650 million euros from the NRRP to enhance 423 historic villages, parks and gardens

Villa d'Este in Tivoli, the Caserta Royal Palace and Park, the Museum and Royal Forest of Capodimonte in Naples: these are just a few examples of the historic parks and gardens that are set to be redeveloped using the resources provided under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. In addition to these is a long list of villages throughout Italy: from Riace (Reggio Calabria) to Selva di Cadore (Belluno).

The resources were allocated by the Ministry of Culture through the call to tender in reference to the Attrattività dei Borghi e Parchi e Giardini storici (Attractiveness of Historic Villages, Parks and Gardens) and amount to a total of

• 290 million euros, to enhance Italian parks and gardens of cultural interest. 134 initiatives will be financed, with a view to restoring the country’s botanical heritage, recovering historical park buildings, improving access for visitors, and providing refreshment points, cultural activities and digital tours.
• Additionally, 360 million euros will be channelled into the cultural, social and economic regeneration of 289 villages at risk of depopulation. Along with the initiatives designed to restore and protect Italy’s historical heritage, museums, libraries, co-working spaces and pedestrian and cycle paths will be also be created.

CDP has provided technical support to the Ministry of Culture in order to prepare for the call to tender, create a portal to submit requests and manage the 3,000-plus applications received. The team of experts from CDP also assisted 800 bodies and organisations during the tendering process.