意大利穆索梅利

為應對意大利一些鄉村被忽視的問題，意大利政府於 2009 年推出了「一歐元房屋」（1 Euro House）計劃。位於意大利南部小鎮的村莊穆索梅利，正是其中一個實行了這個計劃的地方，村莊希望透過這個計劃，復育當地破舊的舊城區。在計劃中，房屋以一歐元出售，而買家必須在指定時間內翻修房產。這項政府主導的計劃使當地的遊客和居民數字明顯增加，從而帶動了旅遊業，啟動了公共設施的建設，並創造了不少商機。

擴展社區的定義

大部分透過計劃買入房屋的買家都是外國人，而現有的居民重新定義了他們的社區，讓這些外國人也成為社區的持份者，擴展了核心的社群。正因為大家都有著共同的目標，所以這個城鎮得以成功復育。村莊遊客量增加十倍，進而促進了停車設施、LED 路燈、網球場等各種公共設施的建設，和行人道、道路和公共景點等的改造工程。

建構鄉村發展的新模式

新的外來居民融入社區後，區內不少房屋被改建為咖啡館、民宿、餐廳和社區廚房等產業。這個新的社區群眾以活化村莊為大家的共同目標，一同管理旅遊業務。這些新產業為村莊帶來了活力，吸引了不少遊客和新的居民。

參考資料

Cotugno, F. (2022, April 1). How Italy is bringing its rustic villages back to life. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/italy-bringing-rustic-villages-back-life-180979784/
Jacobs, H. (2021, November 18). They bought houses in Italy for 1 Euro - and are using them to give back to the community. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/11/15/italy-1-euro-houses-mussomeli-sambuca/

In efforts to address Italy’s neglected rural villages, the Italian government introduced the 1 Euro House initiative in 2009. One particular village that adopted the idea is Mussomeli, a town in southern Italy that aims to revitalise the run-down historic centre. Houses are sold for 1 euro and buyers are required to renovate the property within a designated time frame. This government-led program has increased tourism, created businesses, and initiated the construction of public facilities due to the increase in visitors and residents.

Expanding Definition of Community

As most of the home buyers are foreigners, existing residents have redefined their community to include them as stakeholders, and as a result, expand their core community. The inclusion of newcomers has been successful in revitalising the town due to their shared common goal. Tourist visits have increased tenfold which spurred the development of public works such as parking facilities, LED street lamps, tennis courts, and renovations for sidewalks, roads, and public attractions.

Forming New Models of Rural Practices

The inclusion of new foreign residents as part of the community also results in the conversion of many of the houses into businesses such as cafes, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and a community kitchen. The newly defined community manages tourism activities collaboratively while sharing the common goal of revitalising the village. These new businesses bring life back to the village and attract tourists and new residents alike.

Historic center of Mussomeli (Photo | gkuna)

One of the houses under the scheme (Photo | 1eurohouses.com)

References

Cotugno, F. (2022, April 1). How Italy is bringing its rustic villages back to life. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/italy-bringing-rustic-villages-back-life-180979784/
Jacobs, H. (2021, November 18). They bought houses in Italy for 1 Euro - and are using them to give back to the community. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/11/15/italy-1-euro-houses-mussomeli-sambuca/