Cultural rejuvenation of a small village in Northern Italy

Attractiveness of small historic town (Mission 1 – Component 3: Investment 2.1) 

Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan contributes to the "Piano Nazionale Borghi" initiative, designed to bolster the economic and social growth of underprivileged regions through cultural rejuvenation of small towns and boosting tourism. The efforts revolve around cohesive cultural projects tailored to local areas. 

Key measures include: 

• refurbishing historical landmarks and enhancing public spaces (like eliminating architectural obstacles and upgrading urban amenities), establishing compact cultural services, especially for tourism; 
• devising and highlighting new pathways such as thematic or historical trails while promoting guided tours; 
• providing financial aid for cultural, creative, tourism-related, commercial, agri-food, and artisanal ventures, aiming to rejuvenate local economies by spotlighting local products, skills, and methods. 

Part of this investment is the project aiming at the revitalization of a small mountain village, avoid depopulation and preserve and revive local traditions, art, and culture.

The investment comprises socio-cultural and socio-economic projects such as the ecological renovation of the oldest houses (for housing purposes and a “scattered hotel”), a multifunctional shop, cultivation of abandoned land and promotion of 0-km-products. Residences for artists, the elderly and coworking spaces, a library and a “scattered museum” will be created. 

The project also aims to strengthen craft activities, to build an irrigation system for the surrounding crops, to restore rural paths and a wooden bridge to make the land above the village, with local craftsmen and women and artists offering their products. Small construction works such as the wooden bridge have already been finalized.

The major construction works are expected to start in 2024. The funding provided by the PNRR for this project is of EUR 20million.