Italy is renowned for its sophistication, beauty and of course, architecture. Across the country, there are buildings that can be recognised the world over, and for less well known abodes, property in Italy is still an attraction worth travelling for. Many people choose Italy as a place to have a second home, or a holiday home, drawn to the sunny climate and fine foods and wine. The quality of life the Italians enjoy is boosted by a stable economy, another good reason to relocate to this Mediterranean paradise.

Staying in an Italian property is a great way to view some of the finest feats of structural engineering over the last two thousand years. Looking out from the balcony of a townhouse or villa at sumptuous scenery with a picture perfect view of a Roman amphitheatre or an early medieval cathedral is a rewarding experience, and Italy is overflowing with buildings that provide architectural eye candy to millions every year.

Among the more famous attractions is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, known locally as La Torre di Pisa, the Tower of Pisa. Constructed in the 12th Century, the tower was a designed as a freestanding bell tower to the cathedral in this Tuscan town. Due to inadequate foundations being laid, the tower began its migration toward it's now famed stance shortly after construction began. This was originally in a south-easterly direction, but is currently orientated toward the south west after efforts to straighten the tower set it leaning the other way.

The construction of the tower took nearly two hundred years due to the constant wartime conflicts at the time. In retrospect, this has been an advantage for the longevity of the tower. Had construction not halted, the foundations would have had less time to settle, and rendered the tower so unstable that it would not be likely to be standing today.

Although the tower is a massive attraction to visitors, the architecture of nearby buildings are actually far more stunning. The Baptistery of St John, located in The Square of Miracles, is a delight to behold both inside and out. The great dome shaped building is the largest Baptistery in Italy, and its structural delight demonstrates the move from a Romanesque style towards a Gothic aesthetic that can be found in property across Italy. The ornate design and peaked arches of the upper levels contrast beautifully with the smooth and simple arches of the lower levels.

Inside, the simple stone interior is complimented by ornately carved additions such as the pulpit and font. This contrast gives an air of the typically Italian style of simplicity and sophistication; however, the unexpected beauty of this building is the perfect acoustic quality, just the kind of attention to detail that gives Italian properties that little bit extra. Having said that, the Baptistery of St John suffers from the same foundation problem as the Tower of Pisa, due to the unstable nature of the underlying substrate, but to a much lesser degree.

It is the presence of these structural wonders that entice people to invest in property in Italy. Tuscany in particular with its architectural anomalies is a favourite among Italians and foreigners alike. Nothing in the world can improve a person's perspective better than enjoying the freshest olives and the finest wine whilst soaking up the sophistication of teetering Italian architecture.