These beautiful hilltop towns and village that are part of the Italian history are now becoming endangered due to years of eroding volcanic rock, earthquake, landslides and floods since the 17th century.
Most of these towns are located in the South and the people work as farmers, merchants, craftsman and shepherd. Not just the population suffer, the skills and tradition associated with each place. These town and craftsmanship is what we think about when we think of Italy. The Mayor and citizen declare 2017 "The Year of the Villages", in hope of boosting tourism. In some areas they open a giant zip line to lure visitors. Tourist arrive by the bus load to pay a small fee to spend the day, some may sleep but it only hold up to 100 guest.
One Mayor decided to help the refugee of the Sub-Saharan Africa integrate into the community. The European Union provided food, clothing, and housing. This would open jobs for the locals and immigrants. The revolutionized of these ghost towns have increased the population "a little act of humanity became an act of self-preservation".
Who will save these Dying Italian Towns
by Deborah Needleman, New York Times September 7, 2017
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