In an ambitious project called Work from Ollolai, ten American professionals have decided to make a life-changing move to a small town in the heart of Sardinia, Italy. Ollolai, known for being the birthplace of the renowned bodybuilder Franco Columbu, a close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, has offered these professionals the opportunity to live and work in the picturesque town for a token rent of just €1 a month.
Ollolai, nestled in the scenic Barbagia region of Sardinia, has a population of approximately 1,300 people. The local council, in collaboration with the Sa Mata association, initiated the project with the aim of boosting the town’s population and revitalizing the community. The town’s connection to the United States through Franco Columbu, who achieved great success in bodybuilding and formed a lifelong friendship with Schwarzenegger, inspired the selection of Americans for the initial phase of the project.
The participants in Work from Ollolai will have the opportunity to reside in homes provided by the local council for a mere €1, and there is no time limit on their stay. The project follows the successful sale of dilapidated houses for €1, a strategy employed by numerous Italian towns facing the threat of depopulation.
While the current phase is exclusively open to Americans, the project aims to expand its eligibility to individuals of other nationalities as well. The establishment of a dedicated website for applications is underway to accommodate future participants.
Francesco Columbu, the mayor of Ollolai (no relation to the bodybuilder), expressed the objectives of the project, stating, “Revitalizing the town, improving the life of inhabitants, and curbing depopulation are our goals.” He believes that Ollolai offers an appealing environment for individuals seeking a tranquil and nature-filled lifestyle, along with access to healthy food and a rich cultural heritage.
Franco Columbu’s influence on Ollolai cannot be overstated. The bodybuilder achieved remarkable success, winning titles such as Mr. Europe, Mr. Universe, and Mr. Olympia. His enduring friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was best man at Schwarzenegger’s wedding to Maria Shriver, further solidified Ollolai’s link to the United States. Columbu’s annual return to his birthplace and his tragic passing in 2019 while swimming off the Sardinian coast only served to deepen the town’s appreciation for his accomplishments and connection to the wider world.
Veronica Matta, the president of the Sa Mata association, highlighted Ollolai’s global perspective, stating, “The town is a window on the world.” The decision to focus on the United States in the project’s initial phase stems from the town’s special connection to Franco Columbu, an unforgettable figure in Ollolai’s history.
As the ten American professionals embark on their journey to Ollolai, they not only have the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic surroundings and rich cultural heritage of Sardinia but also contribute to the town’s revival and sustainability. Work from Ollolai represents a unique collaboration between the local council and passionate individuals, united in their goal to breathe new life into a small Italian community and create a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.