People often only dream of moving to a sunny town in Europe but that fantasy can now become a reality. An ancient town in Italy is offering to pay $30,000 to anyone willing to buy a house and move there.
Presicce is in the Puglia region and sits in the “heel” of the Italian boot, between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The town is a 15-minute drive from some of the best beaches on Italy’s southeast coast.
With more and more people moving to urban centers across Europe, Presicce is tempting people to move back to increase the birthrate in these small towns and villages in Italy.
The area has many abandoned houses and buildings, with houses selling for as little as $20,000. For anyone keeping track, the hefty payout is enough to both buy and renovate the building.
“There are many empty homes in the historical centre built before 1991 which we would like to see alive again with new residents,” local councillor Alfredo Palese said. “It is a pity witnessing how our old districts full of history, wonderful architecture and art are slowly emptying.”
The town is one of many “ghost villages” in Italy that are looking to attract a new population. Presicce has an interesting history as being known in the Renaissance period for its olive groves and olive oil. It was once called the “city of green gold” for its olive oil production. Underground olive mills remain a major tourist attraction for the town.
Some of the town’s main attractions include elegant old dwellings in the city centre. The town is surrounded by the best of rural Puglia, where hiking and biking trails abound and annual festivals feature folk music, dances, antique crafts and food fairs related to the Salento area.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery and are open to remote work, this opportunity might just be for you.