Glori is the perfect example of a tale of repopulation and regeneration starting from scratch. Just seven years ago, this village, nestled in the hills of Liguria near the town of Imperia, had only 15 elderly residents. Today, thanks to the arrival of new families and community-driven projects, Glori has blossomed into a vibrant hub of life.

The village began its transformation in 2014 when Luca, returning from an extended journey through Asia, fell in love with its beauty. Struck by the tranquil atmosphere and untapped potential, he decided to take the first step toward bringing new life to the village.

It wasn’t easy: the population was elderly, and time seemed to have stopped in Glori. But Luca, determined to turn his vision into reality, quickly began building relationships with the few remaining residents. He collaborated with the local Proloco association, joined in village festivals, and immersed himself in the daily life of Glori, gradually earning the trust and acceptance of the local community.

The evolution of Glori

Luca’s visionary energy soon attracted other dreamers. Just a year later, Matteo, inspired by the idea of creating an agricultural project with his family, purchased an old ruin and joined the initiative. Together, Luca and Matteo laid the foundations for a shared community project that breathed new life into the village.

Step by step, Glori transformed into “Glori - the place to be.” A Facebook page became the first tool to promote local tourism initiatives and showcase the charm of the village.

Meanwhile, with the help of a new partner, Federico, two farms were established, bringing the surrounding lands back to life. By 2019, Glori had nine new residents. The following year saw an incredible leap: the population grew to 22, including many young people and six children, all united by the desire to care for the area and expand the community.

Today, Glori is a village buzzing with life. Trails have been cleared, four children have been born, many young people have moved in, and the solidarity among the residents is almost tangible. The population has grown to nearly fifty; young people work in the fields or in restaurants along the coast, while the village bar has become a central meeting point.

The magic of solidarity

Life in Glori is fuelled by a strong sense of community. People support one another, listen, and come together to tackle daily challenges. During the pandemic, the residents joined forces to help the elderly with groceries, household chores, and by offering companionship and emotional support. Everyone’s contribution kept the community spirit alive, even in difficult times, proving that solidarity is at the heart of Glori.

Today, Glori is the site of many remarkable community projects, such as clearing hiking trails, restoring overgrown paths, and creating a community olive grove. Several olive grove owners have joined forces with the community, reviving the land and making the olive trees productive again. The oil produced is used by the local tavern, which, in turn, provides meals to those working in the fields, creating a circular economy that strengthens bonds and builds resilience.

A future full of hope

For Luca and Matteo, having a clear vision and wholeheartedly pursuing it is essential to unlocking genuine and profound change. Through their story, and that of the people of Glori, they remind us of the importance of perseverance, dedication, and collaboration.

Looking ahead, Luca envisions a valley that’s more populated, with services and opportunities for everyone. The dream of Glori isn’t confined to the village itself—it extends to a broader community capable of flourishing. With determination and the interest of new inhabitants, a bright future is already taking shape.

In a nutshell

In an Italy where many ancient villages are at risk of disappearing forever, Glori stands out as a shining example of land recovery and regeneration. Through determination and solidarity, residents of all ages have transformed this small Ligurian village from decline into a vibrant, welcoming community. Today, nearly 50 people call Glori home, where children, young adults, families, and the elderly live together in harmony, united by the shared dream of caring for the village and its future. Glori represents a model for a sustainable, collaborative way of life, proving that a new humanity is already here!