Italy already tops many traveler’s destination lists, and a new decision by the government could boost tourism even more, while also helping alleviate the country’s massive debt. Abandoned castles, fortresses, islands- even prisons- will be leased out to private companies to be converted into luxury hotels.
The Telegraph reports that “the initiative is being modelled on Spain's Paradores, luxury retreats located in monasteries, castles and other historic buildings, and could help chip away at Italy's 1.9 trillion euro debt.” Initial leases will last 50 years, and the heritage-listed properties include two islands in Venice’s lagoon; a former bishop's palace in Trieste; Santo Stefano prison on the island of Ventotene in the Bay of Naples; and a historic jail on the island of Procida.
Photo: A lighthouse in Sardinia, now a boutique hotel, via The Telegraph