Sambuca di Sicilia, an idyllic place to live
The locality of sambuca , in Sicily , has joined the project ' Houses at 1 euro with the aim of strengthening and revitalizing the town.
It is not the first time that an initiative of these characteristics has been carried out in Italy, since many rural areas – like the town of Ollolai, in Sardinia – have taken similar actions to fight depopulation.
“Our purpose, in addition to restoring the historic homes of Sambuca, is achieve economic development that makes the people protagonists, improve our culture and encourage the resettlement of our city,” he explains in a statement. Leonardo Ciaccio, mayor of Sambuca.
HOW IT WORKS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: IS THERE A TRICK?
The houses, which are owned by the municipality of Sambuca, can be seen at the following link and will be sold to those who offer a sum from 1 euro, awarding the property to the highest offer, ”says the City Council statement.
The trick? Call it a trick, call it a condition, call it a clause, the point is that the "small letter" of the sale of these houses says that “The bidder at the time of the award must pay a deposit of 5,000 euros to be returned on the condition that the property is restored within 3 years of award.
SAMBUCA: THE BELLA VITA UNDER THE SICILIAN SUN
The municipality of Sicilian Sambuca It was founded by Emir Al-Zabut around 830 AD. and its current urban planning still preserves the original layout.
located in the Sicilian province of Agrigento and with a population of 5,800 inhabitants, this small town can boast of a privileged situation, a few kilometers from the coast, the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento and the Selinunte Archaeological Park.
In 2016, he won the title of ‘most beautiful village in Italy’ who awards the television contest Il Borgo dei Borghi by Rai3, previously called 'Kilimangiaro'.
“We offer the beauty of the place, the delicious food and the unique flavors of our wines, as well as the proximity to the sea and the Sicilian sun”, comments Leonardo Ciaccio. And reason is not lacking.
IN AN ITALIAN VILLAGE, WITH AN ARAB HEART
The streets of Sambuca tell the story of the cultures that have passed through there: its historic center of Arab origin coexists with baroque palaces and 19th century buildings.
In the heart of the town is the Saracen neighborhood –where most of the houses for sale are–, that for a moment makes us doubt whether we are still in Italy or have teleported to the labyrinthine streets of the Moroccan kasbah.
Nothing remains of the castle that the emir ordered to be built, but what we can visit are the gardens and the panoramic terrace of the Belvedere.
The Arabs also left their mark on other nearby places such as Mazzallakkar Fortress, covered by the waters of Lake Arancio, which make it appear and disappear at will.
Another attraction of the town is their churches –there are about twenty–, like that of the Carmine, and that of San Michele Arcangelo ; without forgetting some important buildings such as the Palace of the Harp (where the town hall is located), the Palazzo Paniteri , the Communal Theater (19th century) and the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct.
SAVING SAMBUCA
Let's not forget that we are in Italy, a country where it is (almost) impossible to eat badly. And Sicily is one of the regions where gastronomy takes on absolute prominence.
In the case of Sambuca, we must highlight your pastry. You can't stop trying their minni di virgini , some typical sweets whose recipe dates back to 1725, made based on milk cream, zuccata, chocolate chips, cinnamon and garnished with mischievous (colored sugar balls) .
The Italian municipality is also known for the production of the famous Nero D'Avola wine and the Vastedda sheep cheese.
STILL WANT TO MOVE TO SICILY?
A list with ** the 17 houses available ** in Sambuca has been published on the website of the town hall and here you can consult the town hall's announcement with the call for tenders for public auction of properties.