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With its rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, the village of Radicondoli is the picture postcard image of romantic Tuscany (Italy) with roses and wine.

Radicondoli, a small, dwindling village in the Tuscany region of Italy, has launched a new incentive program to attract people to move there. (Source: CNN)

But behind its ancient stone walls and quiet streets, this small medieval village near Siena has been losing its population over the years.

Once home to around 3,000 people, Radicondoli now has just 966 residents. Of the 450 homes, around 100 are vacant, and the local government is looking to reverse the trend.

In 2023, Radicondoli will launch a program offering up to 20,000 euros (about $23,000) to anyone willing to buy and live in one of the empty homes, plus an additional 6,000 euros for living expenses like heating and transportation.

In 2025, the program will be expanded. Instead of just supporting homebuyers, the government will cover half of the rent for the first two years for new tenants, extending until early 2026.

“The housing support program, which started two years ago, is now being intensified. We have allocated more than 400,000 euros ($465,000) this year to support the purchase and rental of new homes, along with other measures such as financial support for students, commuters and green energy users,” Mayor Francesco Guarguaglini said.

Home purchase policy

This house in Radicondoli is currently for sale for 72,000 Euros (about 83,324 USD). (Source: CNN)

Radicondoli's approach is different from Italy's famous "1 Euro house sale" programs, according to Mr. Guarguaglini.

“We are different because we do not sell houses for the symbolic price of 1 Euro. Here, the houses have real value. The sense of community, hospitality and rich cultural activities are added values ​​​​in addition to the strategic location of the village,” he emphasized.

Available properties, for rent or purchase, range from one-bedroom apartments in the historic city center to Tuscan farmhouses on the outskirts. Apartments in the center tend to be compact, cozy, with one or two bedrooms, while homes on the outskirts are spacious farmhouses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Each home is unique, with exposed wooden beams, stone walls and classic hand-painted brickwork.

Prices start at around 50,000 euros for a small unit, and go up to 100,000 euros or more for a large one. Most are in pretty good condition, according to Mayor Guarguaglini, with only a few needing around 10,000 euros in renovations.

This also means that buyers using the entire 20,000 euro support package can own a small apartment for as little as 30,000 euros ($35,000). Of course, there is a condition: The buyer must live there for at least 10 years, and the renter must stay there for at least 4 years.

Traces of the past

Traces of time at Radicondoli. (Source: CNN)

Radicondoli’s population began to decline in the 1950s, as young people left the village to find work in larger cities. According to Mayor Guarguaglini, about 15 elderly people die each year, while only three babies are born.

He hopes the new program will bring back some of the vitality and prosperity of the 14th-century heyday, when Radicondoli was a center of wool production.

Historical vestiges are still evident with domes, rows of red-brown stone houses interspersed with ancient villas that once belonged to wealthy merchants. Some residents still live in “tower houses” attached to the city walls – remnants of the medieval period.

“Since the launch of the program in 2023, we have supported 23 home sales and attracted around 60 new residents, mainly Italians and a few foreigners, including Belgians,” said Mr. Guarguaglini, adding that he aims to increase the population to at least 1,000.

Those planning to convert abandoned properties into tourist accommodation will also receive additional government support, including repair subsidies and preferential rental loans, making Radicondoli more attractive to business and seasonal tourists.

Additionally, international families moving to Radicondoli can receive university scholarships and textbook vouchers, making settling in easier for those with young children.

Green village in the heart of Tuscany

Radicondoli attracts tourists with its wine, olive oil and cuisine . (Source: CNN)

Radicondoli is about a 40-minute drive from Siena and a little over an hour from Florence. Though quieter than Tuscany's tourist hubs, it still retains all the charm of wine, olive oil and cuisine.

Local specialties include Cinta Senese cold cuts, ribollita soup and handmade pici noodles served with wild boar or porcini mushrooms.

The village also offers many cultural and outdoor activities: Visitors can tour the historic center, visit craft workshops, or participate in folk festivals throughout the year.

Nature lovers can hike, cycle or horse ride amidst the lush countryside.

The Radicondoli Energy Museum (Le Energie del Territorio) is also a highlight, showcasing the exploitation of geothermal energy – the region's signature clean energy source.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/italy-no-luc-dua-ngoi-lang-yen-binh-o-mien-trung-thanh-diem-den-ly-tuong-332878.html