The beautiful Italian Riviera

The term Italian Riviera usually refers to the Italian coastline area near the border with France, in Liguria. This coastline is extremely beautiful due to the amazing combination of clear blue waters, soft sands, perfect weather, and a great amount of entertainments available at the area.

The Italian Riviera offers amazing beaches in which visitors can enjoy a relaxing sunbath as well as swim in crystalline waters. These area's beaches are a perfect place for those who love beaches to visit at almost any time of the year, since the climate and its temperatures are very homogeneous most of the time.

One of the main areas of he Italian Riviera is the Riviera Dei Fiori. The Riviera Dei Fiori or Riviera of Flowers goes from Cervo to Ventimiglia in the west, and is the spot of the Italian Riviera which is closest to France. This area offers several hotels, resorts and entertainment areas for tourists to choose as well as typical Italian Riviera’s beautiful beaches.

Another very visited Italian Riviera's spot is the area known as Riviera Delle Palme. Riviera Delle Palme is the Italian Riviera area located at the central section of the Ligurian coastline. This area has a historic beach resort called Alassio among many other great spots, such as Finale Liguria, and amazing beaches. Visitors who go to Riviera Delle Palme could also choose among many options related to their entertainment such as casinos, discos, bars, and spectacle centers among others.

There are several ways in which to access the area of the Italian Riviera. One of the easiest ways to access it is by train since there is a major train line which goes all the way through the coastline. This railway line allows tourists to travel from Naples, Florence, Milan, Rome, Genoa or other cities to the Italian Riviera's coastline, as well as allows them to enjoy its beauty from the point it begins to where it ends. Besides this, visitors who go to the Italian Riviera can also travel to France and arrive to cities such as Monaco or Cannes within the same railway line.

Ya Mule! - Backpacking In Siena, Italy

Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.

Siena

Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?

As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.

The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and you'll never scoff at a moped again.

Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.

After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and "this sucks" attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.

Just as I was giving in...a wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!

After composing myself...err, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.

I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small café selling Mexican beer. Being from San Diego, this was nirvana. My inner mule was quickly appeased and the hill of death forgotten.

Reflecting on my climb from a historical perspective, I learned a good lesson. It is far better to be behind the wall than trying to attack it!

10 Simple Steps to Buying Property in Italy

In 2009, Britain’s prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors singled out Italy as one of the best places to invest in real estate because its property market, not undermined by cheap credit, has avoided the boom and bust seen elsewhere in Europe and the US.

To quote international realtors Knight Frank: "Historically, property prices in Italy have always held." In stark contrast, average prices in the US fell a record 18.2% in the year to November 2008, with Las Vegas values plunging by nearly 40%, according to the 20-city Case-Shiller index.

Italian tax changes have brought down the costs of buying a property in Italy by up to 15%. Also considering Italy’s historic allure, it makes this an opportune period in which to invest in Italian property. However, as with any real estate purchase, there are straightforward measures you can take to ensure everything goes to plan.

1) GET TO KNOW ITALY
Most overseas investors still flock in their droves to pricy Tuscany. Instead, try other regions such as Puglia, Sicily and Calabria, all with spectacular beaches and landscapes but far cheaper than Tuscany. Before taking the plunge, spend a weekend in a couple of areas to get a feel for them and find out how close train stations, stores, restaurants, etc are.

2) FIND A GOOD REALTOR
This is one occasion to be grateful for Italian red tape. All realtors must be professionally licensed and qualified, insured and registered at a Chambers of Commerce. Check their website and letterheads to ensure they belong to one of the following respected organizations: FIAIP (Federation of Professional Estate Agents), FIMAA (Federation of Mediators and Agents) or AICI (Italian Association of Estate Agents).

3) BE REALISTIC
It’s possible to pick up a stunning property for Euro 250,000. But not if it’s advertised at Euro 500,000. Italian property prices have not gone into the freefall seen in some other countries, so expect discounts of no more than around 10%.

4) KNOW WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Frances Mayes’ bestseller Under The Tuscan Sun inspired a generation of UK and US investors to try renovating an Italian countryside ruin. If doing so, it’s vital to be aware of the time, effort and money involved – up to Euro 1,000-1,500 per sq m for a complete restoration. Other common mistakes involve taking on property with far more bedrooms, outside land and facilities than you strictly need. Swimming pools and vineyards require regular upkeep.

