The Italian town sells houses for one euro to anyone. But there is a nuance

Have you ever dreamed of a small cozy house in an Italian village? Well, pack your bags, we have good news. The remote village of Ollolai in the mountainous region of Barbadja on the island of Sardinia offers anyone who wants to buy a house for just one euro ($ 1.2, or about 80 rubles). Actually, this is not the first Italian city that goes to tricks to attract new residents, but it seems to be the first one that will keep its promises. Plus, Ollolai is rich in history and beautiful landscapes.

However, there is still a small catch.

200 stone buildings are in poor condition, and the buyer will be obliged to make repairs within three years. And it will most likely cost 25 thousand dollars (one and a half million rubles).

There is a serious plan behind such a hot sale of houses — to rejuvenate the population of Ollolai, which risks turning into a ghost town.

Over the past half century, the population has decreased from 2,250 people to 1,300, only a few children are born per year.

Mayor of Ollolai Efisio Arbau: "We are proud of our ancient roots. My goal is to save our unique traditions from oblivion. We are proud of our past, and this is our strength. We have always been strong people and we will not let our hometown die."

The former capital of the Barbagia region, the city is considered the most pristine and authentic place in Sardinia.

The once buzzing streets are now silent and seem to be in desolation: many young people have left for big cities. And the stone buildings left behind by families who have lived there for generations are gradually being destroyed and falling into disrepair.

People here survive thanks to the traditional way of life. Local shepherds continue to produce exquisite premium sheep cheese Casu Fiore Sardo, and artisans still weave beautiful baskets.

The name of the city comes from the ancient battle cry alalé.

Hoping to breathe new life into the city, Arbau contacted the former owners of abandoned houses — shepherds, farmers, artisans — and asked them to unsubscribe the houses to the authorities.

"These are incredibly beautiful old buildings built from the traditional Sardinian gray granite, which is taken from the peaks of the mountains and the coast."

In 2017, the mayor placed houses on the real estate market.

Despite the poor condition, three houses have already been sold, and, according to Arbau, he has received more than 100 purchase requests from around the world, including Russia and Australia. The mayor of the city hopes that the renovation of houses will help create new jobs and revitalize the local economy.

Vito Casula, a retired builder, was the first to purchase a two-story house for the price of a cappuccino cup. He transformed the house using environmentally friendly materials, but kept the original decor and updated the old furniture.

"We used to live nearby and often visited here. One day my wife saw an advertisement in the newspaper. This was our chance. The town seemed to have stopped in time. This is a place for a quiet and healthy life."

Kazula recommends Ollolai for those who are fed up with big cities, tired of stress and in desperate need of rest. The city has a very pleasant atmosphere, delicious cuisine and friendly locals. "The locals are incredibly friendly. They never allow you to pay for yourself in a bar, they constantly invite you to dinner."