In the picturesque hills of Abruzzo, Italy, a quaint village is attempting to rejuvenate itself by selling homes for just one symbolic Euro, aiming to draw in a fresh influx of settlers and those who yearn for la dolce vita. Could you be the person they're looking for?
The cobblestone pathways of the quaint Italian town of Penne meander through ancient porticos and alongside buildings with faded terra-cotta exteriors. Once thriving, this historic Italian settlement now faces challenges due to its declining populace, causing many residences to bear the marks of time’s passage unattended. In an effort to rejuvenate this threatened cultural legacy, local authorities have embarked on a daring initiative: they sell houses for just one symbolic Euro each, provided that the new proprietors commit to undertaking the necessary restoration efforts. This scheme aims at encouraging people to revitalize the area. la dolce vita , away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
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A thousand-year-old town with remarkable charm
Penne is more than just a picturesque setting: this village in Abruzzo, 40 minutes from the Adriatic coast, is steeped in history. Founded in pre-Roman times, its ramparts and palaces bear witness to a sumptuous past. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll be struck by the baroque ornamentation of the church of Santa Maria in Colleromano, while the medieval towers are a reminder of the city’s strategic value in days gone by.
But Penne lives on more than just memories. Nestled in a hilly landscape, it enjoys a warm golden light that drenches the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. The lively terraces offer breathtaking views of the Abruzzo countryside, with its silhouetted cypress trees and centuries-old farmhouses.
The challenge of one-euro houses
Like so many other Italian villages hit by the rural exodus, Penne is trying to reverse the trend by drawing in new residents. For this purpose, the town council has set up a programme of selling houses for an entirely symbolic price - on condition that the buyers restore their property within a given timeframe. The initiative is towards Italians nostalgic for their country's heritage , but also foreigners dreaming of a home away from home in the sun.
The operation is more than some simple acquisition of property. It aims to revitalise the local economy by stimulating the construction sector and encouraging the establishment of shops and craftsmen. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, understand that it is much more than an investment: it's a commitment to a collective renaissance.
A slower way of life to rediscover in Italy
Moving to Penne means embracing a life lived to the beat of the seasons. In the morning, the smell of coffee wafts up from the bars in Piazza Luca da Penne, where regulars catch up on old times under the arcades. The market is full of mature cheeses and local cured meats, while the trattorias are rich with the flavours of Abruzzo, such as truffle pasta and mature pecorino.
Nature lovers will be delighted by Lake Penne, a nature reserve where herons and cormorants glide above the shining waters. A few kilometres away, the Gran Sasso massif reveals its steep peaks, a playground for hikers and lovers of wild landscapes.
In this village where every stone has a story to tell, the future is being rebirthed as renovations are taking place. Behind the worn-out shutters and wrought-iron balconies, houses are being turned back into homes, by those who have taken up Penne's invitation to rebuild the past for a better life tomorrow.