LIGURIA

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The field phase in Liguria was special in many ways: the region is characterized by the Ligurian coast and by mountain ranges and valleys. In the hinterland there are many original mountain villages, some of which are relatively remote. Most Germans live in these small mountain villages, which means they can only be reached by car. However, it was not only the landscape that made the fieldwork so special, but also the people we met. The Germans who deliberately chose this area are looking for peace and quiet and proximity to nature.

 These are the aspects that particularly stood out in the surveys. The climate played a major role in the decision to migrate. The people usually live in Germany for some time, but a considerable proportion lives in Italy. They have often bought houses, some of which they have renovated over several years. They therefore have a close connection with their house in particular. This group of people are relatively healthy, sometimes active individuals who pursue various activities (including physical activities) in their everyday lives, but at the same time enjoy the freedom of retirement.

For me, as a researcher, it was an intense and exciting time to get to know these special people and their different life paths, which are unified in the process of moving to Italy. Three aspects were particularly memorable for me: the strong need to live closer to nature, the interpretation of the houses/places they designed with love and passion, and their overall positive mindset towards ageing. 

Two statements I remember particularly. When I asked to two German men about the meaning of the house for them, one just said, plain and simple: ‘It’s my heart’. Another man said, with a smile, that ‘home’ was his wife.

Lea Römisch

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