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Sia gets married in intimate Italian wedding

Australian superstar Sia has tied the knot with Dan Bernard in an intimate ceremony in Portofino, Italy on Monday. The ceremony was held at Villa Olivetta, the home of designers Stefano Dolce and Domenico Gabbana, and the same location where Kourtney Kardashian wed Travis Baker in April. The Chandelier singer donned a light pink, lace embroidered fishtail gown, with long sleeves and a matching veil. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo in true Sia style. The singer’s new husband matched the wedding’s pastel colour palette in a light blue suit with a bow tie and black dress shoes. In one photo, staff were seen helping the singer climb up a set of stairs as she headed to the cliffside ceremony. The newlyweds sealed their marriage with a kiss under an archway of pastel flowers and were smiling from ear to ear as they exchanged their rings. Sia has kept the romance with Bernard low-key, so it is unknown when the pair first started dating, but has <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-p6FXLyBK/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared a snap </a>with him back in October 2022. Images: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsCTdW-Pkf3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>

Relationships

Italian historian makes major Mona Lisa breakthrough

A small town in Tuscany is revelling in excitement after it was claimed that a bridge in the backdrop of the Mona Lisa belongs to the town. Italian historian Silvano Vinceti determined that the bridge in the background of the most famous portrait in the world is in fact the Romito di Laterina bridge in the province of Arezzo: about 80km southeast of Florence. Leonardo da Vinci painted the masterpiece in Florence in the early 16th century, and ever since, it has been subject to disputes over the inspiration for the portrait. The identity of the woman in the painting - who is widely believed to be Lisa del Giocondo – has triggered as much speculation as the distant backdrop. Past theories have identified the bridge as Ponte Buriano, close to Laterina, as well as Ponte Bobbio in the northern Italian city of Piacenza. Using historical documents and drone images, and by making comparisons between the painting and photographs of the area, Vinceti said he is confident it was “the Etruscan-Roman bridge, Romito”. Vinceti told reporters in Rome that the most telling detail of the bridge’s identity is the number of arches. The bridge in Leonardo’s painting had four arches, as did the Romito. Ponte Buriano, on the other hand, has six arches, while Ponte Bobbio has more than six. Another telltale sign, according to Vinceti, is the fact that the bridge was once a “very busy, functioning bridge”, that provided a shortcut between Florence and Arezzo. Simona Neri, the mayor of Laterina, said Vinceti’s theory had caused a lot of excitement in the town of just over 3,500 people. She said, “We need to try to protect what’s left of the bridge.” Image credits: Getty Images

Art

“Is this real?!”: Melbourne waitress receives eyewatering tip

A young waitress in Melbourne was brought to tears after a customer left an incredibly generous tip. The customer was fixing up the bill after his meal when he punched in an extra $10,000 into the EFTPOS machine at the Italian Restaurant Gilson in Melbourne’s South Yarra. The waitress and student, Lauren, told <a href="https://7news.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7NEWS</a> she couldn’t believe her eyes. “I made them say the number out loud, because I thought, what if I have just gotten too excited and I’ve stupidly read an extra zero, or something like that.” “I keep going over it again and again in my head. The actual experience of it happening, second by second, was surreal and amazing.” She added. Lauren wasn’t certain if she was even allowed to accept such a large sum. Tips that the workers receive are typically shared between the staff, but the generous diner insisted that $7,000 go directly to Lauren and the $3,000 be distributed among the remaining staff. According to 7NEWS, the tipper is a young, self-made cryptocurrency businessman who owns more than $120 million of property in Toorak. “I am just extremely grateful, to know that they thought that much of my service is amazing,” Lauren said. A fellow Gilson waitress, Charlotte Crow, told 7NEWS, “She came up to me crying, she was like ‘is this real? Was it a mistake, what do I do?’” While Crow teased that she should have paid more attention to Lauren’s table, she said Lauren “is a really hard worker,” adding, “she deserves it.” Other colleagues agreed, suggesting Lauren use the money to go on a well-earned vacation. “I’m going to be honest, I’ve never been overseas, so the first thing that everyone was saying to me was to go on a holiday,” Lauren said. “That money is just going to help, a lot.” Image credit: Instagram

Money & Banking

An Italian lodge jumps the Swiss border

The borders in the European Alps have been the source of some strange happenings recently, including a border-jumping ski lodge. Refugio Cervino, a two-storey lodge built on the Italian side of Theodul Glacier, has been slowly moving towards Switzerland - and its international movement has called its ownership and national boundaries into dispute. The border between Italy and Switzerland has previously been defined at the boundary of the Theodul drainage divide, the point where melted water either flows south to Italy or north towards Switzerland. However, rising temperatures have changed the flow of water. As a result, two-thirds of the Refugio sits in Switzerland while the remaining third is in Italy, and has become a subject of diplomatic negotiations. According to Agence France Presse, a compromise to redraw the boundaries was reached last year - but that doesn’t stop the ever-increasing glacier melt. Swisstopo, which stays on top of the official boundaries of the Confédération Helvétique, will be changing the boundaries in 2023. "We agreed to split the difference," chief border official Alain Wicht told AFP. Though international surveyors have previously been brought in to determine where the boundary should sit previously, Mr Wicht says the Refugio is a sensitive issue as the Theodul Glacier is “the only place where we suddenly had a building involved”. The Swiss have taken a more neutral stance in the debate, but the Italians are unwilling to part with the building without compensation, "The refuge remains Italian because we have always been Italian," Refugio’s caretaker, 51-year-old Lucio Trucco, says. For now, the refuge will be an enclave of Italy within Switzerland until the borders are changed. Image: Getty Images

