Italian town of Cammarata offers free houses to lure new residents

Silvia Marchetti, CNN
7 minute read
Published 4:25 AM EDT, Sat November 2, 2019
<strong>Free homes</strong>: The Sicilian town of Cammarata is the latest Italian destination to launch a scheme to revive its dwindling community.
Free homes: The Sicilian town of Cammarata is the latest Italian destination to launch a scheme to revive its dwindling community.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Declining town: </strong>However, unlike other towns, who are selling homes for one euro, Cammarata is offering them up for absolutely nothing.
Declining town: However, unlike other towns, who are selling homes for one euro, Cammarata is offering them up for absolutely nothing.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Revitalization scheme: </strong>"I can't stand to see this gorgeous, old historical center empty and turn into a ruin. It hurts me," says mayor Vincenzo Giambrone, who has spent years convincing owners to hand over their dilapidated properties.
Revitalization scheme: "I can't stand to see this gorgeous, old historical center empty and turn into a ruin. It hurts me," says mayor Vincenzo Giambrone, who has spent years convincing owners to hand over their dilapidated properties.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Crumbling properties: </strong>According to Giambrone, there are roughly 12 empty stone buildings available at present and "more to come shortly".
Crumbling properties: According to Giambrone, there are roughly 12 empty stone buildings available at present and "more to come shortly".
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>High hopes:</strong> "New buyers can finally step in to secure these crumbly walls and revive the historical area," adds Giambrone.
High hopes: "New buyers can finally step in to secure these crumbly walls and revive the historical area," adds Giambrone.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Refurbishment assurance:</strong> Buyers must commit to renovating their property within three years of purchase and pay a 5,000 euro deposit, which will be returned once the work is complete.
Refurbishment assurance: Buyers must commit to renovating their property within three years of purchase and pay a 5,000 euro deposit, which will be returned once the work is complete.
Enzo Li Gregni
<strong>Family significance: </strong>While all potential buyers who meet the criteria will be considered, couples with children will receive priority.
Family significance: While all potential buyers who meet the criteria will be considered, couples with children will receive priority.
Enzo Li Gregni
<strong>Welcoming place:</strong> "Visitors and guests come first [in Cammarata,] even before our own family," says Giambrone. "Newcomers trigger change, innovation, new ideas. They revamp the local economy and can kick start a revolution."
Welcoming place: "Visitors and guests come first [in Cammarata,] even before our own family," says Giambrone. "Newcomers trigger change, innovation, new ideas. They revamp the local economy and can kick start a revolution."
Enzo Li Gregni
<strong>Purposes optional: </strong>New owners can use the buildings as a private house, B&B, hotel, shops or even a restaurant.
Purposes optional: New owners can use the buildings as a private house, B&B, hotel, shops or even a restaurant.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Strong preservation:</strong> Cammarata is one of several authentic Italian villages fighting against decline.
Strong preservation: Cammarata is one of several authentic Italian villages fighting against decline.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Dwindling population:</strong> The historic town has been deserted by a large number of residents over the years, and many of its homes remain abandoned.
Dwindling population: The historic town has been deserted by a large number of residents over the years, and many of its homes remain abandoned.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Fortress ruin</strong>: Set at an elevation of around 1,000 meters, the town is made up of narrow uphill alleys, arched passageways and winding steps that leads up to its overhanging castle.
Fortress ruin: Set at an elevation of around 1,000 meters, the town is made up of narrow uphill alleys, arched passageways and winding steps that leads up to its overhanging castle.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Long lifespan:</strong> Locals say the town boasts Sicily's highest number of centenarians.
Long lifespan: Locals say the town boasts Sicily's highest number of centenarians.
Gianpiero La Palerma
<strong>Local longevity:</strong> "Each year four to five over-100 birthdays are celebrated and there's this one old guy who every day, after lunch, hops on his Vespa and tours the hills," says local reporter Francesco Lopresti.
Local longevity: "Each year four to five over-100 birthdays are celebrated and there's this one old guy who every day, after lunch, hops on his Vespa and tours the hills," says local reporter Francesco Lopresti.
Enzo Li Gregni
<strong>Lush landscape:</strong> "Cammarata is stunning, the green landscape, the sea and mountains are both nearby. It's a perfect retreat," says Brazilian-Italian Jose Augusto Manetta Ramos, who's considering buying one of the buildings.
Lush landscape: "Cammarata is stunning, the green landscape, the sea and mountains are both nearby. It's a perfect retreat," says Brazilian-Italian Jose Augusto Manetta Ramos, who's considering buying one of the buildings.
Enzo Li Gregni
<strong>Dairy delights:</strong> Ainuzzi, cheeses shaped into miniature horses, deers and goats, are also hugely popular.
Dairy delights: Ainuzzi, cheeses shaped into miniature horses, deers and goats, are also hugely popular.
Courtesy Vincenzo Giambrone