Sambuca di Sicilia sells homes for €1 to boost tourism and culture

The Italian town of Sambuca di Sicilia, in the province of Agrigento, has relaunched the "Case a 1 euro" initiative, selling abandoned homes for a symbolic €1 to encourage restoration and combat depopulation. The program, first attempted in 2008 by Salemi under then-mayor Vittorio Sgarbi, stalled due to bureaucratic issues but was later adopted by other towns. Sambuca, named Italy's most beautiful village in 2016, now offers 17 units with a €5,000 deposit and a three-year renovation commitment. Regional tourism assessor Sandro Pappalardo emphasized the goal is tourism growth, not a giveaway. Mayor Leo Ciaccio reported that Italians and foreigners have already purchased homes, attracted by local beauty and quality of life. Additionally, Airbnb is investing in Sambuca through its "Casa d'artista" project, converting Palazzo Pannitteri into an artist residency and museum, showcasing archaeological finds from Monte Adranone. Deputy mayor Giuseppe Cacioppo noted the project, part of Airbnb's "Regione Italia" campaign, will feature on the platform's homepage for a year, reaching 10.5 million monthly visitors. The deadline for the current call is May 2.