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Giovanni Carilli and Giampiero Nobili, who live in the city of Nortosce, wear masks every time they meet and are always one meter apart. They do it even though they have no neighbors and rarely leave here.
The resort town of Nortosce in the Umbrian province of Perugia is located on a stone gorge in the Nerina Valley at an altitude of 900 meters, making it extremely difficult to reach.
Despite its remoteness, neither Carilli (82) nor Nobili (74) feel protected from the virus, which has killed almost 37,000 people in Italy. human lives.
“I have a mortal fear of this virus. If I got sick … After all, I live alone, who would take care of me? I am older but I want to continue living here taking care of my sheep, vineyards, beehives and orchard. Gather truffles and mushrooms. I enjoy my life, ”says the old man.
At present, in Italy, a minimum distance of one meter is required everywhere, and the masks must be worn in all public places, both indoors and outdoors.
Although local police in major Italian cities impose fines of between 400 and 1,000 euros for failing to comply with the requirements, it is a sacred duty for two ancestors, Carilli and Nobili, to wear face masks.
Nobili says it would be grossly disrespectful for each other if someone decided not to wear a mask, even given their exceptional living conditions.
“Wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance is important not only for health. If there are rules, they must be followed for the good of you and others. It’s just a matter of principle,” says Nobili.
When the elders gather at Carilli’s house for a cup of espresso, they sit at a table six feet long at different ends.
They keep their distance even when they go for a walk together.
Carilli was born in this town, but spent most of her life cooking meat in Rome and returned to live in her childhood home after retiring.
Nobili, Carilli’s brother-in-law, also decided to spend the last years of his life here.
Separated from the world
As many former inhabitants have fled to Rome and other cities in search of work after the earthquakes in Italy at the end of the last century, the cities of Carilli and Nobili are mostly alone.
Of course, they also occasionally meet their relatives who live out of town. The city of Nortosce is connected to the mainland by a picturesque road with large and dangerous curves without railings, with stunning views of the wild Sibillini Mountains, where pilgrims and travelers once roamed.
“A little more social uproar only happens here in the summer when families return to their ancestral homes. Many people have fled here before due to several terrible earthquakes, “says Carilli.
The city is believed to have been founded in the Middle Ages and, according to legend, its first inhabitant was a farmer from the nearby town of Rocchetta. Here he came to plant a walnut tree in the garden.
The name Nortosce comes from a combination of the words “walnut” and “garden” in the old local dialect.
“Simple life”
Although the old Nortosce Castle collapsed a year ago, houses in pastel red, pink, green, orange and cream with brightly painted windows and sloping medieval walls still survive.
They were partially rebuilt after the last major earthquake after the 1970s. The stone pavement of the city was also very well preserved.
Since there are no bars, hotels, restaurants or even a small shop here, the two older ones who live here have to take care of their needs and, if necessary, visit nearby cities from time to time.
“We live a very simple life: all we can offer is fresh air, rich in oxygen, peace, calm and healthy mountain water. This is our salvation. “When I need to go to a big city, I feel bad, I hate noise,” says Carilli.
However, the elderly may soon not be living alone here. Currently, several renovated homes are for sale in the town. One was recently sold for € 20,000.
Mr. Nobili emphasizes that those who want to move here should be prepared for a fundamental lifestyle adjustment.
“Life is great here, but you have to adapt. There is no shop, no pharmacy, no doctor here, and every time you need to buy bread or get a prescription for pills, you will have to go to the nearby town of Borgo Cerreto,” says Nobili. .
It is also supported by G. Carilli. And while he recognizes that the town is not for everyone, he himself would not change his life and is happy to be in such a unique place that allows him to be close to nature.
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