5) KNOW THE BUYING PROCESS
Once buyer and seller agree a price, the buyer makes an offer with a deposit of around 5%. If the buyer’s surveyor and/or lawyer give the go-ahead, both parties then sign a sales contract (compromesso) and agree a timetable. The buyer puts down a second downpayment, taking his total deposit to around 30%. Pulling out at this stage carries severe financial penalties for both sides.

The final stage sees both sides sign a final contract (rogito) in front of a notary. At this stage the buyer settles in full with the seller, usually via an Italian bank draft. He will therefore need to have a fiscal code from local tax authorities, permitting him to apply for a bank account.

6) GET A LAWYER
For most buyers the Italian legal process will completely unfamiliar, so hire an independent bilingual lawyer with expertise in the Italian real estate sector. At all costs avoid signing documents on your own without knowing what you are committing yourself to.
Another consideration: any unpaid mortgages and loans or third-party claims on the house? Plans for a new highway just 400 yards away? Was the property built with complete planning permission (a problem in parts of Italy but of vital importance when you want to sell). All are vital background checks your lawyer will perform.

7) BUDGET FOR EXTRA COSTS
Purchasing a previously inhabited home will typically mean an extra 7-10% in fees and taxes, rising to 12-15% for new-build properties.
For previously inhabited homes, 3% of "cadastral value" is payable if the buyer becomes an official Italian resident with 18 months, otherwise it rises to 10%. Cadastral value is decided by the Land Registry and depends on factors such as location, floor space, number of rooms, etc. It is usually less than half the purchase price.
For new-builds, 4% VAT is payable if the residency is obtained within 18 months, otherwise a 10% rate if incurred. Other additional costs may include to Euro 2,000-5,000 for a notary,
Euro 500-1,500 for a surveyor, Euro 150-200 per hour for a solicitor and 3% of the purchase price to the estate agent.

8) USE A FOREIGN CURRENCY SPECIALIST
Over the course of 2009, the Sterling-Euro exchange rate veered between a high of £1/Euro 1.185 and a low of £1/1.059 over the course of 2009. Therefore, a Euro 750,000 home would have cost a UK-based buyer £77,250 more at the bottom of the market compared to its peak. Hence, the importance of using a specialist currency exchange firm, who can set rates for future transactions and guard against currency changes. They also offer much better rates than a bank that can add up to a £30,000 difference on a £750,000 transaction.

9) CONSIDER RENTAL POTENTIAL
Letting out your Italian property is an obvious way to fund your investment. But make sure you are within easy reach of transport hubs. If targeting the non-Italian market, aim for a maximum 60-90 minutes from the nearest airport. If buying in a large town or city, ensure buses and trains are within easy reach. Properties near the coast will have excellent rental potential and will maintain their value because of stringent restrictions on new building in these areas.

10) SPEAK SOME ITALIAN
Try to master some basic Italian phrases, even if you only plan on being in the country for a few weeks each year, as it will help you to assimilate yourself in your local community. Unlike say, the Netherlands or parts of Scandinavia, don’t expect the majority of locals to speak English – especially in more southern regions such as Calabria and Sicily. And remember that your efforts at Italian, no matter how basic, will endear you to Italians.

Adriana Giglioli writes for Italy real estate website Homes and Villas Abroad.

Italy – The World’s Top Vacation Destination

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art
Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy
History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery
The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food
Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!
Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy
If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.

Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.

Italian Actresses

Italian actresses can be counted amongst some of the most well-known in the world. Given below are some of the most popular Italian actresses who have emblazoned the silver screen with their unique beauty, flair, and impressive achievements.

Gina Lollobrigida: Born as Luigina Lollobrigida, in Subiaco, Italy, in 1927, Gina’s career began with modeling as well as participating in a number of beauty contests, coming in third place in the Miss Italy contest held in 1947. At about this time, she started appearing in films made in Italian language, which resulted in drawing Hollywood’s attention on her. It was in 1953 that she appeared in ‘Beat the Devil’, her first American film. With her popularity increasing, Gina began being called the ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Woman’, following her 1955 movie. ‘Trapeze’, in which she co-starred with Burt Lancaster, and ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ were two of her noteworthy movies which were screened in 1956. ‘Never So Few’, in which Frank Sinatra was her co-star, and ‘Solomon and Sheba’, in which she was paired with Yul Brynner, came out in 1959.

