<strong>Dying town:</strong> Italian town Candela is at risk of becoming a ghost town as young residents leave in their droves, and elders die out.
Dying town: Italian town Candela is at risk of becoming a ghost town as young residents leave in their droves, and elders die out.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Lost grandeur:</strong> The town once had a population of 8,000, but this has dwindled to 2,700 today.
Lost grandeur: The town once had a population of 8,000, but this has dwindled to 2,700 today.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Financial boost:</strong> Mayor Nicola Gatta is planning to give a monetary bonus to those who decide to move to the Italian town.
Financial boost: Mayor Nicola Gatta is planning to give a monetary bonus to those who decide to move to the Italian town.
Annalisa Fred / Comune Candela
<strong>Conditional offer:</strong> New residents must move to Candela, rent a house and have a job with an annual salary of at least 7,500 euros to qualify for the money earmarked by Gatta's council.
Conditional offer: New residents must move to Candela, rent a house and have a job with an annual salary of at least 7,500 euros to qualify for the money earmarked by Gatta's council.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Ardent crusade</strong>: "I work each day with passion and commitment to bring Candela back to its ancient splendor," says Gatta.
Ardent crusade: "I work each day with passion and commitment to bring Candela back to its ancient splendor," says Gatta.
Annalisa Fred / Comune Candela
<strong>Practical solution:</strong> Six families from northern Italy have already relocated as part of the scheme and another five have applied to move.
Practical solution: Six families from northern Italy have already relocated as part of the scheme and another five have applied to move.
Annalisa Fred / Comune Candela
<strong>Newly-refurbished: </strong>The town has been given a makeover, and its restyled old palazzos, streets and piazzas are open for guided tours.
Newly-refurbished: The town has been given a makeover, and its restyled old palazzos, streets and piazzas are open for guided tours.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Relocation benefits</strong>: "Life quality rocks here. We haven't had one crime in 20 years", says Stefano Bascianelli, the mayor's right-hand man.
Relocation benefits: "Life quality rocks here. We haven't had one crime in 20 years", says Stefano Bascianelli, the mayor's right-hand man.
Annalisa Fred / Comune Candela
<strong>Idyllic setting:</strong> "It's a quiet and simple lifestyle. No crowds, easy to move around, no traffic nor smog," says local Francesco Delvecchio.
Idyllic setting: "It's a quiet and simple lifestyle. No crowds, easy to move around, no traffic nor smog," says local Francesco Delvecchio.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Tourist attractions: </strong>Candela has been hosting bonfires, food fairs and festivals in a bid to attract visitors and new residents.
Tourist attractions: Candela has been hosting bonfires, food fairs and festivals in a bid to attract visitors and new residents.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Popular addition:</strong> The House of Santa Claus, which tells the story of Saint Nicholas, is a crowd-pleaser during the winter season.
Popular addition: The House of Santa Claus, which tells the story of Saint Nicholas, is a crowd-pleaser during the winter season.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela
<strong>Big plans</strong>: The town also has a new ice rink, with a toy museum. A showroom of medieval dresses is currently in the works.
Big plans: The town also has a new ice rink, with a toy museum. A showroom of medieval dresses is currently in the works.
Courtesy Franceso Pio Delvecchio / Comune Candela