In 2017, Mussomeli, a quaint town in Sicily, launched an innovative program offering homes for just one euro to combat depopulation and revitalize the local economy. Toti Nigrelli, the deputy mayor, recently revealed the initiative's striking success, with nearly 95% of the available homes sold in five years, attracting a diverse group of new residents, tourists, and investors from around the world.

The Birth of a Revitalization Project
Struggling with a declining population since World War II, Mussomeli faced the challenge of numerous abandoned homes in its Old Town, remnants of a population that once pursued opportunities abroad. Inspired by similar initiatives in Italy, the town's leadership, including Nigrelli, saw an opportunity to repopulate and breathe new life into the community by selling these homes for barely more than a dollar. The campaign targeted foreign investors, particularly from America and Europe, quickly gaining traction and sparking a significant transformation.