Inside Rome: a local’s guide to the Italian capital

Buyers are drawn to Rome for reasons that go beyond a simple property purchase. Often described as an open-air museum, the city blends its extraordinary heritage with an increasingly international outlook, offering a sophisticated and highly considered lifestyle.

Here, Veronica Sagliaschi, CEO of Knight Frank’s partner in the city, ReLiving, shares how best to experience the Italian capital’s refined way of life, along with insights into its most desirable neighbourhoods.

How would you describe the lifestyle and community to someone discovering Rome for the first time?

Rome is where ancient history and modern living coexist, with daily life shaped by culture, cuisine and a strong sense of community. The city offers a highly distinctive lifestyle, where Renaissance palazzi, private gardens and Baroque fountains form part of the everyday setting. For residents, it combines the cultural depth of a world capital with a level of intimacy and character that larger metropolises rarely provide. In its most prestigious neighbourhoods, the atmosphere is both international and established, while remaining closely tied to Italian traditions, craftsmanship and a considered way of living.

One of Rome’s defining qualities is its ability to absorb change without losing its identity. The historic centre is tightly protected by preservation laws, ensuring that its architectural fabric, grand palazzi, quieter courtyards and historic façades, remains largely intact. At the same time, there has been a steady evolution in neighbourhoods such as Prati, Testaccio and Trastevere, where independent restaurants, design studios and boutique hotels have introduced new energy.