Castel Volturno Ritorna (?) - Return of Castel Volturno (?)

In the 1980s the Camorra strongly controled the areas of Castel Volturno and Pinetamare. But the area must be appreciated for its period art deco style architecture, natural landscape, protected forests, and amazing beaches. And the people, the people are truly kind and warm (when they get to know you). You are in luck because this little gem of a community just happens to be on the rise with a slew of local investment just starting to happen.

Naples has finally decided to correct the many wrongs that have occurred in the area, due to fraudulent land acquisitions and illegal environmental practices that have impacted the area. Currently, local officials are working on rebuilding the marina to increase cruise boat activity, attract businesses, and attract tourists to their beaches. The local community has been conducting massive beach and environmental clean-up efforts, and the beginning of a beachside community park is underway. Beautification projects are happening, and the leaders are making strides toward fighting the long-present organized crime groups in the area. If you're curious about Castel Volturno during the height of its success in the 1960s, check out the movie Stasera Mi Butto below via YouTube. Many of the classic sites in the movie are still present, albeit in need of a little TLC.

Here are some images of the current changes and beautification projects occurring in the community. My desire is for this beachside community to return to its old glory. I hope the residents can make it happen. In today's economy, with technology and work-from-home increasingly becoming the norm, Castel Volturno just might be the answer to the millennial struggle for homeownership. Castel Volturno, along with most of Southern Italy, contains some of the most affordable and often forgotten real estate in Italy. Brain drain in the region is real, and young people increasingly leave to find better opportunities elsewhere. With better work-from-home opportunities, perhaps some of the departed can return to contribute to the region of their youth. I look forward to the day of my return, and to the Castel Volturno I knew and loved.

Beautification progress of Pinetamare, Italy.