Attractions in Italy

Gardens have lawns, gardens have flowers, and gardens have exotic plants and complicated landscaping. They also have the one thing that gives it an identity of its own - garden statues. People believe that the garden is the first thing a visitor would see and first impressions are always lasting impressions.

The history of garden statues dates back to the Garden of Eden. Those that belonged to Renaissance Italy were actually classical sculptures found amongst the ruins of Rome and Greece and were displayed here. A good example is the statue of Venus De Milo belonging to the 2nd century BC. Post Restoration in the year 1660, the concept of garden statues had reached England where the Victorian bent towards exotic art and a thirst for knowledge inspired this art to reach great heights. Italy was in a way responsible for the spread of garden statues to European countries. Ideas were represented in the new sculpture of the late 19th century art world.

Garden statues give the garden its uniqueness and a distinct of character. They compliment the picture, so to speak. They emphasize the flowers, the plants and the landscaping that grace its surroundings. There are all types of statues to be found. There are statues that are religious or mythological in nature where some Gods are known as the defenders of evil. There are statues that are whimsical like fairies or cupid, pixies and little bird houses. There are people who have a very artistic bent of mind so they would like to have statues that depict some altruism or a deeper meaning of life and living in general. If your theme is nature then you can have animal statues. Waterfalls of many types, colors, shapes and sizes can be added to garden statues to give it a hint of the lyrical.

The materials that can be used for garden statues are generally those which can handle the wear and tear of weather well. Stone is most commonly used and resin is now gaining popularity. There are marble and bronze statues to be seen also but people are hesitant to leave these at the mercy of the Elements. Concrete and cement are cheap options but they are not long lasting options. Fiberglass loses its color when exposed to UV rays of the sun over a period of time and steel, unless galvanized or painted, will not last long. Ceramic, on the other hand, is very durable and so is stainless steel. Wood has a tendency to decay and change with time so if your garden statue can adapt itself to the new weather oriented design then you may have something unique on your hands.

If you are a garden lover and want to do something different for your garden then go in for a simple theme and put in garden statues to emphasize the idea. Keep your budget and durability of the material in mind. Let your imagination and your creative instincts rule, the sky is the limit and the possibilities endless.

Italy, a founder member of the EU, is a relatively young country which was only unified as a nation in 1861. It has land borders with Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland while the Vatican City is a separate state within Rome. The country's long coastline, stretching some 7,600km, has contributed to problems with immigration control. Besides deep rooted problems, such as the need to import most raw materials, the country is also plagued by corruption and crime.

The economy is divided by the industrial north and less developed and poorer agricultural south. The latest OECD report assessment of the country reported that exports and investment activity rose markedly in the first half of 2004, ending a protracted slump. GDP growth of between 1.5 per cent and to 2 per cent was forecast for 2005-06 although 'inflation could start to rise again'. As in much of Europe, property prices have been rising. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor's European Housing Review 2005, the housing market has been on 'a sustained upward swing for five years' (following a seven year period of recession in which prices fell by over 20 per cent). Last year 'agents were reporting that market activity was still brisk - although it had fallen below its peak'.

Most Italian property is sold as freehold although Italian property law recognises various other property rights and tenures. Usufruct is a right to use the property of another for a fixed period but not to change its nature. Leasehold rights, which may be for a fixed period of 20 years or more or in perpetuity, allow the lessor to use the property as if he or she were the owner, subject to a requirement to improve the land and pay a rent. Building rights entitle the holder to construct a building on land belonging to a third party, or maintain a building standing on land belonging to a third party.

Building rights may be for a limited or unlimited period of time, but if for a fixed period, ownership of the building reverts to the owner of the land on their expiry. Italian property transfer processes have some similarities to France. Based on land registration, the state regulated process involves both purchaser and seller using the same state appointed notary to complete the transaction. The process begins with a formal and nominally binding offer to purchase arranged through an estate agent. If accepted during the set period of the offer, this is followed by a preliminary contract signed by both parties (at which point a deposit will be paid). Finally comes formal completion.

The notary, in front of whom the completion documents must be signed, will verify that the documentation is correct, that the property is free from registered encumbrances and checks the identities of the parties involved. Searches beyond what is included in the registry are unlikely to be exhaustive. The notary also collects the taxes and duties involved. These vary between Non-resident property purchasers are treated differently to resident purchasers in a number of ways. In particular they will be obliged to pay higher registration fees, although residence can be claimed within a fixed time subsequent to the purchase.

Total fees and charges are likely to amount to between 5 per cent and 20 per cent, including estate agents fee, if applicable, registration fees or VAT if a new property, and the notary's fee. Fees in the order of 8 to 10 per cent are also payable on sale of a property. Some charges are based on the registered value of the property, which is likely to be less that the actual purchase price. This also applies to local property taxes, the amount of which varies from region to region. The Imposta Comunale surgli Immobili is paid by both resident and non resident owners - although the amount is halved for property that is not habitable. In addition there are likely to be charges for local services.

Italian taxation is undergoing reform. From the start of 2005 personal tax rates have been set on a graduating scale ranging from 23 per cent to 39 per cent, with a 4 per cent supplement for income in excess of 100,000 euro. Property owners are obliged to file annual tax returns but are only taxable on income arising in Italy. However, there tax is levied on the notional rental value of the property (based on its registered value) whether or not it is rented out. Both residents and non-resident property owners are subject to Italian inheritance law and tax. But the good news is that currently there is no capital gains tax to pay on property gains.