Sicilian mayor offers houses for 1 euro
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Vittorio Sgarbi, the controversial mayor of Salemi. The Sicilian is offering houses for 1 euro Photo: EPA
An eccentric Sicilian mayor has trumped Alistair Darling's efforts to reinvigorate the housing market - by offering properties for 1 Euro.
Vittorio Sgarbi, the controversial new first citizen of Salemi, came up with the idea as a way of revitalising the historic centre of the town.
The drawback is many of the properties are barely standing and in dire need of renovation after being virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1968.
Among those said to have expressed an interest is former Genesis star Peter Gabriel and Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti - whose sister Milly used to be Sgarbi's colleague until he was sacked as councillor in Milan.
Sgabrbi, an art critic and former Culture Minister in Silvio Berlusocni's government, is a regular on late night TV panels and is often at the centre of controversy because of his outspoken views. Debates he participates in regularly descend into chaos.
He told Corriere della Sera of his plan for Salemi and said:''We're thinking of people who have the sensibility and economic resources to embark on this adventure.
