Gangi (Sicily)

Gangi is a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in Sicily, located about 80 kilometers southeast of Palermo. The town straddles the Madonie mountains of central Sicily. In 2014, the local administration under a dynamic mayor began disposing of abandoned houses with some being given away and others being sold for a nominal price. The recipients had to agree to spend at least 35,000 euros on restoration within five years. The giveaway is a means to stimulate tourism-related activities and diversify the local economy, which was primarily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. The scheme has proved a great success. Main sights: the Castle, Palazzo Sgadari and Palazzo Bongiorno, the church of San Nicolò di Bari (14th century), Sanctuary of the Spirito Santo, Abbey of Gangivecchio (1366).