Vittorio Sgarbi, the Mayor of Salemi, is offering homes for one euro to try to revitalise the historic town centre. The downside is that many of the properties are barely standing and in dire need of renovation after being virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1968.

Among those said to have expressed an interest is music star Peter Gabriel and Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti. Sgabrbi, an art critic and former Culture Minister in Silvio Berlusocni's government, is a regular on late night TV panels and is often at the centre of controversy because of his outspoken views.

He told Corriere della Sera of his plan for Salemi and said:''We're thinking of people who have the sensibility and economic resources to embark on this adventure.'In exchange for a token payment of one euro we will offer them one of these houses and ask that they undertake to restore them within two years while respecting their original characteristics. 'We have had a lot of interest people are already booking up to come down here - my aim is to make Salemi the next Pantelleria.''

The tiny volcanic island of Pantelleria, off the coast of Sicily, is a popular celebrity haunt where previous visitors include Madonna and Naomi Campbell.

Madonna and Naomi Campbell... think I'll give it a miss...

And the best thing about the view from the window is you can't see the house.

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