Zungoli – Itali. Selling houses in the Historical Center to save the City

Exploring the possibility of snagging a 1 euro property in Italy in 2024? Specifically, there’s a house up for grabs in Zungoli, and I’ve got the inside scoop for you.

This charming village is gearing up for its 4th round of the 1 euro house sale. The process is well-established, transparent, and this isn’t their first rodeo – they’ve done it three times before. Check out the mayor’s interview on ITV online from fall 2023 for the latest details, or keep an eye on the official Zungoli website for updates. If patience isn’t your strong suit, give the mayor’s office a ring – they might spill the beans without waiting for the main auction.

Zungoli Italy homes for sale 1 €

Now, let’s talk Zungoli pros and cons. We give it a solid 3 out of 5 on our scale.

Advantages of Scoring a One Euro Home in Zungoli:

• Nestled in an ecologically pristine mountain area with stunning views.
• Rich historical sights pepper the village.
• Thriving farms and agriculture.
• Top-notch local products.
• Bars, restaurants, and shops.

Downsides of Nabbing a One Euro Home in Zungoli:

It’s a small village. Need serious medical treatment or a big haul of building materials? You’re looking at a 50-70 km drive to a larger city.

Limited job opportunities. If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a big city, finding work in your field might be a bit challenging here.

Our advice? Zungoli might not be the ideal spot for urbanites or those accustomed to convenience at every turn. However, if you crave solitude, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature, Zungoli could be your next great adventure. With a population of around 1000 people, it’s a close-knit community ready to welcome newcomers. So, are you up for the challenge of a 1 euro home in Zungoli?

History of Zungoli and official data

Read the best article with the complete list of 1 euro houses here!

This ancient town shares a similar history with other settlements in the Campania region, in the province of Avellino, and has long been under the rule of Feudal Lords. Its economy, always tied to the land, prospered with intense craftsmanship activity and numerous workshops, where young people rushed to learn extraordinary manual skills.

Another traditional activity was livestock farming, especially sheep and cattle, so the town hosted and continues to host four fixed-term fairs: the “Coronation Fair” in April, the “St. Anne’s Fair” in July, the “St. Rocco’s Fair” in September, and the “St. Francis Fair” in October; during these markets, animals were sold both for breeding and for plowing fields.

Of the many artisan workshops that once brought life and noise to the alleys of the historical center of Zungoli, today only one forge remains, producing exquisite wrought iron grilles.

Anyone coming from Avellino and wishing to visit Zungoli should take the Naples-Bari train, get off at Grottaminarde, and then continue towards Villanova del Battista; after 10 km of a weekend tourist’s journey, after the turn, the tourist will see the town spread out on a hill, crowned with a magnificent Norman rock.

Zungoli, severe and collected, takes on a brown hue in winter to protect itself from snow and fog, which muffle sounds and trap smoke from chimneys; with the arrival of spring, it regains its colors, and the settlement stands out against the emerald-green meadow around it. The transparent air of April restores clear outlines to the houses, lets the sound of steps on the cobblestone pavement through, and the voices that intersect with a soft dialectal intonation.

Professor Fariello used to say that the best and most serious ecologists are peasants who protect nature because they derive the essentials for life from it. Indeed, anyone visiting the ancient town of Zungoli, with its steps, corners, and houses made of living stones, understands that every human intervention in nature was functional to agricultural activities, so architecture, both simple and more complex, does not spoil the landscape but becomes its integral and vibrant part, both in forms and colors.

Restoration of Zungoli after the Earthquake

The city’s chief engineer, who led the restoration efforts after the 1980 earthquake, stated in informal conversations,

“The influence of tradition is at the core of all the work on rebuilding and modernizing buildings; whether modest or intricate, local architecture is always permeated with a sense of strictness and sacredness: the local residents had a high and noble conception of life.”

Official website of Zungoli: http://www.comunezungoli.it/c064120/hh/index.php

Via Provinciale 19; 83030 Zungoli (AV); Tel: +39825845037

Mail: [email protected]

The city’s surveyor, who accompanied us in visiting the most picturesque corners of the city, shared the principles that inspired the work on the restoration and preservation of buildings: “It is not enough to have only a rational and technically adequate project for intervention in residential structures that have settled for centuries; it is even insufficient to prevent speculations that could destroy or disfigure historical heritage. It is also necessary to consider aesthetic and historical aspects to restore the original appearance of buildings and preserve them for the interests of future generations.”

The Atmosphere of Life in Zungoli

Entering the city over the bridge immediately immerses you in the atmosphere of an ancient castle and majestic buildings, constructed once upon a time by local nobility. The beauty and harmony of the castle square’s architecture evoke a sense of admiration and conjure memories of the past.

The city center consists of narrow streets, paved with lava or cobblestone. Along these streets stand ancient houses made of uneven masonry, remaining unchanged throughout the centuries. Just pause and listen to the silence to hear echoes of footsteps and voices from years gone by.

Today, Zungoli is experiencing a biblical exodus of its population. The causes include unemployment, the lack of industry, and an agricultural crisis.

The city’s mayor is making efforts to address this issue. He has established two cooperative societies, one providing services and the other involved in milk collection. However, these efforts are not sufficient to employ all the unemployed residents.

At the same time, the city is banking on the development of tourism. Last year, a trial initiative was carried out, yielding positive results. In July-August of this year, the city welcomed 1500 tourists.

The municipality offers tourists accommodation in furnished apartments with all amenities, including bed linens. Additionally, they are provided the opportunity to have fixed-price lunches and dinners. Moreover, the city hosts various events such as theatrical performances, musical concerts, and guided tours.

The city has all the potential for tourism development, boasting an ancient city center, a refreshing climate, a well-equipped pine grove, delicious and healthy cuisine, and a well-organized infrastructure where the friendliness of the residents is palpable.

A central point of excursions is the visit to the basements of peasant houses. These underground spaces were dug into the tuff of the hill on which the city stands. They were used as stables and cellars for storing wine and agricultural tools.