In the heart of southern Italy, the small town of Stornara was once fading into silence. Like many rural places across the country, young people were moving to the cities, and what was left behind felt like a ghost town.
But today, Stornara is alive again, thanks to paint, passion, and one artist’s big idea. 🖌️
Turning Walls Into Wonders
In 2017, Lino Lombardi, a local artist, decided he couldn’t watch his hometown crumble any longer. So he founded Stramurales, an annual street art festival that invites artists from all over the world to turn Stornara’s blank walls into colorful masterpieces.
Since the first event in 2018, more than 140 murals have been painted throughout the town on homes, old shops, and public spaces. The themes are chosen by residents and reflect the town’s rich agricultural past, stories of migration, and the people who live there.
From Empty Streets to Buzzing Squares
The transformation has been incredible. Every year, thousands of tourists visit to admire the artwork. The town has seen a 25% rise in tourism revenue since 2020, and new life is coming back. Eight new businesses have opened, including restaurants, B&Bs, and even an art supply store.
But the most amazing change? Young families are returning, and for the first time in years, Stornara’s population is growing again.
Saving More Than Just Businesses
Locals say the murals haven’t just saved the economy. They’ve saved the spirit of the community.
“The murals saved my business, but more than that, they saved our community,” says café owner Antonio Maglione, who once considered shutting his doors for good.
“When I first returned it felt like a sacrifice,” adds Rita Gensano, a tour guide who moved back from Turin. “But actually it has become something extraordinary.”
A Model for Other Towns
Now, other struggling Italian towns are reaching out for advice, hoping to recreate the same magic. For Lombardi, that’s the most rewarding part.
“Our community has painted itself back to life, one wall at a time,” he says. “If our experience can help other towns, that’s even more meaningful.”
This year’s Stramurales festival returns in July, featuring artists from across Europe. One wall at a time, Stornara continues to tell its story. Not just with words, but with color, culture, and hope.