Italy is Giving Away Castles for Free
By: Riley Stefano
Yes, you read that right. You could own your very own fairytale castle in the Italian countryside for free! The Italian government is giving away some of the country’s neglected, beautiful castles in order to breathe new life into the ruins. An abundance of rundown treasures, plus a want to increase tourism in lesser-known Italian villages has sparked the initiative to offer up 103 farmhouses, castles, towers, convents, monasteries, and villas. These building are scattered throughout the country, but many are situated along eight historic routes in which they hope to encourage hiking, cycling and a return to pilgrimage in the area. Ready to run away to Italy? Hold your horses.
Of course, there is a tiny catch—or two. The beautiful ruin that you acquire must be developed into a tourist entity – a hotel and spa, a restaurant, you name it as long as it boosts tourism in each little province where the palace resides. The other rule is that each building must be returned to their former glory, without the added sunroofs and lofts up in the turrets.
Applicants under 40 will be given preferential treatment in the bid, but you have to come with a business plan and an incredible pitch. The state’s Tourism Ministry will be aiding in choosing the applicants for each estate, and each winner will be given a 9-year-free lease to reconstruct the ruin, with the option to extend for an additional 9 years.
Applications are due June 26, so you’d better hurry and apply here. But, don’t fret; another 200 castles are expected to join the list in the next two years. That gives you a little more wiggle room to draft up that business plan before you run off to the castle of your dreams.
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