Zagarolo
Lazio · Roma

Zagarolo

18,900 residents · 55,800 within 5 km · 268 m above sea level

81Quality of life
73Infrastructure
74Economy

What Zagarolo is actually like

Zagarolo, a charming town in Lazio, lies just east of Rome, making it an attractive option for foreign expats and retirees seeking a blend of culture and community. Known for its rich historical tapestry, Zagarolo features key attractions such as the Church of Saint Peter and the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, alongside cultural venues like the Toy Museum. Local cuisine is highlighted by traditional dishes and wines, particularly those produced from the volcanic soils of the region, fostering a vibrant agri-food scene with numerous festivals celebrating local produce. While Zagarolo boasts impressive architectural heritage and is surrounded by natural beauty, expats might find some drawbacks, including limited urban amenities compared to larger cities. However, its strong sense of community and numerous events, such as the grape festival and the Feast of Saint Lawrence, compensate with a welcoming atmosphere that can ease the transition for newcomers.

How Zagarolo is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 10%Mid-century 70%Modern 20%
Settlement pattern
Compact
1% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 99%Dispersed 1%
Condition
82%
Some wear — 18% needs work
Good / excellent 82%Poor / mediocre 18%
Occupancy
83%
Lived-in year-round — 17% holiday or vacant
Main homes 83%Holiday or vacant 17%
ZagaroloValle MartellaPrato RinaldoTenuta Pallavicini
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built

Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

Towns like Zagarolo

Closest matches in Lazio on quality of life, infrastructure and economy.

The rest of the Zagarolo profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.