Sturnara, in the Bollia area, was once known for the production of wheat and olives, but it started to decline as children were born less and young people left jobs in big cities, outside agriculture
The Italian “ghost town” has achieved an amazing return, as it drew thousands of tourists by turning into a cloth for more than 140 murals worth Instagram.
Sturnara, which is located in the Polia region, has once witnessed wheat and olive production, has witnessed a decrease in the decrease in birth rates and young people immigrated to larger cities for non -agricultural workers. Lino Lombardi local artist Lino Lombardi saw that his beloved hometown was deteriorating and was transferred to his invention as a tourist square point.
In 2017, Stramurales, an annual arts festival in the streets spoiled artists worldwide to decorate the city with their work. In 2018, the opening festival witnessed six murals painted; Now, the city is proud of 140 amazing artworks, attracting visitors to visitors every year.
Tourism revenues have increased by 25 % since 2020, and the city has witnessed the opening of eight new companies, including restaurants, B& BS, and art supplies store. Local population has stopped its decline while ascending, as young families, according to the residents of Town.
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The owner of the cafe, Antonio Magelion was about to close when he replaced the flow of tourists who top the camera, his dispersed customers, which led to the interruption of his door lines. He shouted, “Suddenly there were many people who attended cameras and guidelines. I had to learn quickly to say” Hello “in five different languages. The murals saved my work, but more than that, saved our society.”
Rita Ghalomo, 45, was sad to find her hometown in Stornara in ruin two decades after Torino, but she is now leading the charge in her transformation, with her “the most wonderful town in Italy”.
In 2017, I returned to take care of her parents, Rita, who has since become a tourist guide, saying: “When I first returned, I felt as a sacrifice, it was more like walking in the town of Ashrah.
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Stornara caught the attention of other cities that seek a similar renewal.
Lino, a local artist, expressed his passion for the project: “Art does not only decorate our walls, he reminds us that even small places can dream of great. Our society has drew itself to life, one wall at the same time.
“At first they thought I was crazy, but I couldn't see the city fading. I started looking at the walls as empty quotes that could turn into something beautiful. Every mural reflects the artist's vision and the heart of our society.”
Stornara's unexpected condition in Stornara: “We have never planned to be a case study, but if our experience can help other societies that are more useful.”
Lino did not stop with murals. Stornara Life Aps, which is the charitable art workshops for high school students. More than 140 murals decorate the streets and squares of Stornara inspiration from its agricultural heritage, immigration stories, and the spirit of its inhabitants.
Local population has the opportunity to cast their voices on the potential topics of murals before each festival, which is when artworks come.
Salvatore Nabi, 69, a retired olive farmer, shared: “We have lost our pride, but the murals reminded us that our city and our stories deserve to be celebrated.”
The 2025 Strmurals Festival, which was appointed for the month of July, will be shown for the first time artists from every continent.