International Travel

Garlic and Parmesan Piadinas with Italian Salsa

Piadinas are Italian flatbread that is quite easy to cook and is usually served with salsa. You could also serve them on an antipasto platter. These tasty treats will impress the guests and leave your crowd wanting more. Here’s the easy recipe from Smeg’s cucina: Serves: 2 Ingredients: For Piadinas 1 cup (150g) plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup olive oil 1/3 cup warm milk 2 cloves garlic finely sliced 1 sprig rosemary finely chopped 6 thymesprigs, leaves removed Extra olive oil to cook bread Salsa: 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/3 cup pitted olives 1 tablespoon baby capers 1/3 cup oregano leaves, picked Extra Virgin olive oil Method: <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a Smegstand mixer bowl with the dough hook attached. Add half of the olive oil, and warm milk and mix on low speed until combined </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Continue to knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover andrest for 15 minutes. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a small saucepan with garlic, rosemary and thyme and cook until the herbs and garlic are fragrant. Set aside. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a rough round, approx. 0.5cm thick </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Combine salsa ingredients together in a bowl with salt, pepper and olive oil. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Heat a large heavy based frying pan over medium heat. Brush the base of the pan with extra olive oil. Gently place one dough round in the base and cook for a few minutes until the dough is golden on the base and bubbles appear on the surface. Turn the bread, brush the cooked side with half the garlic and herb olive oil mixture. Continue to cook until the bread is golden on the base. Remove and repeat with remaining dough and garlic and herb oil mixture. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Serve piadinas warm with salsa. </li> </ol> Image: Supplied

Food & Wine

Qantas unveils new menu

Qantas have unveiled a little bit of Italian cuisine in the air, only three weeks out from the airline’s major launch of direct flights from Australia to Rome. The launch of the new route out of Sydney via Perth will take off on Saturday June 25 however, passengers seated in business class from June 6 will be treated to a taste of Italy in the sky, with regional recipes and Italian classics on the menu. The new business lounge and in-flight menu coincides with Festa della Repubblica and each dish was curated by Australian chef Neil Perry. Mr Perry, the airline’s Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, said the new menu will see passengers enjoying Italian classics such as buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and basil; and salumi with bocconcini, semi dried tomatoes, olives and pecorino-crushed peas within selected Qantas First and Business lounges throughout the month. The Business Class in-flight menu will feature regional recipes such as spaghettini with prawns, garlic, chilli, slow roasted cherry tomatoes and pangrattato along with traditional tiramisu. “I first travelled to Italy in 1984 and immediately understood why people fall in love with simple Italian food,” Mr Perry said. “Italians live and breathe seasonality and freshness, so it was important when designing these menu items that we respected and celebrated the traditions of the cuisine and Rome’s deep history. “Italian food is so much more than pizza and pasta, although they do both brilliantly, but they celebrate the hero ingredients of their country including citrus, olives, fresh seafood and tomatoes.” Qantas announced the launch of direct flights to Rome in December, with three return Sydney-Perth — Rome flights per week scheduled to meet the demand of European summer. The new flight will cut more than three hours off the current fastest travel time to Rome using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with cabins designed specifically for long haul travel. Qantas Italian Lounge menu highlights include: • Neil Perry’s fettuccine Bolognese with Parmigiano Reggiano • Mascarpone tartlet with prosecco jelly and Valencia orange Qantas Perth – Rome in-flight Business Class menu highlights include: • Zucchini and basil soup with parmesan crouton • Plant Based Dining – caramelised potato gratin with peas, mushrooms and roasted fennel • Spaghettini with prawns, garlic, chilli, slow roast cherry tomatoes and pangrattato • Tiramisu Qantas Rome – Perth in-flight Business Class menu highlights include: • Bucatini all’ Amatriciana • Grilled fish with peperonata, pine nuts and basil • Mozzarella bufala, finiocchiona salumi, anchovy, artichokes, olives, marinated red capsicum with warm focaccia Images: Getty / Qantas

