According to reports in the Italian media Madonna is thinking about buying an apartment in Rome. The historic Aventino and the 1920s Coppedè areas are said to be her favourite locations.

If the gossip is true it will be a boost for confidence in real-estate values of the Eternal City. Although a favourite with celebrities in the Dolce Vita 1960s, in recent years Rome’s beauty has been tarnished by the high cost of living, its lack of public services and the chaos its life-style.

Madonna has a long-time love affair with Italy and she was prominent in her help to the Abruzzo region – home of her father’s parents – in the wake of the 2009 earthquake.