"I work each day with passion and commitment to bring Candela back to its ancient splendour," Mr Gatta said, according to CNN.
"Up until the 1960s, travellers called it 'Nap'licchie' (Little Naples), for it streets full of wayfarers, tourists, merchants and screaming vendors."
Now, the maze of winding picturesque alleys, Baroque buildings and arched passageways is all but a ghost town. Many young people who once called Candela home have fled the village in search of a brighter future elsewhere, leaving behind an ageing population.
The mass exodus of Italy's smaller historic towns has been a matter of national concern for decades. Many people emigrated to these villages in the post-war years but since then, a combination of ageing populations, economic squeeze and lack of opportunities has seen an exodus from the countryside to the cities.
But the Candela council is on a desperate mission to stop the town from ageing with its residents. Candela has also been given an expensive makeover, with restyled old palazzos, streets and piazzas now open for guided tours.
Public money is being used to fund folkloric costume parties, bonfires and festivals to reclaim ancient traditions and myths.
The biggest attraction being the House of Santa Clause which tells the story the inspiration behind Saint Nicholas, whose remains are believed to be entombed in the nearby town of Bari.
Mr Gatta's council pays actors dressed as Santa Claus and his elves to take over a 1600s three-storey building for an entire month.
But what about normal everyday life? Francesco Delvecchio, who moved to Candela from another part of Puglia, said its idyllic.
"It's a quiet and simple lifestyle. No crowds, easy to move around, no traffic nor smog", he told CNN.
"We're right at the crossroads of three gorgeous Italian regions: Campania, Basilicata and Molise, with all the wonders each offers at hand".
Under Mr Gatta's plan, singles will be offered 800 euros ($1355), couples will be offered 1200 euros ($2032), three-member families will be offered 1500 to 1800 euros ($2540-$3050), and families of four to five people will be offered over 2000 euros ($3387).
