Casa Cantoniera...Unique 'houses' of Italy...
All along the historic roads of Italy we find these very distinct houses, all in the same Persian Red color and all in various stages of habitability. I have been intrigued with them since first arriving in Italy.
Called ANAS Azienda Nazionale Autonoma delle Strade (National Autonomous Roads Company) Casa, they were built to house all the equipment to maintain the state roads and the watchman, in charge of his "canton" or 4-5 km stretch of road. In some cases they were built on the border between two cantons and housed the families of two road workers (like the one pictured here, in Spoleto).
In 1980, due to excessive costs of localized maintenance and the ongoing construction of major highways thus relieving the traffic load on these minor roadways, many of the ANAS houses were abandoned.
Called ANAS Azienda Nazionale Autonoma delle Strade (National Autonomous Roads Company) Casa, they were built to house all the equipment to maintain the state roads and the watchman, in charge of his "canton" or 4-5 km stretch of road. In some cases they were built on the border between two cantons and housed the families of two road workers (like the one pictured here, in Spoleto).
In 1980, due to excessive costs of localized maintenance and the ongoing construction of major highways thus relieving the traffic load on these minor roadways, many of the ANAS houses were abandoned.
Every now and then, while on the open road, we see a perfect Casa Cantoniera that is privately owned and completely restored, with many becoming B & Bs. The view through the windshield of these unique buildings has been a treat on the 'road less traveled'.
4 comments:
I love persian red!
Other countries have such creamy, beautiful colors for houses, inside and out. We are so boring here in the states! :)
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What I really like about this house is the vintage curb appeal. I know that some home buyers might shy away from this kind of property, but I know many who will totally love it. It looks simple but tasteful as well. And it will make you feel like you are in countryside Italy everyday of your life. Well, maybe in Verona!
Well, these Persian red houses in Italy really have become part of their culture. You would also notice it on other places around the world. In Cape Town, they tend to have colorful houses, which mainly serve as their main attraction. Also, when you go to Prague in Czech Republic, you would observe that they prefer to have red roofs for their homes and other structures. It’s been part of their culture as well.
Just come across my first Casa Cantoniera in the Province of Camarda (Abruzzo) where they have a live crib every year in their little church. It would be lovely to think someone had the money to bring it back to life.
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