However, it was her 1961 movie, ‘Come September’, in which she co-starred with Rock Hudson, which is considered one of her most popular and which got her the Golden Globe as the ‘World Film Favorite’. The next time she co-starred with Rock Hudson was in ‘Strange Bedfellows’, which came out in 1965. The next year, 1966, saw her appearing with Alec Guinness in ‘Hotel Paradiso’, and in 1968 she appeared in ‘Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell’, with Telly Savalas, Phil Silvers, and Shelley Winters, for which she got a Golden Globe nomination. Her career in films began winding down by the 1970s, with her appearing in just a few films, which were quite poorly received.

However, by then she had commenced her vocation as a photographic journalist, which proved to be a success. Amongst the notable people whom she photographed were Salvador Dali, Paul Newman, as well as the German national football team, while wowing the world’s press by getting Fidel Castro to give her an exclusive interview.

Sophia Loren: It has been over fifty years since Sophia Loren, who is regarded as one of the most popular Italian actresses, has been captivating film audiences the world over. Born as Sofia Scicolone in 1934, she began her career when she was 14 years of age as a model. After she won a beauty contest, which took place in Naples, she was enrolled in an acting class by her determined mother. Her first movie was ‘Quo Vadis’ in which she was an extra.

It was Carlo Ponti, the film producer (whom she would later marry), who suggested that Sophia should take part in a beauty pageant being held in Rome. Even though she did not win the contest, she was called for a screen test by him, with Ponti expressing displeasure with some of her physical attributes.

Sophia Loren’s popularity began rising in Hollywood by the latter part of the 1950s with movies like ‘The Pride and the Passion’ and the ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ coming out in 1957 in which her co-stars were Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra. It is said that Grant fell so much in love with Sophia Loren that he proposed marriage to her ardently, although she was with Carlo Ponti as well as Grant’s own pairing with Betsy Drake, the writer and actress.

Amongst her most notable achievements in acting is the Best Actress Academy Award that she won in 1961 for her performance in ‘Two Women’. Sophia has done about 75 films since the beginning of her career in acting, wherein she has won various other awards such as Golden Globes and the Venice Film Festival Award, proving her longevity and sheer acting talent. She was presented the Honorary Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1990.

Isabella Rossellini: Being born in 1952, she is the daughter of Roberto Rossellini, the director, and Ingrid Bergman, the famous Swedish-born actress. ‘A Matter of Time’ was her first feature film, in which she played opposite Ingrid Bergman, her mother. She was married to Martin Scorsese, the director, and has been linked romantically with Mikhail Baryshnikov, the famous Russian ballet dancer. Her roles in the two American movies ‘Wild at Heart’ and ‘Death Becomes Her’ have won her acclaim. Apart from her acting career, she also runs a perfume company which bears her famed Italian name.

Famous Places in Italy

"What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago." - Erica Jong.

Well, the above quote says it all about why should you pay a visit to this magnificent place, partly on the European Continent and partly on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe. With its myriads of attractions, Italy is no wonder a massive hub for tourists, from all around the world, every year. Legends like Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavius Caesar belong to this great republic. And, what can possibly be said about the the Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the world. Well, without any further ado, find below the list of famous places in Italy. Read more on the history of Italy.

Famous Places to Visit in Italy

Rome
When you lay your foot in Italy, it would be a great disappointment if you miss to visit Rome, the 'Eternal City'. Presenting its visitors with its classy antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food and an exhilarating ambiance, Rome truly deserves to be one of the most famous places in Italy. But this is not just what this great city homes to, it also offers fine shopping, exciting nightlife, excellent restaurants and delightful coffee bars. Places in Rome which are worth the money you spent, undoubtedly, are the Colloseum, Great Squares, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Fountain of Four Rivers, Rome Zoo (the Bioparco), Centrale Montemartini and Scala Santa - Holy Staircase. Read more on cities in Italy and some more on Rome, Italy.

Milan
When we talk about Milan, we talk about style, glamor and fashion. Traveling in a bus or on foot will let you explore the real beauty of this delightfully glamorous city. Don't forget to treat yourself to a tour of the Teatro alla Scala opera house, the Palazzo Borromeo, the Palazzo Marino, the Duomo, La Scala, Castello Sforzesco, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Palazzo Real, Sforza Castle and entrance to see Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. Learn more on Milan, Italy.

Florence
Yet another topper in the list of the most popular and famous places in Italy, is the city Florence. Once the art center of the Western Civilization, Florence will fill your heart with admiration for its splendid elements of artistic and architectural excellence. The Piazza San Giovanni, the Brunelleschi's Dome, the Giotto's Bell Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, the Bargello Museum, the Accademia Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Museum and the Ponte Vecchio are some of the best reasons why you must invest your time in Florence. However, if you want to get the real and raw taste of the civilization of Florence, then there should be nothing stopping you from getting a sneak peak to the town's museums and churches. Here's more on Florence, Italy.

