If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own castle, now’s your chance. Italy is giving away 103 run-down properties, including villas, inns, and castles for free. That means anyone can start building their personal versions of Winterfell, Casterly Rock, or The Pyke.
However, there’s just one catch. The country’s State Property Agency expects anyone who gets a free castle (or any other of the 103 objects) to commit to restoring it so it can be used as a tourist destination. Whether the property becomes a hotel, spa, restaurant, or something else is up to the new owner to decide.
“The project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector,” Roberto Reggi from the State Property Agency told The Local. “The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used to be transformed into facilities for pilgrims, hikers, tourists, and cyclists.” Authorities also hope this plan will relieve some of the strain on the country’s most popular and overcrowded areas (like Venice).
The deadline for applications is June 26. Successful applicants will get an initial nine-year period to work on their project, with the possibility of extending it for another nine years afterwards. If, however, your application is denied, don’t worry – Italy plans to give out 200 objects the same way within the next two years.
More info: agenziademanio.it (h/t: hellogiggles, thelocal)
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own castle, now’s your chance
Image credits: lianem/123RF
Italy is giving away 103 run-down properties, including villas, inns, and castles for free
Image credits: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images
But there’s one catch
Image credits: Gennaro Leonardi
The country’s State Property Agency expects anyone who gets a free castle (or any other of the 103 objects) to commit to restoring it
Image credits: Luca D’Ambra
Whether the property becomes a hotel, spa, restaurant, or something else is up to the new owner to decide
Image credits: Stefano Viaggio
“The project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector,” Roberto Reggi from the State Property Agency says
Image credits: MattC77
“The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used to be transformed into facilities for tourists”
Image credits: Iris van Wolferen
Authorities also hope this plan will relieve some of the strain on the country’s most popular and overcrowded areas (like Venice)
Image credits: Iris van Wolferen
The deadline for applications is June 26, and if, however, your application is denied, don’t worry – Italy plans to give out 200 objects the same way within the next two years
Image credits: TuAnh Nguyen
I'm italian, you will not be the new owner. It's a free concession for 9 years, renewable for other 9. You also have to be under 40.
Because there are a ton of millionaires who are under 40? I get the "death before end of contract" thing but seriously there are FEW that can afford to start businesses in Italy after completely renovating a castle for a few million, perhaps billion dollars only to return it to the government after 18 years... doesn't sound like a good return on your investment from a fiscal standpoint.
Load More Replies...It's a neat idea; lessens the cost for people interested (instead of having to buy the castle and fund the restoration, they only have to restore it). I'm not sure if I like the idea of them being 'repurposed' that way, though. I really hope that people who take these castles are truly into castles, and not just business, and keep the buildings the same as they were, rebuilding them like they used to be.
Their expensive to restore they look at proof of funds and plans
Load More Replies...Whoever does this must be rich and a philanthropist. It's going to cost hundred of thousands if not millions of dollars. A lot of these places are inaccessible and you would have to build roads or rebuild them just to get supplies in to do the work. You'd have to have access to a quarry to mill the missing and cracked stone. They won't have plumbing or electricity so you'll have to put that in to modernize. Then once you get all that done you'll have spend a ton more money on maintenance and care-taking. People that can afford to do something like this can already afford a castle or chalet that's already renovated. But the worst part is that once you are done and have spend a ton of money on the project, you have to give it back to Italy. You'll never own it. Total rip off and it cracks me up the amount of people who want to do it. I'm guessing those people don't have the money. Because millionaires probably don't waste time on bored panda.
These are the actual photos http://www.agenziademanio.it/export/download/demanio/sala_stampa/SCHEDE-BENI-2017.pdf Moreover you won't be able to rent them to a lot of tourist, just to a few bike enthusiasts.
1st question to ask here is WHY? As stated, it's because they are real old & real run down. Otherwise these architectural, historical gems (!!) would NOT be given away! Sooo you do the work & 'they' recover it years from now ... This isn't easy or viable. Its an idea - the romantic IDEA of having a castle. It reminds me of those ads claiming that you can "make a gallizon $$$$ in a month with this" plan/product or service. Notice anything? No great number of people throughout the world has money to live even just above 'average'. Its hard or everyone would benefit! This castle venture seems like one big headache to me - the average home under a major renovation is a costly headache ... could you imagine this? The 'cost of past GRANDEUR' within the context of today's global economy? Yup & you don't get to keep it for 'your'own generation to come' :o Smart.
Some of the inside shots are beautiful despite the mild decay. If I had the big bucks, I'd probably go for a deal like this.
Is the offer for Italians only or can people from other countries be allowed to renovate the castles
It's open for everyone! However, the application form (and the entire Italy's State Property Agency's website) is so far available only in Italian.
Load More Replies...How do I start writing about getting a property for free?I am but 68 years old. I am poor, and draw a check each month for $982.00 a month. My whole life is but to live and own a castle in another country. I know you all probably hear all these sad stories, but believe me I am but genuine. I am am very country.
