DESERTED TOWN IN ITALY TO BE RE-DEVELOPED: Balestrino

The actual origins of this town are still a bit of a mystery, as it was constructed really slowly in pieces over centuries. We do know though that in the 1100's it was owned by the Benedictine abbey of San Pietro dei Monti.

Residents were evacuated from this beautiful hilltop town in 1953 due to movements in the earths surface. Italy had been hit by many earthquakes in this 19th century period.

The town was abandoned for the reason: 'geological instability' as it was considered dangerous to live in.

Some residents actually built new homes along the main road which was considered a safe area, and it has 500 permanent occupants living there. You can expect to find a grocery store, pharmacy, post office and 3 restaurants.

In the abandoned area you can still see the ruins of the Church of St. Andrea, the Church of St Giorgio and cemetery, the Chapel of Monte Croce. You are also able to see right over the Mediterranean Sea and mountains from many parts.

This area has remained untouched for many years, and is still in a good preserved condition, that is it currently undergoing an application for planning permission for re-development to bring it back to life.

I wonder if this will be allowed considering its earth quake past? An earthquake hasn't hit for years, but when will the next one be? And how will they be able to secure the unstable ground?