Italy’s new approach to boosting tourism: Giving away over 100 castles and historical buildings for free. But there’s a catch

If you ever dreamed of living in an Italian castle, this is your chance. The country is giving away for free over 100 historical buildings, including castles and villas, along with its famous ancient Roman roads.

Italy is taking a new approach to boosting tourism. The country is currently running a program, supervised by the agency dealing with state-owned property, that gives away for free 103 properties, historical buildings that include castles and villas.

The country has been running up a tab trying to keep up with the maintenance of its vast historic legacy and in order to spruce up some of the derelict buildings, authorities are offering them up for free to those interested in Italy’s tourism business.

The State Property Agency and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage have announced this year’s program and according to the Local it., authorities are expecting a boost in a sector of tourism which has been lagging behind.

“The project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector,” Roberto Reggi from the State Property Agency told The Local. “The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used to be transformed into facilities for pilgrims, hikers, tourists, and cyclists.”

The first batch of buildings going “on sale”, 103 properties, are situated alongside Italy’s famous ancient Roman roads like the Via Francigena and Via Appia, making them perfect for tourism-related endeavours.

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But those that are seriously considering the offer, should know that they are expected to transform the buildings into hotels, restaurants or shops, catering to tourists. Also, entrepreneurs, preferably in their 40s, have to present a proposal detailing their plans on how they will transform the vacated location into a touristic attraction.

While the program could help with the renovation of historical buildings, the government also hopes that it will attract tourists that currently crowd some of the country’s famous landmarks. Places like Venice and Pompeii are suffering from overcrowding and authorities are looking at new ways in which they can protect the heritage sites.

Applications opened on May 9 and close on June 26 and winners will be granted a nine years property lease with the provision that it can be extended over the coming nine years. And for those that miss out on the first round, Italy is also considering adding another 200 properties to the program in the near future.

Last year, Italy closed a similar program that was aimed at renovating the country’s lighthouses. According to the State Property Agency, the project was a success.