Travel Tips

"I thought it was playing": Bulldog mauls child at cafe

Shocking footage has emerged of the horrific moment a dog mauled a six-year-old boy outside a popular Gold Coast cafe. Andy Bracek and his son Teddy were walking down Pacific Parade in Currumbin just after 8 am on Sunday when they stopped to grab a coffee from Tommy’s Italian. CCTV showed Teddy approaching a man and began petting his British bulldog before the animal attacked him. Mr Bracek was then seen running toward his son trying to get him away from the vicious attack which left him with a “horrendous wound” on his arm. He claims that his son asked the dog’s owner if he could pet him to which he was told “of course he can”. “At first when the dog jumped up I thought it was playing,” Mr Bracek told <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/6yearold-boy-attacked-by-dog-at-popular-currumbin-eatery-on-easter-sunday/news-story/19317cd75d78492a203c6dc41c86f1f8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Courier Mail</a>. “But I quickly realised it was attacking Teddy when I heard him screaming. The owner then made a .... half-assed effort to restrain the dog.” Mr Bracek was left fuming when the dog’s owner left the scene without providing his details to report the incident. “If he came back and sorted it everything would’ve been okay but I’m pi**ed off and disturbed that this man has put his dog’s welfare before a child’s.” Teddy was taken to Griffith University Hospital in a stable condition where he underwent surgery leaving him with internal and external stitches. “It’s especially awful to see on a small child. It takes up a third of his forearm,” Mr Bracek said. The local council has been notified of the horrific attack with investigations ongoing. Watch the footage <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/6yearold-boy-attacked-by-dog-at-popular-currumbin-eatery-on-easter-sunday/news-story/19317cd75d78492a203c6dc41c86f1f8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: CCTV

Family & Pets

Why Richard Gere is set to testify in Italian kidnapping trial

Actor Richard Gere has been named as a witness in a high-profile Italian kidnapping trial involving former government minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini, the populist leader of the right-wing League Party, is facing kidnapping charges for refusing to let a migrant ship dock in the country. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in jail and being barred from running for office. Gere was in Italy in August 2019, when Salvini refused for days to let a boat carrying about 150 migrants rescued at sea to dock in Italy. The vessel was operated by the NGO Proactiva Open Arms, and Gere visited the boat in an effort to draw international attention to the situation. Activists described the conditions on board and the Italian government’s failure to act as a humanitarian crisis at the time. Salvini has said that the inclusion of Gere in the list of witnesses proves the case against him should not be taken seriously. "Now you tell me how serious is a trial where Richard Gere comes from Hollywood to testify on how bad I am," Mr Salvini said. Other witnesses include former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, as well as other senior Italian political figures. Proactiva Open Arms told the court that Gere could give a direct account of the conditions on board the vessel, which was stranded off the Italian island of Lampedusa for 19 days before prosecutors ordered its evacuation. At present, it is not clear whether Gere will appear in person or via video. Salvini, a populist known for his anti-immigrant campaigns, argues that he was simply doing his duty as minister by refusing to allow the migrants to disembark. He said, "Defending a country's borders, security, honour and dignity is not just a minister's duty but everyone's duty. "Being put on trial for just doing my duty is surreal. A Spanish boat refusing to go to Spain commits an abuse. If Spain gives its flag to boats it does not manage to control, then there is a problem". The next hearing is scheduled for December 17. Image: Michael Loccisano/WireImage/Getty Images

