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How To Get A Castle In Italy For Free

 

Castello di Montefiore Image Source iluoghidelsilenzio

Oh Italy. The old country never ceases to amaze us. As it is not enough to be one of the world’s top destinations and have the world’s best food, now they are giving away castles for free. You read this right, castles, in the breathtaking Italian seaside and countryside for zero dollars.

Torre Della Bastiglia Image Source: Mapio

The Italian State Property Agency and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage in a project called ”Cammini E Percorsi” (Paths and Journeys), are making available 103 properties, including old school houses, former convents, farmhouses and watch towers overlooking land and sea, with many of them being located alongside religious and historic routes, such as the via Appia, as well as hiking and cycling paths. In 2018, they’re expecting to make available 200 more properties.

Torre Angellara Image Source: Invest In Italy Real Estate

Of the properties available, 44 of them are located on religious and historic routes and the remaining 59 properties are located alongside scenic bike paths.

Castello di Blera Image Source: MyTuscia

But there’s a catch. The project will give preference to entrepreneurs under 40 years-old who submit a clear plan to renovate and restore the property to its former glory and open them to the public as hotels, spas and restaurants to attract more tourists to the countryside regions. The properties are located off the beaten path and not always visited by the millions of tourists visiting Italy’s main cities and attractions every year.

Palazzina in Villa Bonelli Image Source: Barletta Viva

The selected proposals will be granted a 9-year lease that can be renewed for another 9-years. If the project is really exceptional, they may extend the lease for 50 more years. The application deadline is June 26, 2017.

Castello Alimonda Image Source: Il Sole 24 Ore

“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 project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector, ” said Roberto Reggi, the State Property Agency representative to The Local.

Casa Del Fascio Image Source: Polesine24

Dreaming is also free, right?

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