Interest in Basilicata, in southern Italy, could be on the verge of surging after an ancient city there was selected as a European Capital of Culture in 2019. With charming detached homes available for well under £100,000, it’s surely worth a nose…
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
The Prosecco has been flowing in Basilicata this month, after its city of Matera beat off competition from around Europe to be chosen as one of three cities designated European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city was also chosen ahead of five other Italian cities shortlisted by the EU, namely Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia, Ravenna and Siena.
If Liverpool’s stint as a Capital of Culture in 2008 is anything to go by, Matera can look forward to increased visitor numbers, with interest in property there a likely knock-on effect, on top of the extra money foreigners bring. Research into the socio-economic and cultural impact of the title on the UK city found that its visitor numbers rose by 34 per cent that year, reaching 9.7 million, with the festival generating in excess of £753 million for the local economy.
“I congratulate Matera on its successful bid,” said Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for culture. “I am confident that Matera will attract more visitors from Europe and all over the world to discover the city, its history and the cultural diversity which is one of the strengths of our continent. I am convinced that the title will bring Matera and its surrounding area significant long-term cultural, economic and social benefits, as we have seen with previous European Capitals of Culture. The competition for the title in Italy was one of the strongest ever, with 21 initial contenders narrowed down to six finalists.”
Meanwhile, expat Angela Lyons, author of the Italy Buying Guide commented: “I live in Puglia, the boot of Italy’s heel, which is next to Basilicata, the instep of the boot! Okay, I’m a little disappointed that Lecce, a beautiful city near me in Puglia, didn’t get the title, but overall Matera’s achievement is great for the whole of the southern part of Italy. It is so laid-back here, people are less rushed than in parts of the North, and I believe the lifestyle is perhaps more rustic. And some of the ancient towns around me are absolute gems – Ostuni, the ‘white city’, Martina Franca, Ceglie Messapica and of course Alberobello, home of those fascinating concical stone homes called trulli.”
So what does Basilicata have to offer today’s property-hunters? How about this two-storey, three-bedroom villa (picture above), which comes with four acres of land, and is just a few minutes from the coast and a golf course. It’s on the market for €95,000!
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