Sicily
Be lost in the splendors and magic of the Sicily, which is known to be the largest island in the Mediterranean. Sicily exists as an independent entity of Italy and exhibits a fine uniqueness in its elements of arts, music, literature, cuisine, architecture and language. If you happen to reside in a place with the mercury dropping all the year round, then you will be delighted to be welcomed by the dry and sunny climate of this island. Here you can also be a witness to the best preserved temples of the ancient Greek times. Best places to visit here are Mount Etna, the beaches, archeological sites, major cities of Catania and Palermo old town of Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Aeolian Islands, Erice, Cefalù, Syracuse and Agrigento. Know more on the places to visit in Italy and Sicily, Italy.

The Amalfi Coast
Also known as Costiera Amalfitana in Italian, the Amalfi Coast boasts its scenic beauty of stretches of coastline, dotted with huge green mountains. This place is known for its rugged terrain, picturesque towns and diversity, and its generous lines of restaurants, bars, boutiques and boat trips to name a few. Places which are a must see include Duomo, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, Villa Cimbrone, churches of San Luca and San Gennaro, Fiordo of Furore, Ravello and the the Emerald Cave. Know more on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

Venice
A visit to Venice is always a subject that is spoken about by people who have lived the chance of visiting it and this makes it to be counted among the famous places in Italy. Other places in the world have streets, but Venice have canals. This city tempts visitors with its exude romance, history, fantastic photo opportunities and delicious food. Places which this city shows off include Gallerie dell'Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Palazzo Fortuny, Palazzo Mocenigo and Museo Storico Navale. These were the museums and the galleries. Famous churches of this city lists Santa Maria della Salute, Il Redentore, San Giacomo dell'Orio and Oratorio dei Crociferi. Some of the must see building are Torre dell'Orologio, Telecom Italia Future Centre, Scala Contarini del Bovolo and Campanile. Do not forget about the bridges such as New fourth bridge over the Grand Canal Accademia Bridge and the Rialto Bridge. Get more on Venice, Italy.

If you forget to carry your best vacation attire to all such famous places in Italy, it won't matter much. But missing out carrying a camera! Well, it would be no less than a disaster for cherishing the memory of these places!

Italian Surname Meanings

Surnames also known as family names or last names are so commonly used nowadays, but do you know that all surnames have a deep-rooted meaning to them. The aim to add a surname was to distinguish two individuals with the same family name. There are surnames which describe the occupation of a person, whereas some surnames are linked to the individual's place of origin.

Before we know the meanings of Italian surnames, we will like to tell you that most of the surnames in Italy were categorized mostly by the occupation, location, character and patronym of the individual. For example, surnames like Zappa usually referred to someone from the farmer's family, whereas Da Vinci implied that the person lived in the region of Vinci. Similarly Montana was the surname of someone who lived near the mountains, and Poccoli meant a short-heighted person. It is not only the Italian surnames that describe the characteristics of a person, but most of the English surnames like Cook, Farmer, Baker also have been coined to reflect the occupation of the individual. Let us now take a look at some common Italian last names and their meanings.

Meaning of Italian Surnames

Abandonato
Forsaken

Abatangelo, Abatantuono, Abatescianni, Abbà
Preist

Abelli
A Pyrenean God in the Roman times

Acciai
Axe-man

Acciari, Acciaro, Acciaroli
Steel maker/Axe maker

Acerbi, Acerbo, Acerbo
Cruel

Acqua
Carrier of water

Acquafredda, Acquarone, Acquati
A person from Acquafredda (a place in Italy)