Legal

7 Mysteries of the Mona Lisa

As the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa draws more than six million admirers to the Louvre each year. Just what is her peculiar power? Monda Lisa mystery #1: Who was Mona Lisa? <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/96ac8753d46042ba935d8ca973208772" />Over the past century, it has been proposed that Mona Lisa was a noblewoman – Isabella d’Este, Marquise of Mantua, or Costanza d’Avalos, Duchess of Francavilla. Others have stared at that unsettling visage and seen the face of a man – Leonardo da Vinci himself, or the man who was for 20 years his assistant (and perhaps his lover), Gian Giacomo Caprotti. There is even a theory that the picture may have started out as a portrait from life but, over the years that Leonardo worked on it, evolved into an abstract vision of the feminine ideal. These days, most experts agree that the Mona Lisa is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, wife of a Florentine silk merchant named Francesco del Giocondo (hence the name by which she is known in Italy and France, La Gioconda, or La Joconde). When she sat for Leonardo da Vinci, in around 1503, she was about 24 years old. Her contrapposto pose – with the body angled away from the viewer, head turned forward – was widely admired and copied by Leonardo’s contemporaries. And his sfumato technique, where sharp edges are blurred to create an uncannily lifelike effect, was seen as a brilliant technical innovation, very unlike the slightly frozen human figures of earlier, lesser painters. Mona Lisa mystery #2: The hidden initials In 2010, Silvano Vinceti, chairman of Italy’s National Committee for Cultural Heritage, claimed to have discerned letters minutely painted on Mona Lisa’s eyes: L and V (Leonardo da Vinci’s initials) in the right eye, and perhaps C, E or B in the left. The Louvre responded that Vinceti’s letters were simply microscopic cracks in the paint. Mona Lisa mystery #3: The broken backdrop <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d24b5d5c75c44f5aa5f5219632097fab" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.5442561205273px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844236/mona-lisa-backdrop-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d24b5d5c75c44f5aa5f5219632097fab" /> The distant, dreamlike vista behind Mona Lisa’s head seems to be higher on the right-hand side than on the left. It is hard to see how the landscape would join up. This is subliminally unsettling: Mona Lisa appears taller, more erect, when one’s gaze drifts to the left than when it is on the right. Mona Lisa mystery #4: The bewitching smile In 2000, scientists at Harvard University suggested a neurological explanation for Mona Lisa’s elusive smile. When a viewer looks at her eyes, the mouth is in peripheral vision, which sees in black and white. This accentuates the shadows at the corners of her mouth, making the smile seem broader. But the smile diminishes when you look straight at it. It is the variability of her smile, the fact that it changes when you look away from it, that makes her seem so alive, so mysterious. Mona Lisa mystery #5: The unknown bridge <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2138f0c4b92d42fd8502466377e2c2b8" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 280.97982708933716px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844234/mona-lisa-3-bridge-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2138f0c4b92d42fd8502466377e2c2b8" /> The Mona Lisa’s background landscape seems unreal, but the bridge might be one that Leonardo knew. It is usually said to be Ponte Buriano in Tuscany, but in 2011, a researcher claimed it depicts the Bobbio Bridge over the Trebbia, which was washed away in a flood in 1472. Mona Lisa mystery #6: Da Vinci’s obsession Leonardo da Vinci worked on the painting for four years, and possibly at intervals after that. He always took it with him when he travelled, and he never signed or dated it. The picture went with him when, towards the end of his life, he moved to France. It was sold to his last patron, King François I, and remained out of sight in the royal collection for almost 200 years. In 1799 Napoleon came across the painting and commandeered it for his bedroom. Only in 1804 did the Mona Lisa go on public display – in the newly founded Louvre Museum. At that time, it was not seen as particularly interesting, but in the middle of the 19th century Leonardo’s stock as an artist slowly rose. He came to be seen as the equal of the two acknowledged Renaissance greats, Michelangelo and Raphael. This new interest in Leonardo as a painter drew attention to his few known works. Mona Lisa mystery #7: Was Mona Lisa unwell? Mona Lisa has often been scrutinised by medical experts. In 2010, an Italian doctor looked at the swelling around her eyes and diagnosed excess cholesterol in her diet. Other conditions ascribed to her include facial paralysis, deafness, even syphilis. More happily, it has been suggested that the look of contentment on her face indicates she is pregnant. Dentists have also posited bruxism, compulsive grinding of the teeth; or that the line of her top lip suggests that her front teeth are missing – which, along with the faintest hint of a scar on her lip, raises the possibility that she was a victim of domestic violence. Jungians have seen her as an accomplished representation of the anima, the female archetype that resides in each one of us. It seems that almost any condition can be read into that puzzling face. From Great Secrets of History © 2012. The Reader’s Digest Association, inc. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/entertainment/mysterious-mona-lisa">Reader’s Digest</a> Images: Reader’s Digest

Art

Have a peek inside George Clooney’s dreamy Italian mansion

George Clooney is easily one of the most recognisable faces in the western world. He is also renowned for his international property portfolio. One of his favourite places is surely one of yours as well – his idyllic mansion in Lake Como, Italy. The star bought the Italian villa in 2002 and paid an eye-watering €11.7 million (AUD $18.8 million) for the property. The 18th century estate features several extraordinary features including 25 rooms, an outdoor theatre, a swimming pool, and a garage big enough to house his number of vehicles and motorcycles. This luxurious home has a tennis court as well, along with a full gym, landscaped gardens, incredibly ornate ceilings, a separate “pizza room”, and a meticulously constructed wall to keep water from pouring directly into the house. Lake Como is home to many international celebs, including Donatella Versace who is reportedly within walking distance from Clooney. George Clooney is reported to have said that his villa is one of his best purchases. “[It] changed my life in a very pleasant and unexpected way… “I realized how beautiful life was in Italy and how it really helped calm me and not feel so pressured.”

Real Estate

An Italian museum’s innovative way of tracking viewer interactions

Art researchers in Italy have discovered a new way to help more accurately curate popular museum exhibitions. Working with the Italian national agency for new technologies, the Istituzione Bologna Musei in Bologna has installed 14 small cameras that use artificial intelligence (AI) to study the reactions of viewers. The cameras pick up facial expressions, posture and positioning of those who pass through the gallery on a daily basis. The data collected by these cameras is then used to draw broader conclusions about future exhibits and specific artworks. Researcher Riccardo Scipinotti came up with the initiative, referred to as ShareArt, to record how long visitors look at art, the paths they take through galleries, where their eyes are drawn to on particular canvases. All of these factors make up each piece of art’s “attraction value”, as well as analysing which exhibits are the most popular. The ShareArt technology has the potential to revolutionise the museum and art world, as the data shared from the AI could determine placement of certain works in a gallery, how works are lit or hung, or how works are displayed in relation to one another. The team of researchers began to roll out ShareArt in early July as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Italy, and has already started to yield interesting results. The technology is also fitted to detect if museum-goers are flouting making-wearing rules. The AI device is programmed to flash red if a visitor is wearing their mask incorrectly, or not wearing one at all. Image credit: Shutterstock

