Presicce in Puglia
30,000 euros for newcomers: Italian city wants to attract new residents
Around 5,000 people live in the small town of Presicce. The municipality hopes to increase the population with its new initiative.
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Anyone moving to Presicce in Puglia could receive a grant of up to 30,000 euros. The municipality in Italy hopes to be able to revitalize the historic city center in particular with the financial incentive.
Many rural regions in Italy are struggling against shrinking population numbers. Historically, communities have used financial incentives to attract new residents. The town of Presicce in the Italian region of Apulia recently advertised a money bonus of 30,000 euros for newcomers.
Rural regions in Italy are losing native populations
“It’s a shame to see our old neighborhoods, full of history, beautiful architecture and art, slowly emptying out,” said councilor Alfredo Palese in an interview with “CNN Travel”. People who are willing to relocate to the small town should receive a subsidy of up to 30,000 euros. The offer comes with two conditions. On the one hand, the newcomers have to officially register with the municipality. On the other hand, they have to buy one of the houses in the historical part of the city. Most of these properties were built before 1991 – and many are now empty.
It is mainly young people who leave the rural region and move towards the city for their professional future. The small town of 5,000 souls has launched programs several times to persuade people to stay. These include tax benefits for new businesses and a baby bonus of EUR 1,000 per newborn child. The municipality is currently working out the final framework for the latest initiative. As soon as these are determined, one can look forward to the Website apply for the 30,000 euro grant.
“City of Green Gold” is to be revived
According to “CNN Travel“The properties available for selection should cost around 25,000 euros. You should get a 50 square meter apartment for this – but it probably needs some renovation work. “The overall financing is divided into two parts: it goes partly into the purchase of an old house and partly into the redesign , if necessary”, explains municipal councilor Palese. The center of Presicce is also to be renovated in the coming years, reports “TravelBook“. After the community merged with the neighboring town of Acquarica del Capo in 2019, one million euros a year should be available for this.
If you are considering moving, you should expect peace and seclusion, but also idyllic nature. Sitting at the heel of Italy’s boot, the community is surrounded by olive groves, domed stone chapels and secluded farmsteads. Because of the rich olive harvest and the high-quality oil, Presicce was once called “the city of green gold”. The nearest beaches are about ten kilometers from the municipality. There, rugged cliffs and the turquoise water on the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca characterize the landscape.
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The history of Presicce dates back to the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, the community flourished economically. In addition to the olives, wine, cheese and the livestock trade helped the town prosper. Now the municipal council hopes to be able to revitalize the city with the new initiative.
Sources: “CNN Travel“, “euronews“, “travel book“