Triora is one of its most distinctive examples.

The real story behind the “village of witches”

Credit: Imperia tv

The story begins in 1587, during a severe famine.

In a society where religious belief, superstition and fear of supernatural forces were closely intertwined, suspicion began to fall on local women who were accused of causing crop failures and other misfortunes through witchcraft.

Around twenty people were imprisoned as investigations began. Interrogations involved torture and at least two women died during the proceedings.

One was Isotta Stella, whose death following torture is documented in the historical records.

The severity of the investigation eventually became controversial even at the time. In January 1588, Triora’s local authorities wrote to the government of the Republic of Genoa to complain about the methods being used and to question accusations extracted under torture.

Another name to survive in the records is Franchetta Borelli, who continued to deny being a witch despite being subjected to severe interrogation.

The surviving documents are important because they separate the historical Triora witch trials from the legends that developed around them. Records of arrests, accusations and torture exist. Stories of witches gathering secretly at night belong largely to local folklore.

The original trial documents are preserved in the State Archives of Genoa, while copies and historical material can be seen in Triora.

The Cabotina: history or legend?

Credit: Trioradascoprire

Located just outside the historic centre, this small stone structure has traditionally been described as a meeting place for local witches.

There is no documentary evidence that such gatherings actually took place there.

No visit to Triora’s witch story is complete without the Cabotina.

That distinction is part of what makes Triora interesting. The village does not offer a single neat story. Historical evidence and centuries of folklore coexist, sometimes becoming difficult to separate.

Today the Cabotina is both a symbol of that tradition and a panoramic point overlooking the Argentina Valley.

Understanding Triora beyond the legends

The best place to put the witch trials into context is the Museum of Triora, dedicated to local history, rural culture, ethnography and witchcraft.

Rather than treating the events purely as a horror story, the museum helps visitors understand the society in which the accusations took place.

The everyday life of a sixteenth century mountain community, its beliefs and fears provide a far more interesting background to the trials than the familiar modern image of witches with broomsticks and pointed hats.

Over time, however, Triora has also embraced the identity that history gave it.

References to witches can now be found throughout the village, from local crafts to cultural events. Rather than disappearing into an archive, the events of the sixteenth century have become one of the ways in which this remote Ligurian community tells its story to contemporary visitors.

Halloween in Triora 2026

Credit: Viaggiare da soli

It is therefore easy to understand why Halloween in Triora feels unusually appropriate.

For 2026, the Municipality of Triora has announced a three day programme running from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November, with the main celebrations taking place on Halloween itself.

The historic centre becomes the setting for performances, music and events connected with folklore and horror culture.

Some parts of the programme draw directly on Triora’s identity. There are talks exploring witchcraft and folklore, events at the Civic Museum and activities throughout the medieval centre.

After dark, the mood becomes more theatrical, with Krampus figures moving through the village, performances at the Castle, fire shows, video mapping and vertical dance.

Celebrations continue on Sunday with a programme that also includes activities for families.

Yet the most interesting part of Halloween in Triora may be the setting itself.

Between events, visitors can disappear into covered medieval passageways, walk to the Cabotina, visit the museum or simply look across the darkening mountains of the Argentina Valley.

Unlike many Halloween events created around an artificial theme, Triora already has the history, architecture and landscape.

A different Italian Riviera

Triora is worth discovering even if Halloween is not the reason for your visit.

It shows just how dramatically Liguria can change within a relatively short distance.

On the coast are Sanremo, Bordighera, Ospedaletti and the Mediterranean. Inland are chestnut woods, mountain roads and villages where stone houses have stood for centuries.

For international visitors familiar with the Côte d’Azur or the Italian Riviera, this proximity can be surprising. The coastline and the Alps are not separate destinations here. They belong to the same geography.

It also explains why some people who discover western Liguria eventually begin looking beyond the seaside when considering a home in Italy.

Living in a medieval Ligurian village

A different way to experience Liguria

Triora reveals a side of Liguria that feels very different from the coast: stone houses, mountain landscapes, forests and the slower rhythm of a historic village.

For those who visit and find themselves wondering what it might be like to spend more time here, LiguriaHomes Casamare & Hamptons currently has a property for sale in the historic centre of Triora.

Discover the stone house for sale in Triora, Ref. 7T07

How Much Can You Negotiate Off the Asking Price of a Property in Italy?

One of the first questions international buyers ask when they find the right home in Italy is: how much should I offer below the asking price?

The short answer is that property prices in Italy are often negotiable, but there is no standard discount.

Offering 10% less simply because you are buying in Italy is not a negotiation strategy. On one property, a 10% reduction may be perfectly reasonable. On another, even 5% may be unrealistic. And for a correctly priced property in a competitive location, the asking price itself may be the right price.

The key is understanding the difference between the asking price and the actual market value of that particular property.

Is it normal to negotiate property prices in Italy?

Yes. Negotiation is a normal part of many Italian property transactions.