Art

Bargain Italian homes sell for under $2

Houses in Italy are selling for as little as one euro, thanks to a new initiative started by several Italian municipalities. The 1 Euro House Project hopes to revitalise particular areas of the country and stem the rate of residents moving away. Sambuca di Sicilia, a municipality in the region of Sicily, has seen incredible success from the initiative, with approximately 16 dwellings being purchased since the scheme was announced in 2019. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bell’Italia (@bellitalia_magazine)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since then, Sambuca has attracted reporters and foreign buyers looking for a bargain home. Though the reasons behind Sambuca’s huge popularity in comparison to other unpopulated towns involved in the scheme are unknown, the area has hopes to replicate its initial success. A second batch of abandoned homes have been put on the market for a symbolic two euros (AUD $3.20). <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since the 2019 scheme, local authorities have continued to receive requests from foreigners interested in buying a bargain property. In response to the continued interest, they have decided to sell about 20 abandoned buildings, many of which are adjacent houses, giving buyers an opportunity to buy more than one and knock them through. The chosen properties are all within the old “Saracen” neighbourhood, which were abandoned after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the area in 1968. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> The homes will be going to auction at a starting price of two euros and will be sold to the highest bidder. Most of the homes are in need of repairs, while others are still filled with forgotten items and broken furniture. Any who are interested in partaking can complete and submit an application - available from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%202%20Euro/Index.htm" target="_blank">town’s website</a> - until November 5, with the public auction likely to take place several weeks later. In 2019, the homes sold for prices ranging from one euro to €25,000 (approximately $40,000 AUD). However, most went for somewhere between €5000 and €10,000 (AUD $8000 to $16,000). Image: irusya_busya / Instagram

International Travel

Lost Italian village emerges after decades under water

A "lost" village has emerged from an Italian lake after 71 years under water. Curon is a village in north Italy that was purposefully drowned in 1950 to become a reservoir for a hydro-electric plant. The reservoir is known as Lake Resia and usually the only sign of the 163 lost homes beneath it is a 14th-Century church tower that protrudes above the surface. Temporary draining at the lake has revealed the former alpine village, which was flooded despite protests from residents. It was flooded when a dam was built to merge two natural lakes and create the local hydro-electric plant. Lake Resia quickly became a tourist attraction due to the scary abandoned church tower sticking up in the middle. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luisa A. 🇮🇹 (@luisa2506)</a> </div> </blockquote> Around 1000 people were displaced when the village was purposefully flooded in 1950. Around 400 of those created a new village close by while the rest are said to have moved away. The past has been brought to life once again as repairs at the site have revealed quite eerie remains. Tourists and locals have been able to walk over the site and that’s resulted in some cool photography. Some great examples can be seen on Instagram account luisa2506 which shows some spooky buildings and rubble. The Instagram belongs to a local called Luisa Azzolini who has also been tweeting the amazing images.

International Travel

Find your Italian dream home for just $1.50

If you’ve ever dreamt of living in Italy, this special option might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The depopulated town of Laurenzana, located in Southern Italy's Basilicata region, has set itself apart from the number of home schemes up for grabs in the country. Last month, potential buyers were given the option to buy a dilapidated home without having to put down a deposit guarantee that would ensure they finished renovations on their property. The mayor of the town Michele Ungaro, said they were making the process a heck of a lot easier. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840249/italian-home-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/19a75d6fe76047c492624c11d812f2c0" /> "We want to help newcomers purchase the house of their dreams without making it hard for them to follow tedious procedures and tight requirements," Ungaro explained. "At times it can be difficult to navigate through regulation, particularly if you're a foreigner. We want this adventure to be a pleasure, not a burden.” She continued: "That's why we are not asking for any deposit guarantee to ensure the works are speedily carried out. It sounds as a sort of threat. "We rely on the good faith and commitment of buyers, but we will be constantly monitoring the work-in-progress and status of the renovation." To entice buyers, authorities have also kept paperwork costs to a minimum, and has assured them that they will benefit from southern Italy's relatively low local taxes. However, as with most one euro ($1.50) home schemes, buyers must agree to complete the renovations on their property within a certain time frame. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840248/italian-home-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/72764117d3f04324bb734455c3434ca6" /> In Laurenzana, work needs to start no longer than three months after purchase and has to be completed within three years. Buyers are also required to give in a detailed restyle plan before their offer is considered. "If we are flooded with emails of people just saying 'I want to buy a house for one euro' without any further details, we'll get nowhere," Ungaro said. "Targets are paramount. It would be of great help in speeding up the process if interested buyers get in touch straight away with a draft plan of what they intend to do with their new property and how much money they plan to invest in the restyle." The abandoned houses for sale in Laurenzana come in different shapes and sizes, so Ungaro has encouraged those interested in buying to make clear what size home they are interested in, or what purpose they will use their property for – whether that be a private summer home, B&B or shop. The homes available range from 40 to 150 square metres.

