Historic castle giveaway in Italy
More than 100 historic castles, farmhouses and monasteries in Italy are being offered for free, provided the premises are transformed.
They must become tourist attractions such as hotels, restaurants or shops.
The applicants, who are being targeted as entrepreneurs under 40, must advise how they intend to transform the building into an attraction.
Successful applicants will be given rights to the property for a nine year leasehold, with the option to extend for a further nine years.
Italy are set to introduce another 200 properties to the list within the next two years.
One of the most impressive properties on the 103 strong list is Castello di Blera, an 11th-century castle in Lazio.
The cliffside residence still maintains most of its original medieval features.
The 12th century built Torre della Bastiglia near Bologna that overlooks a nearby castle also features.
The list includes many old school-houses, palaces and inns.
Roberto Reggi from the State Property Agency told The Local Italy that the project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector.
"The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used to be transformed into facilities for pilgrims, hikers, tourists, and cyclists."
