A Street in Pontremoli
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About the Glossary
Some of the Italian words used in Italian real estate guides can be confusing - there aren't always words in English that are exactly equivelent to the Italian architectural terms. This glossary will help you understand what the words mean.
The words in bold are words that are used in our real estate descriptions. Linked words mean that we've given you a bit more explanation, in this case by opening a new window with further information, because you may be looking for a house with a cantina but don't know it yet.
Glossary of Italian Architectural Terms
Italian |
English |
| angolo cottura | cooking corner or small corner kitchen |
| l'abbaino | dormer window |
| Arcate | arcade, arches forming a covered walk |
| l'armadio | closet |
| l'ascensore | elevator |
| l'attico | penthouse |
| bilocale | 2 rooms |
| borgo | ancient village, often walled |
| la cantina | cellar, often with arched or vaulted ceilings |
| la casa (le case) | house (houses) |
| cortile | galleried courtyard or cloisters |
| la cucina | kitchen |
| il cucinino | kitchenette |
| la finestra | window |
| granaio | barn |
| l'ingresso | hallway |
| loggia | Roofed gallery or balcony |
| mansarda | attic |
| monolocale | one room studio apartment |
| l'orto, giardino | garden |
| la parete | wall |
| il pavimento | floor, as in pavement |
| il piano | floor |
| Piano Nobile | Main floor of a palace, usually the first |
| la porta | door |
| Portico | Covered entrance to a building, or porch |
| (da) Restaurare | to be restored |
| rustico | rustic cabin, cottage, shed or shell |
| la sala da pranzo | dining room |
| la scala | staircase |
| i servizi | services - kitchen and bathroom |
| il soffitto | ceiling |
| la soffitta | attic loft |
| il soggiorno | living room |
| lo studio | study |
| il tetto | roof |
| Rendering is a form of plasterwork conducted on walls of masonry without the use of laths. |
Other Interesting Glossaries
The Architectural Castle Glossary
Italian Language Resources @ Harvard University
Construction/Real Estate Lexicon (In Italian with some pictures)