Real Estate

The crazy pizza toppings that are actually delicious

Sure, you've been eating your pizza with extra cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms for years, but that's child's play compared to the craziest new pizza toppings out there. Try not to cringe when there is pineapple on a pizza. There’s a ton of other wild stuff happening out there more concerning. Corn Does corn pizza seem totally crazy to you? You’re probably more used to veggie pizza toppings like sun dried tomatoes or olives, but some fresh roasted sweet corn is actually delicious on a classic pizza thanks to its delicately sweet flavour. If you want add a little zest to your corn, try adding some chilli flakes to give your pizza a sweet heat. Crab meat Remember that old adage that seafood and cheese never go together by Italian culinary tradition? Apparently, American pizza experts are throwing that to the wind, because trend-setting pizza chains in New York are topping their famous pizzas with real lump crab meat and people are loving it. Crab meat is loaded with zinc, so you can tell yourself a slice isn’t the worst decision you could make today. Sriracha People are going crazy for Sriracha sauce-topped pies thanks to the gentle heat of this popular pepper-infused topping and low calorie content. Asian and Italian flavours may not seem like a natural fit, but one bite of a fresh pizza drizzled in spicy Sriracha sauce will make you question what other weirdly wonderful flavour combos you’ve been missing out on. Kale If you’re not the type to order a salad on your pizza, think again—kale is delicious when cooked. It’s one of the best pizza toppings for veggie lovers thanks to high vitamin C and fibre content. Kale-topped pizzas are currently trending in veggie-friendly areas like Los Angeles, where a popular local joint, Pitfire Pizza, tops their pizzas with black kale, field mushrooms, cheddar, chilies, and garlic. Yum! Hummus Hummus sounds like a seriously crazy pizza topping, doesn’t it? It should, but the truth is it’s gaining steam in the health-conscious food blogger seen, and even US brands like Sabra have created limited-time pizza-flavoured hummus lines because surprisingly, the flavours pair really well together. Cashew cheese It turns out cashew cheese is the vegan cheese of choice for foodies these days, and some pizza shops are going to great lengths to satisfy their vegan and dairy-free customers’ pizza cravings. Matthew Kenney, a vegan chef and expert who teaches workshops on going vegan at Turnberry Isle Miami, has been leading the cashew cheese pizza movement in New York and Florida. Try not to cringe when there is pineapple on a pizza. There’s a ton of other wild stuff happening out there more concerning. Nectarines Nectarines, peaches, and other stone fruit have a tangy-sweet flavour that is similar in some ways to the flavour profile of BBQ sauce. If you’re the type who likes a good BBQ-themed pizza, you need to try one topped with nectarine slices and an especially sharp or bold cheese. Milo & Olive, a popular pizzeria in the US state of California, has been serving up a salty-meets-sweet nectarine and bacon pizza that’s topped with Fontina, thyme, balsamic glaze, and deliciously ripe stone fruit. Spicy mac and cheese Mac and cheese is already great, and adding spice is always the next level of excitement, but if you haven’t tried adding fresh jalapeños and gooey mac and cheese to your pizza, have you even really lived? Vinnie’s, a popular local pizza spot in Brooklyn, has lines out the door for their magical, new-age comfort food slices. Eggs Cooked, runny, semi-solid—you name it. Eggs are one of the best weird pizza toppings to be found in both the United States and Italy, the birthplace of pizza. Eggs are healthy, too, so adding a few to your pizza gives you an excuse to have a slice for a responsible brunch. Entire Mexican dishes Why add just a little Mexican seasoning to your pizza when you can throw an entire plate of chilaquiles right on top of your favourite simple pizza. This recipe was the brainchild of Chef Martin Gonzalez in San Diego, California, and includes crunchy tortilla chips, warm green tomatillo sauce, red onion, and queso añejo (a Mexican cheese that is very similar to Parmesan) and crema fresca. There’s no reason this can’t be recreated at home, and you’ll be a hero for combining the world’s most addictive flavours. Avocado Your favourite, trendiest salad addition is also great on pizza. Avocado’s creamy texture is actually similar to that of some soft cheeses, and the mildly nutty flavour pairs well with everything from tomatoes to garlic. Avocado is one of the best pizza toppings you never expected because it can easily be combined with all the other weird toppings too, like corn, crab, and even Sriracha. Plus, avocados are a brain food, so you can feel good about loading your plate up. Written by Bryce Grubern. This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/11-crazy-pizza-toppings-are-actually-delicious">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.com.au/subscribe">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Food & Wine

