Bucchianico, a hilltop village with nearly five thousand inhabitants in the province of Chieti, launches its challenge against depopulation with the initiative “Houses for 1 Euro”. The municipal administration invites owners of abandoned buildings to transfer them at a symbolic price, thus avoiding tax burdens on properties they do not intend to restore. The houses will then be sold to those willing to invest in their renovation.

Tradition and Tourist Potential

Famous for the evocative Festa dei Banderesi and the Sanctuary of San Camillo De Lellis, patron of the sick and nurses, Bucchianico is framed by spectacular landscapes like the Abruzzo badlands. Despite the appeal of traditions and religious events, the historic center has seen a progressive abandonment over the years, with dilapidated buildings and increasingly empty streets.

The Urban Recovery Plan

With a resolution on July 10, the city council officially approved the “Houses for 1 Euro” project, following the example of other Abruzzo centers like Casoli, Canistro, Lecce nei Marsi, Pratola Peligna, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and Penne. The initiative aims to enhance the building heritage of the village, encouraging the return of new residents and the opening of commercial and artisanal activities.

An Appeal to Property Owners

The invitation is addressed to those who own uninhabited, uninhabitable properties or those in a state of structural and sanitary degradation, and who do not intend to face renovation or maintenance costs. The goal, as explained by the Municipality, is twofold: to revive the historic center and create new economic opportunities related to tourism and craftsmanship.