Beautiful green and hilly town of Teora is located at the foot of the mountain Casta Del Gallo in the South of Italy, close to the cosy village at the Amalfi coast and hill towns of Puglia. The theory is an ancient city located on the amazing beauty of the hills, a feature which is fantastic clean fresh air and lush greenery. Sounds fantastic — but most importantly, the power of Theory willing to pay rent to anyone who would move to the city.
At that time, as some Italian cities are desperately trying to revive the declining owl population, selling houses for 1 Euro, the government Theory found a different approach. According to the mayor of the city Stefano Farina, the building sold for 1 Euro, will be used by people as a country house for rest, besides, the new tenants are now forced to pay for a massive renovation. Power Theory rely on longer-term paid accommodation, which will be possible only when certain conditions are met: the newcomers will be required to live in the city for three years, despite the fact that at the time of application, the family must be at least one child.
«I don’t believe in selling empty houses for 1 Euro, it doesn’t stimulate people to stay in the city.» says Stefano Farina.
The city offers to pay new residents the rent of 150 euros a month for two years. In addition, there is another proposal: the city government will give a one-time payment of 5,000 euros for the purchase of the house at the time, as the house has an area of 100 square meters costs only 30,000 euros. The mayor assures that all areas are in good condition and some are even furnished. Moreover, the new citizens expect other bonuses: the rookie removed the obligation to pay local taxes, free school Lunches for their children.
«They come a few months out of the year as vacationers. This is not the solution.» says Farina. «But if to live and to enrol children in the local school — it will breathe new life.»
Farina says the city’s population began to decline after the earthquake of 1980 which killed 157 inhabitants and destroying many historic buildings. This has caused great financial losses and social life Theory. Many residents left the city, since its development has stopped.
«Two children are born [in Theory] every year, and another 20 people die.» says Farina. «We have only 1500 inhabitants.»
Despite the small population of Teora has a busy cultural life. During the year, the city is a variety of activities such as the annual celebration of love songs, during which is played the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s «Romeo and Juliet», or traditional Glowinski parade «Li Squacqualacchiun». Parade participants wear black masks and knock on the doors of the houses with sticks, covered in pine needles. According to legend, the masks are hiding the angry farmers that require its yamshikov food. If the owner refused, the workers either attacked him, or knocked the door. Wine lovers will also appreciate the local carnival is based on pagan rituals of Dionysius.
The theory is not devoid of local historical sites. After the earthquake, survived the amphitheatre, antique water fountains, water mill and the ancient Church.
New residents started to flock to the town, Farina said that currently the city has settled two Italian families from Brazil.
«They even brought crashing to grandma and grandpa’s.» — said the mayor.
Today the city authorities are actively taking applications — all those interested can write an email to the official email Theory.
