In a trend that is likely to be taken up by Americans living in Italy, and other Italian expat residents, it is becoming fashionable to seek old churches and religious dwellings as real estate and new residences.
Abandoning the more traditional search for a Tuscan villa, across the peninsula the trend of restoring old churches as houses is becoming extremely popular.
In Asti you can buy a 17th century chuch in Baroque style in the middle of the historic centre of the town, while in Florence 780,000 euros will get you a small church of 170 square metres with a small kitchen already installed, in the Careggi area.
At Olevano Sul Tusciano in Salerno, a church is on sale for 90,000 euros: dating back to the 1300’s, it comes with a garden.
In Vergato, on the hills of Bologna, a small church is up for sale, though it currently has no heating system.
In Lucca, a project is underway to change a church into a villa with two floors and an attic, with even the possibility of a swimming pool.
In Volterra, the oldest church on sale dates back to 850, as part of a restored complex.
We only hope that with intelligent and respectful restorations, new owners can save these churches from degrading and being forgotten.
It could be a new way of valuing and preserving Italian history and architecture.