Kate Langbroek goes head to head with “aggressive” Italian police

Kate Langbroek says she has had an “aggressive” run in with Italian police while carrying out lockdown in the city of Bologna. The Australian radio star explained to FOX FM she’d had an unpleasant experience while going to the grocery store with her husband to buy Easter eggs on Good Friday. She explained they were told they were not allowed to be outside together. “Italians have that knack. They can look at us and know we are not Italian,” she said to radio hosts Dave Hughes and Ed Kavalee “I was so annoyed. I hate the one-size-fits-all rule. I said, ‘I’ve got four children at home, that’s a lot of food, that’s a lot of carrying on my own’. “They were a bit surprised by how aggressive I was. “They respect that attitude because it’s the attitude of an Italian woman. They’re quite forthright. “That’s my new strategy. I’m going to be aggressive.” Currently Langbroek is quarantine with her husband Pete Lewis and four kids. Earlier, the radio star made headlines after she revealed her husband was “being sued by police” after being given a notice while riding his bicycle. “They held him up for 40 minutes, they basically interrogated him, and gave him a piece of paper, which he signed, even though it was in Italian, and he couldn’t understand it, which said he’s being sued by the police,” Langbroek said. “I laughed and said, ‘Good, I hope they deport us. It’s the only way we can get out of here’. “We’re not in isolation like you guys are in isolation. “We’re not allowed to exercise in pairs, we’re not allowed to go outside. We are in solitary confinement, basically, except with six of us. “The only reason you’re allowed to go out is to get groceries.”

International Travel

Free impromptu concerts break out from Italian rooftops and balconies

From Australia to Europe, the deadly coronavirus outbreak is forcing a number of people around the world to go into self-isolation, leading to not only widespread anxiety, but a little bit of positivity too. In Italy, opera singer Maurizio Marchini took to his balcony to serenade the town with his soulful voice, filling Florence’s empty streets with life once again after he gave a beautiful rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s famous aria “Nessun Dorma”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> During Italy's quarantine, Italian tenor Maurizio Marchini wanted to do something to spread joy amid all the sadness in Florence. So climbed on to his balcony and serenaded the entire town. Wow.<a href="https://t.co/yVgADAU9bt">pic.twitter.com/yVgADAU9bt</a> — Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadLila/status/1238671011698151427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> Footage of the heartwarming act has been viewed over four million times since it was shared on Twitter on Facebook. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> From my balcony in Turin, Italy. Free concert performed by fellow balcony dwellers. Watch with the sound on to also hear the thunderous applause from all the neighbors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc2mCCVuRH">pic.twitter.com/Fc2mCCVuRH</a> — D. Schmudde (@dschmudde) <a href="https://twitter.com/dschmudde/status/1238598881719582720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote> And he wasn’t the only one filling the streets with cheer, as residents in Turin took to their balconies to play instruments and sing. With one resident describing the moment as a “free concert” and shared a video of it on Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Scenes like this from Italy fill me with so much joy and hopefulness. Here is a DJ in Palermo playing a set for the whole neighborhood...music does unite! 🎶 Remember to spread love❤️ during these trying times. Stay safe, and very importantly, positive everyone! <a href="https://t.co/Nz5PCLPBPt">pic.twitter.com/Nz5PCLPBPt</a> — Andrew Arruda (@AndrewArruda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewArruda/status/1238869074173505539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> There was also an upbeat performance by a DJ from the city of Palermo, who set up his equipment in his balcony to keep the positive energy flowing. Cheers and whistles could be heard as the unidentified man bellowed into a microphone and waved his hands in the air. On Monday, multiple Italians came together to form a flash mob, as they shined lights out of their windows and balconies while other residents cheered around them.

International Travel

“You have no idea what’s coming”: Italian warns of six ‘stages’ of a global pandemic

