Les gens avec l'incrédulité regardent un appartement dans les Dolomites.

In the small mountain village of Cellino di Sopra, located north of Italy, a property listing has sparked surprise among locals. A 72-square-meter apartment, ready for immediate occupancy, is being sold for just 45,000 euros, less than the cost of a mid-range car. The property features two bedrooms, a terrace with panoramic views of the mountains, and a garage, making it an attractive option for potential buyers. The apartment is situated in a building constructed in the 1980s and is available through real estate agent Alessio Piccinato, who represents the property for Il Messaggero. According to Piccinato, the price reflects the affordability of housing in this remote area compared to well-known Alpine destinations such as Cortine d'Ampezzo. He emphasizes that his goal is to demonstrate that there are still affordable homes in the mountains, accessible even to those seeking a retreat from urban life. The property is described as immediately livable, offering a living room, kitchen, fireplace, stove, and a terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape. It is currently listed online by the real estate agency. Piccinato notes that similar properties can be found in nearby towns such as Frisanco, Val Colvera, and Vals. These areas attract a specific demographic, Italian couples aged between 55 and 60 years old looking for peace, relaxation, and a break from city life. However, families with young children tend to approach these locations more cautiously due to their distance from healthcare facilities. Despite this, international interest in the region is growing. Buyers from abroad, including Americans, Poles, and Hungarians, have shown interest in the properties. Piccinato believes that purchasing now could be advantageous before increased tourist activity drives up prices in less well-known mountainous regions. In the broader context of the Dolomites, some properties are even more affordable. In the so-called Small Dolomites, a region known for its efforts to revitalize abandoned villages and reverse rural depopulation, a project called “Green Municipalities, The Small Dolomites Offer a Home for One Euro” has been launched by the mountain community Unione Montana Pasubio Piccole Dolomiti. This initiative aims to repurpose neglected houses and prevent further population decline in mountainous areas. Under the program, vacant and often dilapidated houses are offered for one euro, though prospective buyers must commit to thoroughly restoring them and making them habitable again. While the initial purchase price is symbolic, the actual costs of renovation remain high. The initiative highlights the challenges of revitalizing rural areas while maintaining economic viability for new residents. The combination of low entry prices and the unique appeal of mountain living continues to draw attention. As local authorities and communities work to balance preservation with accessibility, the future of these regions remains uncertain yet promising. For now, the apartment in Cellino di Sopra stands as a testament to the opportunities hidden within the Italian Alps.