The beautiful country of Italy has long been famous for its lush, tranquil landscapes, yet it… lacks residents.
In recent years, many towns in Italy have implemented a series of strategies to “revive” their dwindling populations. From homes priced at less than $1 to cash incentives for starting a business if you move there… all aimed at increasing the population.
The picturesque town of Presicce in sunny Puglia has recently introduced an enticing offer to attract people to settle and work there.
The picturesque town of Presicce in sunny Puglia.
A Deal Not to Be Missed
According to CNN, officials from Presicce have announced that they will offer up to 30,000 euros (approximately 754 million VND) to anyone who moves here to buy a house and live.
In fact, homes here are being sold for just around 25,000 euros (equivalent to 628 million VND), which means you would have an extra 5,000 euros to cover the costs of starting a new life. However, like most other low-priced properties advertised across Italy, these homes have been abandoned for a long time.
Additionally, the town is located in the beautiful natural landscape of the Salento region in Southern Italy, right next to the fine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Authorities in Presicce hope this incentive will breathe new life into their declining population, as the number of newborns continues to decrease each year.
Local council member, Mr. Alfredo Palese, told CNN: “There are many abandoned houses in the town center that were built before 1991. We want to see them revived with new residents. It’s a pity to witness these homes with wonderful architecture and artistry falling into ruin.”
Mr. Alfredo added: “We will offer up to 30,000 euros to those willing to move here and purchase one of these abandoned homes. The total funding will be divided into two parts: one for purchasing an old house and the other for renovating it, if necessary.”
This town is located in the beautiful natural landscape of the Salento region in Southern Italy.
It is known that the town of Presicce merged with a neighboring town, Acquarica, in 2019, so it is also called Presicce-Acquarica.
Authorities state that the merger has expanded the area, thus allowing for a larger budget allocation, ensuring that projects can continue for many years to come.
“After the merger, according to Italian law, our larger territory will receive more public funds, about 1,000,000 euros annually for the next few years. We plan to invest to revive the old districts,” said Mr. Palese.
Presicce and Acquarica currently have about 9,000 residents, but only half of the population lives in the old houses. Officials have proposed other plans to attract more residents, including tax benefits for establishing new businesses and bonuses for children and families with children.
To qualify for the 30,000 euro incentive, buyers must commit to residing in Presicce and purchasing one of the properties built before 1991, which have been mapped by the local government. According to Mr. Palese, house prices range from about 500 euros per square meter. About 25,000 euros is sufficient to buy a house of approximately 50 square meters.
A Long History
The town of Presicce was founded during the Medieval era. It is renowned as the “green gold city” of Puglia due to its flourishing olive groves that produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil, thriving during the Renaissance. Additionally, Presicce is known for trading fine wines, cheeses, and livestock.
Many locals live underground, digging caves to reside in by utilizing the rocky terrain of Presicce.
The town was founded during the Medieval era.
Below the main squares and the luxurious Baroque-style palaces lies a network of 23 secret rooms and olive processing workshops. Here, farmers, known as trappettari, spent months during the harvest season pressing olives using stone mills drawn by donkeys.
Many ancient buildings have entrances leading down to underground rooms, which were once used as production facilities. Guided tours through the underground city are a highlight of the town’s tourism.
The town of Presicce is also known for trading fine wines, cheeses, and livestock.
In the historic old quarter, wide streets intersect with narrow winding alleys. The yellow buildings are lavishly adorned with wrought-iron balconies interspersed with simple white houses.