However, this does not mean that every seller deliberately adds a large negotiating margin to the asking price.

A professionally valued property may already be positioned very close to its expected selling price. Another property may have been placed on the market at an optimistic price and therefore leave considerably more room for negotiation.

This is why applying the same percentage to every property rarely works.

The better question is not:

“How much can I get off the asking price?”

It is:

“What is this property realistically worth in today’s market?”

Is offering 10% below the asking price reasonable?

Sometimes. But 10% should never be treated as an automatic starting point.

Consider a property offered at €600.000.

An offer of €570.000 might be taken seriously if the property is correctly priced and has recently come onto the market. An offer of €540.000 might make sense if there is evidence that the asking price is too high, the property requires substantial work or it has been available for a long period.

On the other hand, if the €600.000 property is unusual, well priced and attracting several interested buyers, offering €540.000 simply because “buyers negotiate in Italy” could mean losing the property altogether.

The percentage tells you very little without the context behind it.

Recent data from the Bank of Italy supports this more cautious approach: in the second quarter of 2026, average discounts on asking prices remained broadly stable at their lowest levels since the survey began. This is another reason why applying a standard discount percentage to every property can be misleading.

Continue reading How Much Can You Negotiate Off the Asking Price of a Property in Italy? →

Buying Property in Italy and Inheritance Tax: a Guide for International Buyers

Buying a home in Italy is often a lifestyle decision, but for many international families it is also a long-term estate planning decision. Understanding how inheritance tax works in Italy can therefore be useful before purchasing a second home or family property.

Italy is often seen as a complex country from a tax point of view. However, when it comes to inheritance tax for spouses and children, the Italian system can be more favourable than many international buyers expect.

This article explains the main inheritance tax rules in Italy, how they compare with other European countries, and which additional taxes may apply when inheriting Italian real estate.

For a broader overview of the purchase process, you can also read our guide to Buying in Italy.


How Italian inheritance tax works for spouses and children

In Italy, inheritance tax depends on the relationship between the deceased person and the heir. For transfers in favour of a spouse or direct relatives, such as children, parents or grandchildren, the inheritance tax rate is 4%. However, each beneficiary has a personal allowance of Euro 1.000.000.

This means that if a parent leaves assets worth up to Euro 1.000.000 to one child, no Italian inheritance tax is due on that transfer. The 4% tax applies only to the amount exceeding that threshold.

For example, if a child inherits Euro 1.200.000 from one parent, the taxable amount would generally be Euro 200.000, with inheritance tax calculated at 4% on that excess amount.


Italy compared with other European countries

A 2023 analysis by OCPI, the Observatory on Italian Public Accounts, compared inheritance tax in several European countries using a simple example: Euro 1.000.000 left by one parent to one child.

The estimated inheritance tax was:

  • Italy: Euro 0
  • Germany: Euro 75.000
  • France: Euro 213.000
  • United Kingdom: Euro 249.200
  • Spain: Euro 266.934

This comparison does not mean that Italy has no inheritance tax in every situation. It means that, in this specific example, the Italian allowance for direct heirs is high enough to avoid inheritance tax completely.

For international buyers purchasing a second home or family property in Italy, this is an important point to understand.


Why this matters for UK, Irish and Scandinavian buyers

For UK buyers, inheritance tax is often a key planning issue. In the United Kingdom, inheritance tax is generally charged at 40% on the part of the estate above the available tax-free threshold, although allowances and reliefs may apply.

For Irish buyers, the Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax system should also be considered. Gifts and inheritances received by children from parents benefit from a specific threshold, but tax may apply above that amount.

Scandinavian buyers have different starting points. Sweden and Norway do not currently have inheritance tax, while Denmark still applies estate taxation in certain cases.

This is why each buyer’s country of residence and personal situation matter. A property located in Italy will require Italian succession formalities, but the buyer’s home country rules may also be relevant.

International buyers should also consider the tax rules of their country of residence, as cross-border inheritance situations may involve more than one jurisdiction.


Inheriting property in Italy: other taxes to consider

A common misunderstanding is to think that if no Italian inheritance tax is due, there are no costs at all. That is not correct.

When an estate includes Italian real estate, other property-related taxes are normally due, even if inheritance tax itself is not payable because of the Euro 1.000.000 allowance.

The main taxes are:

  • Imposta ipotecaria, mortgage tax, generally 2% of the cadastral value of the property.
  • Imposta catastale, cadastral tax, generally 1% of the cadastral value of the property.

These taxes are connected to the transfer and registration of the property in the Italian land and cadastral registers.

If the heir qualifies for Italian “prima casa” benefits, these taxes may be reduced to fixed amounts, generally Euro 200 each. This must always be verified with a notary or qualified tax adviser.

There may also be administrative charges, stamp duties and professional fees connected to the succession declaration.

Continue reading Buying Property in Italy and Inheritance Tax: a Guide for International Buyers →

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