All I'm saying is that if I was given a castle I would live I it forever and turn It into my family home for generations. As for tourism you can take pictures from the outside but it now my home so stay outside the gate. Plus I'm no millionaire and all restoration would be done by me and my family and friends we are good with our hand and always dreamed of a castle we could call our own..
I'm under 40 and I always wanted to have my own restaurant. I would love to have any opportunity to participate and I can cook, clean, paint and repair things myself. I'm 23 just give me a chance.
I want one. I have so many good ideas!!! Awesome way to boom tourism and restore ancient architecture. Great for GDP.
Then why does the application asks if you are under 40 then asks if you are over 50? Nothing on the application says you have to be 40 and under-I'm Italian too, My family has property in Italy, so how could you say that you will not be the new owner to people? Do you work for the agency that makes the rules/decides? CANE!
I am Italian, I would like to know more because I have projects with sports action
The title is click bait, they are not giving anything away, in fact they want you to fix up their castles for them. I'm into castles, in fact I am planning to build one. I would of been all over this if it would of actually been mine in the end. I am 48 and plan on building mine with my own two hands, sure I may die while building it, but the 40 cut off age is stupid. Anyone can die at any time.
a part of me wants to leave the castles be, and another part of me wants to see the castles be rebuilt into something new..
Beautiful idea, but sadly this will only attract people who have the MILLIONS of Euros necessary to rebuild these magnificent structures. Even to make them habitable will cost a fortune. Then, after they are habitable, they can't be a private residence (which makes sense to me, they are national treasures) but you must then try to make a profitable tourist destination from them as well. In a time when more and more people are wary of traveling to Europe due to massive immigration of hostile migrants unwilling to learn the languages let alone conform in any way to European values, and mass increase of said migrant's terrorist attacks on innocents, this will be a challenging endeavor. Unless, of course, Italy plans to just hand over the castles to Saudi millionaires, who might turn them into men-only bath houses.
Maybe these projects should be directed at the Universities Restoration of Historical Buildings in the Architectural Faculties Department. Just think: free labour whilst the students learn something.
why don't they ask banks to invest? Is return of investment overestimated, and no bank wants to apply?
Can someone send me or let me know where i can fill out the application form? I will restore the castle or inns to their original glory. Please please help me out i really want to do this. My email is jjmaskalick@gmail.com. please contact me where i can fill out the form please and thank you.
You are joking right? Unless you are a millionaire or have an army of builders who will work for free, you are wasting your time. You think this is going to be like building an addition onto your house? Think again.
Load More Replies...Really, a free concession for Castello Aragonese on Ischia? I'm downloading photos from following the "Download foto degli immobili" link on the page with the info. So far, they're less impressive looking than the Italian Castles in the photos on this page.
For those of you thinking this is a good idea. I suggest you contact them and just send them the check so they can do it. This way you won't have to bother doing the rebuild. They are going to own it when you're done anyway. This will save you the hassle of building it.
I am very interested in doing this just don't know how to submit application. Please advice . Thank you
1. Switch brain off. 2. Insert money into toilet. 3. Flush.
Load More Replies...I am over 40 but live in my own house which I built myself. I also built 2 cottages which I rent out. I did all the building using unpredictable untrained street labor. I am good at delegating work, have BA in Art & designed the buildings myself. I'm fascinated by historical buildings would love to live in Italy & certainly have the energy for such a project. Tel 0772-594453 or 002634-304572. Or e.mail me on barcon@mango.zw
Sounds viable. Also, good job posting your info on the Internet. That's the kind of savvy that they're looking for.
Load More Replies...I'm italian, you will not be the new owner. It's a free concession for 9 years, renewable for other 9. You also have to be under 40.
Because there are a ton of millionaires who are under 40? I get the "death before end of contract" thing but seriously there are FEW that can afford to start businesses in Italy after completely renovating a castle for a few million, perhaps billion dollars only to return it to the government after 18 years... doesn't sound like a good return on your investment from a fiscal standpoint.
Load More Replies...It's a neat idea; lessens the cost for people interested (instead of having to buy the castle and fund the restoration, they only have to restore it). I'm not sure if I like the idea of them being 'repurposed' that way, though. I really hope that people who take these castles are truly into castles, and not just business, and keep the buildings the same as they were, rebuilding them like they used to be.
Their expensive to restore they look at proof of funds and plans
Load More Replies...Whoever does this must be rich and a philanthropist. It's going to cost hundred of thousands if not millions of dollars. A lot of these places are inaccessible and you would have to build roads or rebuild them just to get supplies in to do the work. You'd have to have access to a quarry to mill the missing and cracked stone. They won't have plumbing or electricity so you'll have to put that in to modernize. Then once you get all that done you'll have spend a ton more money on maintenance and care-taking. People that can afford to do something like this can already afford a castle or chalet that's already renovated. But the worst part is that once you are done and have spend a ton of money on the project, you have to give it back to Italy. You'll never own it. Total rip off and it cracks me up the amount of people who want to do it. I'm guessing those people don't have the money. Because millionaires probably don't waste time on bored panda.
