Born and raised in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium, Michael Willemsen is a 56-year-old man who’s lived a life full of experiences around the world, working as an archaeologist and meteorite hunter.

He was looking for something more, or perhaps, something less?

So, 10 years ago, tired of the hectic pace of his life and the overwhelming consumerism around him, Michael began searching for a place where he could experience a more authentic, eco-friendly way of living. One day, he found his answer in a small, uninhabited hamlet in the mountains of Italy’s Cuneo province.

Prato Gaudino: Michael’s Mountain Refuge

Prato Gaudino, a little hamlet a thousand metres above sea level, became Michael’s refuge. Here, he invested his savings in a small house, becoming the only resident in the whole village. This bold choice allowed him to fulfil his dream of embracing a more natural, contemplative, and zero-waste lifestyle.

The Eremo di Pragudin

In Prato Gaudino, Michael brought to life the Eremo di Pragudin (Hermitage of Pragudin), a haven of silence and contemplative living. The Eremo draws inspiration not only from the Christian hermit tradition but also from the spirituality of Greek philosophical schools and Chinese Taoism. As Michael explains, the Eremo’s purpose is to “re-enchant our lives,” which have been depersonalised by a consumer society that reduces individuals to mere functional objects.

Providing a space for reflection and transcendence, the Eremo invites anyone who visits to observe the world with discernment, rediscovering values and perspectives free from doctrines and dogmas. Today, the Eremo di Pragudin welcomes all who wish to explore a spiritual calling through study days and in-depth sessions, whether philosophical or religious in nature.

Being a Hermit: The Power of Solitude

The solitude of the mountains created space for Michael to rediscover himself and his relationship with the world. Days flow slowly, marked by the rhythms of nature: the rising sun, birdsong, and the rustling of wind through the trees.

In his hermit life, Michael embraced the transformative power of solitude. He found a new harmony, in tune with the natural world, which, day by day, teaches him lessons of presence, patience, and respect for all living being.

A Minimalist and Fulfilling Life

In his new life in Prato Gaudino, Michael learned to live with less. He bakes his own bread, keeps warm with firewood he gathers from the forest, and has even chosen to live without a car. All of this has helped him drastically reduce his ecological footprint, aligning his lifestyle more closely with his values.

For Michael, very little money is needed to be truly happy. For him, he says, freeing himself from material chains and embracing minimalism has led him to a peace he had never experienced before.

Connecting with Nature

About once every four weeks, Michael walks 40 minutes to the nearest town, Cervasca, to buy only what he can’t produce himself. During these walks, he feels part of the landscape. He strolls among ancient trees and blooming meadows, picking wild herbs and reflecting on nature’s generosity. The effort of the long journey becomes a moment of meditation, where each step is an act of gratitude for the simple life he has chosen.

In a world that always seems to rush towards the next goal, Michael invites us to slow down, to rediscover the beauty of nature that nourishes our spirit, and to find joy in simple acts of love and the small victories of everyday life.

In Conclusion

After years of world travel, working as an archaeologist and meteorite hunter, Michael Willemsen chose the life of a hermit and became the sole inhabitant of Prato Gaudino. Michael’s choice to leave the hustle behind for a contemplative life among the mountains reminds us that happiness and freedom can be found by subtracting rather than adding. His story inspires us to reflect on our values, reminding us that true happiness lies in the little things and in reconnecting with the nature that surrounds us.