Are you a Democrat? Does Trump’s re-election torment your heart and soul? Excursion in Sardinia – to the village of Ollolai. The houses are available starting from one euro. Where’s the trick?
Once upon a time there was a small village called Ollolai and it had 2250 inhabitants. It was in the middle of Sardinia, far from practically everything. As the economic situation became increasingly difficult, more and more people left. And here children were almost no longer born. The village has now lost almost half of its inhabitants. The houses are empty or in ruins. Ollolai dies. The fairy tale is short and does not have a happy ending.
Or maybe it is? Franco Columbu was born in Ollolai and is today mayor of the town. The former bodybuilder knows how to market himself. Now he’s taking a new approach to promoting his beloved place: The village has one website online, which aims to encourage politically frustrated people to start a new life in Italian isolation and peace, away from all the excitement over Donald Trump or the bad news from Ukraine.
Ollolais Bürgermeister Franco Columbu
©Imago Images
“Do you feel exhausted by world politics? Are you looking for a life of balance and new opportunities? It’s time to work towards escaping to Europe. Come to the breathtaking paradise of Sardinia” – this is how the village advertises on its website.
Does right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni like this? Presumably only on condition that Americans or Europeans respond to Sardinia’s offer. Otherwise, the issue of immigration and asylum is a bit of a wake-up call in Italy too.
Especially Americans fed up with Trump should invest in the village
In any case, there is enough living space in Ollolai. Houses in need of renovation are sold at ridiculous prices. The target group is clear: Above all, frustrated Americans should invest in Ollolai, people for whom their world collapsed with the re-election of Donald Trump. “Of course we won’t turn down requests from people from other countries, but we’re actually focusing on people from the United States,” Mayor Columbu told CNN. ”They get preferential treatment. Americans are basically our wild card.”
The village has developed three offers for interested parties: “Digital nomads” can live in the village for free for a period – although it is not entirely clear how well the Internet works. Anyone who spontaneously falls in love with Ollolai and has the gift of craftsmanship can buy a dilapidated house for one euro. Ready-to-move-in homes can sometimes cost 100,000 euros. If desired,
A similar campaign six years ago met with limited success
Apparently the offer has already had a great response: the village has already received more than 38,000 requests, especially from the USA. However, it is quite possible that the entire campaign will ultimately play out similarly to six years ago: According to CNN, the village had already publicly tried to attract newcomers. Since then the results have been meager: ten houses sold. More than 100 vacant buildings of various sizes are still available. From this point of view, the offer to the frustrated American Democrats seems above all a new attempt to draw attention to the villages and the issue of rural exodus.
In any case, Donald Trump and his cabinet of horrors are far, far away in Ollolai. Apart from the sun, peace and a wide, beautiful view of the countryside, the village cannot offer any other attractions. Wait, there’s something else: a supposedly really good cheese, made from sheep or goat’s milk.
What are the benefits and challenges for newcomers settling in Ollolai under the euro house initiative?
Interview: The Escape to Ollolai - A Lifeline for Political Refugees?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special segment where we dive into the unique story of Ollolai, a village in Sardinia currently offering homes for just one euro. Joining me today is Franco Columbu, the mayor of Ollolai, who is spearheading a remarkable initiative to revitalize his hometown by attracting new residents, particularly those feeling politically disenchanted. Welcome, Mayor Columbu!
Franco Columbu: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our village’s journey.
Time.news Editor: Ollolai has faced significant challenges in recent years, with a steep decline in population. Can you tell us more about what led to the creation of this euro house initiative?
Franco Columbu: Absolutely. Our village, once vibrant, has seen nearly half of our 2,250 residents leave due to economic difficulties. Children are no longer being born, and houses are left in ruins. The idea of selling homes for just one euro is a bold attempt to breathe life back into Ollolai and attract people ready for a change of pace in their lives.
Time.news Editor: The message on your village’s website seems to resonate with a specific audience—especially those disillusioned with political dynamics in the U.S. How do you think the ongoing political climate, particularly under figures like Donald Trump, has affected interest in settling in places like Ollolai?
Franco Columbu: Many people around the world feel overwhelmed and exhausted by current events; we invite them to consider a fresh start in our tranquil village. We are specifically reaching out to frustrated Americans who might be seeking a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of political turmoil. It’s about creating a sanctuary where they can build a new life.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a true escape! But do you think this approach aligns well with the views of Italy’s current government, especially under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni?
Franco Columbu: I believe there’s a mutual interest as long as our efforts contribute positively to the local economy. While there are challenges related to immigration and asylum, if Americans or others from different countries wish to invest in Ollolai and contribute to revitalizing the area, that’s something the government would likely support.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the concept of “digital nomads”—people who can work remotely. How does Ollolai cater to this new wave of remote workers, and what facilities can they expect?
Franco Columbu: We have developed some attractive offers for digital nomads, including the opportunity to live here for free for a certain period. While we’re working to improve internet connectivity, we aim to provide them with an inspiring and peaceful environment to live and work. It’s an adventure for those seeking both professional and personal growth.
Time.news Editor: Beyond just housing, what kind of community experience can newcomers expect when they move to Ollolai?
Franco Columbu: Ollolai is a beautiful village with rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a sense of community that we cherish. New residents will have the chance to engage with locals, participate in traditions, and enjoy the slower pace of life—something many find incredibly refreshing.
Time.news Editor: This initiative is undoubtedly fascinating! As Ollolai opens its doors to the world, what’s your ultimate vision for the village in the coming years?
Franco Columbu: My ultimate vision is to revitalize Ollolai and make it vibrant and bustling once more. I hope we can cultivate a diverse community that brings fresh ideas and energies, helping to restore what was lost while honoring our heritage. Ultimately, we want Ollolai to flourish as a serene haven for anyone seeking refuge from the pressures of modern life.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mayor Columbu, for sharing this inspiring project and its potential impact not just on Ollolai but also on those feeling lost in today’s world. It’s a lovely reminder that sometimes, a simple change of scenery can spark a new beginning.
Franco Columbu: Thank you! I look forward to welcoming new residents to Ollolai soon.