Luciano’s story reflects the desire of many to escape the pressures of modern society, with its fast-paced rhythms and growing disconnection from Nature. After 21 years as a taxi driver in Milan, he decided to leave behind the suffocating routine of the city in search of a slower, simpler existence more in tune with the environment.

Luciano found his sanctuary in Alpe Tarilla, perched at 960 metres above sea level, near the town of Miazzina. This spot, overlooking Lake Maggiore and the plains below, became his personal haven and life project, where he rediscovered himself and his connection to the natural world.

The Turning Point

Luciano vividly recalls the moment of clarity that pushed him to make a change: after yet another stressful day, with his body showing signs of strain and anxiety gnawing at him, he thought, “If I keep going like this, I’ll get sick.”

With savings he had set aside, Luciano took a leap of faith, purchasing a small mountain cabin to start over from scratch. It wasn’t an easy decision, but his longing for a healthier, more genuine life outweighed any uncertainties.

He dreamt of living by nature’s rhythms, doing hands-on work like tending a garden, chopping firewood, and soaking in sunrises and sunsets in the mountains—all without a clock dictating his day. Away from the chaos of city life, Luciano finally found the peace he had been seeking for years.

The Challenges of Mountain Life

Transitioning from city life to the mountains wasn’t without its hurdles. Luciano had to adapt to a lifestyle that demanded resourcefulness and resilience. In the mountains, everything revolves around self-sufficiency: getting your hands dirty, doing physical work, and learning a slew of new skills, from chopping wood to growing vegetables and maintaining a cabin.

There’s also solitude—a challenge not everyone is ready for. But Luciano embraced it as a loyal companion, finding a depth and inner peace in the mountain’s stillness that he now considers a rare privilege.

Connecting with Nature

One of the greatest rewards of mountain life for Luciano has been his growing connection with Nature. Caring for a small garden, tending to animals, and observing the seasonal cycles have shown him that living in harmony with the environment is the most powerful remedy we have.

Over time, Luciano began seeing Nature not just as a backdrop but as a living, breathing organism with which to build a profound relationship. Every tree, every stone, and every rustle in the forest became a silent teacher.

Among all, a centuries-old chestnut tree near his cabin holds a special place in his heart. Estimated to be over 300 years old, this tree has become a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and continuity with the past. Every time Luciano looks at it, he’s reminded that Nature moves to its own rhythms and that to find serenity, we only need to relearn how to listen, respect, and let its lessons guide us.

Slow and Minimal Living

Luciano’s philosophy of slow living is built on simplicity and patience, showing that it’s possible to live well with less. Many of the needs he once considered essential in the city “faded away” after moving to the mountains. With his minimalist lifestyle, he has been able to focus on what truly matters to him: time, relationships, and Nature.

Among his daily activities are cultivating blueberries and tea camellias, a nod to the local traditions of the Val d’Ossola. These projects not only connect him to the land but also give him a sense of belonging and continuity with the area’s culture.

“Here, I live at my own pace, without the rush of the city,” Luciano explains. “I can work in the garden, tend to the animals, or just stop and admire the view. And the best part? I get to decide what to do and when to do it.”

A Sustainable Refuge Open to All

Luciano’s project isn’t just about his personal transformation. He decided to turn part of his cabin into a mountain refuge with nine beds, where guests can immerse themselves in Nature. To reduce his environmental footprint, he’s implemented sustainable solutions: drawing water from a natural spring, using a wood stove for heating, and building structures like a woodshed from recycled materials.

In the near future, Luciano plans to welcome volunteers to his cabin—people eager to experience mountain life while helping out with daily tasks and learning about his self-sufficient and minimalist lifestyle.

Luciano believes that radical change is possible, even if it seems daunting at first. He says it all starts with small steps, trusting the process, and keeping an open mind to the countless opportunities life offers when we’re ready to embrace them.

In a Nutshell

From the chaos of Milan to the slow rhythms of Alpe Tarilla, Luciano reinvented himself, leaving his job as a taxi driver to build a sustainable refuge immersed in Nature. This transformation has not only allowed him to reconnect with himself but also to share his journey with those seeking a fresh start away from urban noise. His story is proof that with determination and a touch of daring, we can craft a more authentic life, in harmony with the natural world and the things that truly matter.