These are the actual photos http://www.agenziademanio.it/export/download/demanio/sala_stampa/SCHEDE-BENI-2017.pdf Moreover you won't be able to rent them to a lot of tourist, just to a few bike enthusiasts.
1st question to ask here is WHY? As stated, it's because they are real old & real run down. Otherwise these architectural, historical gems (!!) would NOT be given away! Sooo you do the work & 'they' recover it years from now ... This isn't easy or viable. Its an idea - the romantic IDEA of having a castle. It reminds me of those ads claiming that you can "make a gallizon $$$$ in a month with this" plan/product or service. Notice anything? No great number of people throughout the world has money to live even just above 'average'. Its hard or everyone would benefit! This castle venture seems like one big headache to me - the average home under a major renovation is a costly headache ... could you imagine this? The 'cost of past GRANDEUR' within the context of today's global economy? Yup & you don't get to keep it for 'your'own generation to come' :o Smart.
Some of the inside shots are beautiful despite the mild decay. If I had the big bucks, I'd probably go for a deal like this.
Is the offer for Italians only or can people from other countries be allowed to renovate the castles
It's open for everyone! However, the application form (and the entire Italy's State Property Agency's website) is so far available only in Italian.
Load More Replies...How do I start writing about getting a property for free?I am but 68 years old. I am poor, and draw a check each month for $982.00 a month. My whole life is but to live and own a castle in another country. I know you all probably hear all these sad stories, but believe me I am but genuine. I am am very country.
All I'm saying is that if I was given a castle I would live I it forever and turn It into my family home for generations. As for tourism you can take pictures from the outside but it now my home so stay outside the gate. Plus I'm no millionaire and all restoration would be done by me and my family and friends we are good with our hand and always dreamed of a castle we could call our own..
I'm under 40 and I always wanted to have my own restaurant. I would love to have any opportunity to participate and I can cook, clean, paint and repair things myself. I'm 23 just give me a chance.
I want one. I have so many good ideas!!! Awesome way to boom tourism and restore ancient architecture. Great for GDP.
Then why does the application asks if you are under 40 then asks if you are over 50? Nothing on the application says you have to be 40 and under-I'm Italian too, My family has property in Italy, so how could you say that you will not be the new owner to people? Do you work for the agency that makes the rules/decides? CANE!
I am Italian, I would like to know more because I have projects with sports action
The title is click bait, they are not giving anything away, in fact they want you to fix up their castles for them. I'm into castles, in fact I am planning to build one. I would of been all over this if it would of actually been mine in the end. I am 48 and plan on building mine with my own two hands, sure I may die while building it, but the 40 cut off age is stupid. Anyone can die at any time.
a part of me wants to leave the castles be, and another part of me wants to see the castles be rebuilt into something new..
Beautiful idea, but sadly this will only attract people who have the MILLIONS of Euros necessary to rebuild these magnificent structures. Even to make them habitable will cost a fortune. Then, after they are habitable, they can't be a private residence (which makes sense to me, they are national treasures) but you must then try to make a profitable tourist destination from them as well. In a time when more and more people are wary of traveling to Europe due to massive immigration of hostile migrants unwilling to learn the languages let alone conform in any way to European values, and mass increase of said migrant's terrorist attacks on innocents, this will be a challenging endeavor. Unless, of course, Italy plans to just hand over the castles to Saudi millionaires, who might turn them into men-only bath houses.
Maybe these projects should be directed at the Universities Restoration of Historical Buildings in the Architectural Faculties Department. Just think: free labour whilst the students learn something.
why don't they ask banks to invest? Is return of investment overestimated, and no bank wants to apply?
Can someone send me or let me know where i can fill out the application form? I will restore the castle or inns to their original glory. Please please help me out i really want to do this. My email is jjmaskalick@gmail.com. please contact me where i can fill out the form please and thank you.
You are joking right? Unless you are a millionaire or have an army of builders who will work for free, you are wasting your time. You think this is going to be like building an addition onto your house? Think again.
Load More Replies...Really, a free concession for Castello Aragonese on Ischia? I'm downloading photos from following the "Download foto degli immobili" link on the page with the info. So far, they're less impressive looking than the Italian Castles in the photos on this page.
For those of you thinking this is a good idea. I suggest you contact them and just send them the check so they can do it. This way you won't have to bother doing the rebuild. They are going to own it when you're done anyway. This will save you the hassle of building it.
I am very interested in doing this just don't know how to submit application. Please advice . Thank you
1. Switch brain off. 2. Insert money into toilet. 3. Flush.
Load More Replies...I am over 40 but live in my own house which I built myself. I also built 2 cottages which I rent out. I did all the building using unpredictable untrained street labor. I am good at delegating work, have BA in Art & designed the buildings myself. I'm fascinated by historical buildings would love to live in Italy & certainly have the energy for such a project. Tel 0772-594453 or 002634-304572. Or e.mail me on barcon@mango.zw
Sounds viable. Also, good job posting your info on the Internet. That's the kind of savvy that they're looking for.
Load More Replies...
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