Now, about 2,700 people live there.
Nicola Gatta, mayor of Candela, came up with the plan to offer people up to $2,350 (2000 euros) to relocate there.
"I work each day with passion and commitment to bring Candela back to its ancient splendor," Gatta told CNN.
The council offers $940 (800 euros) for singles, $1,415 (1,200 euros) for couples, $1,770 to $2,120 (1,500 to 1,800 euros) for three-member families, and more than $2,350 (2,000 euros) for families of four to five people.
The catch? New residents must take up residency in Candela, rent a house and have a job with a salary of at least $8,835 (7,500 euros) a year.
"We don't want people flocking here thinking they get to live off the town hall's revenues; all new residents must work and have an income", Stefano Bascianelli, who works with the mayor, told CNN.
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