An Italian social media user has warned citizens of other countries about the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic as the country remains under lockdown. The user took to Reddit to share <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1238977743653687296" target="_blank">what it’s like living in the country</a>, where the COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 1,800 people. “To the rest of the world, you have no idea what’s coming,” the person wrote. “This situation is bad, but what’s worse is seeing the rest of the world behaving as if it isn’t going to happen to them. We know what you’re thinking because we were in your place too.” The person went on to outline the six stages they experienced, which are different from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.who.int/influenza/resources/documents/pandemic_phase_descriptions_and_actions.pdf" target="_blank">pandemic influenza phases as defined by the World Health Organisation</a>. The user said ‘Stage 1’ began when the first cases were reported in the country. “I’m not 75+yo so what could possibly happen to me?” the Italian wrote. “I’m going to live my life as usual, there’s no need to freak out.” The number of cases started increasing in ‘Stage 2’, when the government would declare “red zone” and quarantine small cities. “Well that’s sad and somewhat worrisome but they’re taking care of it so nothing to panic about.” ‘Stage 3’ would see the number of reported cases doubling up in a day, along with rising death toll. In Italy’s case, a quarter of the country was under quarantine while the rest carried on as usual. National health emergency could be observed in ‘Stage 4’, with the health system struggling to keep up with the increasing cases. “Hospitals are at capacity, entire units are cleared to make space for coronavirus patients,” the post read. “There aren’t enough doctors and nurses … There’s no shifts any more, just work as much as you can. “Of course doctors and nurses are getting infected, spreading it to their families.” Because there were not enough places for every patient in health facilities, medical professionals would have to distribute resources as best as they could. “At this point is like being at war: doctors have to choose who to treat based on their survival chance,” the person wrote. “That means that the elderly and trauma/stroke patients can’t get treated because corona cases have priority.” In ‘Stage 5’, the entire country would be declared under quarantine. People could go to work and shop, but would not be allowed to move from their commune except for special reasons. “Now there’s fear, you see a lot of people with masks and gloves around but there are still are people who think that they’re invincible, who go to restaurants in large groups, hang out with friends to drink and so on.” The person said in Italy’s ‘Stage 6’, most businesses except supermarkets and pharmacies are closed. People were only allowed to move around if they had certification, and those found outside with no valid reason could risk fines. “That’s what the situation is like now today as of the March 12th. Keep in mind that it all happened in around 2 weeks... 5 DAYS FROM STAGE 3 TO TODAY.” The person warned that countries outside of Italy, China and Korea should be wary of the “consequences” that the virus brings. “You have no idea what’s coming to get you. I know because 2 weeks ago I was the one who had no idea and though it wasn’t bad,” the user wrote. “It’s hard to see all these countries act like it’s not coming and not taking the precautions that are necessary for the well-being of its citizens while they still can.” As of Sunday, there were 153,517 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with 249 being in Australia and 6 in New Zealand. On Monday morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised Australians to remain calm as Victoria declared a state of emergency and the ACT declared a public health emergency. “A state of emergency is not a state of panic,” he said. “A state of emergency puts in place special powers for state governments to help manage the spread of a health epidemic.” Morrison also urged shoppers to stop panic buying as supermarkets began introducing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/special-shopping-periods-announced-for-elderly-and-disabled">dedicated shopping hours for elderly and vulnerable customers</a>. “Let’s all look after each other and be respectful to each other and help each other out.”

News

Italian town hopes to attract new residents by offering free rent

A town in southern Italy has joined the ranks of communities attempting to boost their dwindling populations with novel approaches. After <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/the-charming-italian-town-that-offers-free-houses">Cammarata</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/2-towns-in-italy-are-selling-homes-for-just-1-2019-4">Zungoli and Mussomeli</a> gave away homes for one euro or less, the small town of Teora in the Campania region is aiming to lure families to move in by offering to pay their rent. The town said it will pay newcomers €150 per month towards the cost of renting a house for two years, or a €5,000 lump sum to buy one. It is also offering to waive local taxes and school meal fees. However, buyers have to commit to live in the town for at least three years. They also need to have at least one child during the time of application. “I don’t believe in selling empty houses for €1, that doesn’t incentivise people to stay in town,” Teora’s mayor Stefano Farina told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-teora-rent/index.html">CNN</a>. “They just come a few months a year as holidaymakers. That’s not the solution. But taking up residency and enrolling kids at the local school, that does breathe new life.” Farina said Teora’s population declined significantly after an earthquake in 1980 led many young people to flee the commune. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake destroyed Teora along with other towns, including Lioni and Conza di Campania. “Two babies are born [in Teora] each year versus 20 elders who die,” he said. “We’re down to barely 1,500 residents. “I want to invert this negative trend … New families will be the building blocks of our shrinking community, so we encourage those with more kids to apply.” According to CNN, there are nearly 100 empty buildings available. Those interested in the offer can visit the town’s <a href="http://www.comune.teora.av.it/hh/index.php">website</a> and <a href="mailto:staff@comune.teora.av.it">email the local government</a> for more information.

International Travel

The charming Italian town that offers free houses

A town in the Italian island of Sicily is giving away free homes in a bid to attract new residents. The town of Cammarata – located about 60km southeast of Palermo – is offering homes around the town for naught in a new scheme to fight depopulation and urban decay. “I can’t stand to see this gorgeous, old historical center empty and turn into a ruin. It hurts me,” mayor Vincenzo Giambrone told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-cammarata-free-houses/index.html">CNN Travel</a>. According to Giambrone, twelve stone buildings are available now, with “more to come shortly”. The scheme comes with a few conditions – interested parties must commit to renovating their new house within three years and pay the town a deposit of €5,000 (about AU$8,070), which will be returned once the building works are done. They will also be required to present a refurbishment proposal for the property. While all foreigners and Italians will be considered, the town will prioritise young couples with children as buyers and grant a €1,000 bonus for couples who settle and go on to have a baby there. New owners are allowed to transform the multi-story buildings into a private house, hotel, guest accommodation, shop or restaurant. Town councillors said the locals were “deterred” from living in Cammarata due to the town’s mountainous location and “tiny, winding roads, which were nigh on impossible to get a car around”, <a href="https://www.insider.com/italy-cheap-homes-sicilian-town-of-cammarata-offers-free-houses-2019-11">Insider</a> reported. Giambrone said he hoped the move will help the town go back to “being a lively, vibrant place”.

International Travel

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