Adelardi
Noble and hard-working

Adriatico
Dweller of the Adriatic sea

Affini
In-law

Africani
From/of Africa

Agresta
Rural, simple

Agrioli
Farmer

Aiolfi, Aiolfo
Featured like a wolf

Aita
From Aita, Italy

Alamanni
From Germany

Albini, Albinoni, Albino
Someone with light colored hair/skin

Arcelli, Arcellone, Arcelloni, Arcellaio
Bow-makers

Arcaini, Arcari, Arcaro
Craftsmen dealing with wood

Armani
Son of Armato

Azzarà
From southern Italy

Bacco
Wine trader/someone who worked in a vineyard

Bagni
Public bath attendant

Balestra, Balestrini
Crossbow maker/soldier

Ballarini, Ballarino
Acclaimed dancers

Baldi
Brave/bold

Barbieri
Barber

Basso
Short-heighted

Basurto
In the middle of a forest

Bello
Beautiful

Bellomi
Beautiful man

Belmonte
Beautiful man

Benenati
Born good

Bergamaschi
From the city of Bergamo, Lombardy

Bianchi
White-haired or pale

Bicchieri
Drinking glasses

Biondi
Fair-haired

Bologna
From the city of Bologna in southern Italy

Borgnino
Blind in one eye/Squinting

Bosco
Forest

Breda
From Breda in Venice

Bruno
Brown

Buffone
Professional clown employed to entertain the king

Buonarroti
Good increase

Cacciatore
Hunters

Caiazzo
From the city of Caiazzo, near Naples

Caito
Leader, official, judge

Calligaris
Shoemaker

Cantu
From the town near Como, Lombardy

Capello (1)
Someone who made or wore cloaks

Capello (2)
Trickster

Caro
Beloved

Carriere, Carriero
Wagon-driver

Caruso
Shop-boy

Castro
One who lives near a castle

Catalano
From the Spanish region Catalonia

Cavalcante
To ride

Cavallo
Horse

Colombera
Dove/a place where doves were held

Corti
Court

Corvi
Crow

Costa
Riverbank/a person who lives near a riverbank

Crespo
A person with curly hair

Dal Monte
From the mountains

D'Amore
A symbol of love

D'Angelo
Son of Angelo (Angel)

De Campo
From a place near Campo

De Palma
From the palm tree

De Rege
The king

Di Caprio
From the island of Capri, near Naples

Di Corrado
Courageous person/one who can take decisions in crisis

Di Mercurio
Son of God Mercury

Di Salvo, Di Salvio
Saved by earth

Durante
A stubborn person

Episcopo
Bishop

Fabbri, Ferrari, Ferraro, Ferrero
Blacksmith

Fattore
Land agent on a farm

Faraldo
Unknown

Fiore
Flower

Fontana
From the fountain

Franzese
Frenchman

Franci, Francescato, Francescotti
Inhabitant of France

Gagliardi
Very strong

Gentile
Kind, noble

Greco
From Greece

Gronchi
A numb person

Guerra
One who is eager to indulge in warfare

Guttuso
A sad person

Idoni
A fit person

Innocenti
Innocent

Laguardia
Sentry/Sentinel

Lamon
From the city of Belluno, Venice

Leggièri
Not serious, superficial

Maestri
Master

Magro
Thin, lean

Manco
Left-handed

Marmo
Marble

Merlo
Blackbird (a symbol of naïve person)

Milano
From the city of Milan, Italy

Mondadori
Fleece selector

Naggi
From the town of Naggi in Italy

Nasato
Someone with a prominent nose

Negri
Someone with dark hair or dark skin

Nicchi
People related to the sea

Orsini
Little bear

Palladino
Knight

Palumbo
Pigeon

Panzavecchia
Old stomach

Parodi
From the name of a village in Genoa, Italy

Parrino
Godfather

Paternoster
Opening words of a prayer

Pavoni
Proud or an arrogant person

Pecora
Flock

Pellegrino
Little pilgrim

Pesce
Fisherman

Piccoli
Dwarf/short

Pisani
From Pisa in Tuscany

Poggio
Dweller on a hill

Porto
Someone who lives near a harbor

Quattrocchi
From the family of judges and barons

Ragno
Spider

Rana
Frog

Ratti
Sly individual

Ricci
Someone with curly hair

Rossi
Red-haired person

Sabbadin
Someone born on a Saturday

Sala
Worker at a manor house

Santoro
Someone born on "All Saints Day"

Sapienti
Wise

Sarto
Tailor

Scarsi
Poor/miserly

Sciarra
A quarrelsome person

Serpico
Serpent, reptile

Tafani
An annoying person

Tamboia
A drummer

Tedesco
German

Terranova
New land

Uccello
Bird

Vacca
A person who worked with the cattle

Veronesi
From the city of Verona

Vinci
From Vinci near Florence

Zangari
Shoemaker, boot-maker

Zappa
An agricultural worker

These were some of the Italian surnames and their meanings. Some of the famous Italian last names are Di Vinci, Di Caprio, Agessi, Dante, De Niro, Langello etc. Italians have made their presence felt in almost all fields and are one of the most successful communities worldwide. This was all we had about Italian surname meanings. We hope this information is useful to you.