Italianate architecture, which flourished in the mid-19th century, remains a prominent style in numerous cities across the United States. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) currently lists over 4,000 properties categorized under this architectural style. A recent analysis by 24/7 Wall St. highlights the best cities for Italianate architecture, revealing that 10 out of the top 25 cities are situated in Massachusetts.
The Italianate style is rooted in the English “picturesque” movement and draws inspiration from Italian villa designs. Notable figures such as John Nash and Sir Charles Barry were key in developing this architectural approach in England before it made its way to the U.S. Characterized by two- to three-story boxlike structures, the style features wide roof eaves supported by large brackets, and it can be found in a variety of buildings from modest farmhouses to grand urban homes with towers.
In the 1860s, as cast-iron construction gained popularity, Italianate homes began to incorporate ornamental cast-iron moldings in their porches, balconies, and fences. High-style Italianate villas often include distinctive architectural elements such as cupolas or belvederes.
To identify the leading cities for Italianate architecture, 24/7 Wall St. examined data from the NRHP, focusing on the number of listings in the Italianate style as of October 2024. Additional information on the median age of homes was sourced from the 2022 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Top Cities for Italianate Architecture
The following cities exemplify the richness of Italianate architecture across the country, highlighting their notable buildings and historical significance.
25. Lancaster, KY
– NRHP listings in Italianate style: 11 properties
– All listings in NRHP: 53 properties
– Median home age: 53 years
– City incorporated: 1837
– Notable listings: Garrard County Jail, Peacock-Miller House
24. Atlanta, GA
– NRHP listings in Italianate style: 11 properties
– All listings in NRHP: 241 properties
– Median home age: 39 years
– City incorporated: 1845
– Notable listings: Emory University District, Fox Theatre Historic District
23. Covington, KY
– NRHP listings in Italianate style: 12 properties
– All listings in NRHP: 51 properties
– Median home age: 77 years
– City incorporated: 1834
– Notable listings: Licking Riverside Historic District
22. Brookline, MA
– NRHP listings in Italianate style: 12 properties
– All listings in NRHP: 98 properties
– Median home age: 84 years
– City incorporated: 1705
– Notable listings: Ginery Twitchell House, William F. Tuckerman House
21. Somerville, MA
– NRHP listings in Italianate style: 12 properties
– All listings in NRHP: 81 properties
– Median home age: 85 years
– City incorporated: 1872
– Notable listings: George Wyatt House, F. G. Williams House
The list continues with cities such as Mount Pleasant, IA, Vicksburg, MS, and Reading, MA, each contributing unique Italianate structures to the American architectural landscape.
Significance of Italianate Structures
The enduring popularity of the Italianate style reflects broader trends in American architecture during the 19th century. Cities that embraced this style tended to experience significant population growth, particularly during the 20th century.
In total, 14 of the top 25 cities saw their populations peak during this period, showcasing the interconnectedness of architectural trends and urban development. As these cities continue to preserve their historical sites, they offer a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of a bygone era.
For architecture enthusiasts and historians alike, these cities serve as vital repositories of Italianate architecture, contributing to the cultural heritage of the United States. With their diverse array of buildings, they invite exploration and appreciation of a style that has shaped much of the American architectural identity.
