ANAS launches recovery plan for 1,244 historic Italian roadside houses
Italy's state road authority, ANAS, has initiated a project to restore its 1,244 Case Cantoniere, or road keeper houses, located along the national roadways. These iconic Pompeian red structures were once home to road keepers until the system was discontinued in 1982. Currently, approximately half of these houses are still utilized by ANAS or rented out to public entities and nonprofits. In December 2015, ANAS entered into a partnership with MiBACT, MIT, and the Agenzia del Demanio to renovate 28 pilot houses situated near cultural routes. The agency will finance the renovations and offer ten-year management concessions to private firms, aiming to integrate traditional services with hospitality while maintaining the historical integrity of the buildings.
Key facts
- ANAS is recovering 1,244 Case Cantoniere, iconic roadside houses built along Italy's national roads.
- The houses were built to house road keepers (cantonieri) and their families, each responsible for a section of road.
- The cantoniere system ended in 1982 with new regulations; about half the houses are still used by ANAS or leased.
- A December 2015 agreement between ANAS, MiBACT, MIT, and Agenzia del Demanio set guidelines for requalification.
- 28 pilot houses near cultural and tourist routes (Alta Lombardia, Via del Nord, Valle d'Ampezzo, Via Francigena, Appian Way) are selected.
- ANAS covers renovation costs; private entities get ten-year concessions to manage the houses.
- Houses will offer accommodations, bar/restaurant, Wi-Fi, EV charging, and info points.
- Claudio Arcovito, ANAS coordinator, reported strong local expectations and competitive concession fees.
Entities
Institutions
- ANAS
- MiBACT
- MIT
- Agenzia del Demanio
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Alta Lombardia
- Via del Nord
- Valle d'Ampezzo
- Via Francigena
- Appian Way
- Altamura
- Casa Cantoniera Sabini