Italy is divided into 20 regions, called regioni (plural for regione). Each region is an administrative level of government sitting between the national government and the province/comune level.
Regions handle a variety of practical and political responsibilities, from healthcare and education to transport and cultural initiatives.
Famous vs Lesser-Known Regions
Some regions are well-known internationally like Tuscany, Sicily, or Lombardy, while others like Marche, Molise, or Basilicata are less prominent. Italians joke that Molise doesn’t exist, referring to it humorously as Molisn’t, but it’s very real!
Every region is internally diverse, with differences in landscape, traditions, and dialects between towns. Still, regions often share unifying characteristics such as food specialties, speech cadence, and cultural customs that help define their identity.
Regional Structure
Each region has:
- Regional Council (Consiglio Regionale) – The legislative body, elected by residents.
- President of the Region (Presidente della Regione) – Acts like a governor, oversees the executive functions.
- Regional Departments (Assessorati) – Manage healthcare, education, transport, tourism, and cultural heritage.
Regions also coordinate with provinces and comuni to implement national and regional policies on a practical level.
Ordinary vs Special Statute Regions
Most regioni are ordinary regions, but five have special statutes (statuto speciale) that grant them more legislative autonomy:
- Sicily
- Sardinia
- Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
- Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta)
- Friuli Venezia Giulia
These special regions can legislate on certain matters that ordinary regions cannot, giving them more control over local finances, education, and culture.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Understanding the region where you buy property or live is essential. From legal regulations to local customs, every region has its unique combination of rules, lifestyle, and identity. Knowing the difference between ordinary and special statute regions helps you navigate Italy with confidence.
Useful link:
🌐 Italian Regions – Official Government Portal