The small village of Vernazza in Cinque Terra, Italy experienced an apocalyptic combination of natural disasters on October 25, 2011. “Torrential rains, massive flooding and over 100 mud slides took the lives of 3 residents, terrorized locals and visitors, caused over 108 million Euro in damages and left the town buried in over 13 feet of mud and debris,” states SaveVernazza.com
Vernazza, before and after the disaster
The doorways of small businesses along main street, Via Roma, have been boarded up since the flooding and mud slides. But on the morning of January 6, 2012, over 50 artists showed up to breathe inspiration and life back into the desolate ghost town.
Via Roma painters in action. Photo by Mario Bertocchi.
Organized by painter Antonio Barrani, “Un Arcobaleno di Solidarietà per Vernazza” — A Rainbow of Solidarity for Vernazza” gathered artists on a volunteer basis to bring hope and determination back into to the hearts of the residents of Vernazza.
Photos by Mario Bertocchi (left) and Michele Sherman (right)
This art work is about more than just bringing color to the desolate, once bustling street. It is meant to inspire all who love Vernazza to play a role in the restoration and volunteer to return the beautiful costal village to her original charm and brilliance.
Photos by Bea Newton
Bringing a tattered and beaten town back to life is no easy task. But through art, a community has come together in order to go forward with a unified intention and renewed determination. Art ignites something within all of us to look at the world differently and consider things that may have previously fallen to the wayside.
Photos by Bea Newton
The town of Vernazza has turned to social media for donation outreach and also to educate the world about the state of disaster they are currently in. Art has rejuvenated the spirits of Vernazza, and now time will have to work its magic to restore the town.
Images in this post are courtesy of Huffingtonpost.com.
Since many years I travel to Liguria every year for hiking with groups. In May 2012 will be the next journey and I was very concerned about the situation in Vernazza. Thank you for your good information and the nice pictures. Now I’m looking forward full of hope to May and I wish all the best for the inhabitants of Vernazza.
This is a great post, thanks for the information about the great efforts that these people are making toward the rebirth of a beautiful town. However, I have one issue…
Huffingtonpost.com is NOT a photographer. Facebook is NOT a photographer. Flikr is not a photographer. Please find out the name of the person who actually took these pictures, as they are deserving of the credit. I would think that, since especially in education, correct attribution is necessary for footnotes and bibliographical info, it should be necessary for photography as well.
(steps off soapbox)
Hi Wade – You’re absolutely right (soapbox or not :)). I’ve added the names of the photographers and apologize on behalf of NoD for trying to skate by just crediting the source and not the individual creators. We’ll be more mindful of this going forward and, believe it or not, are grateful that you took the time to point it out!