Dust-free job: an Italian town has opened unusual vacancies
Do you dream of working abroad, but do not have a sought-after profession? A small settlement in the south of Italy needs locals! The official website of the non-profit organization Wonder Grottole accepts applications from those wishing to work as local residents. The sponsor of the project is the Airbnb booking center.
The features of the place of work of the Grottole are lost in the Paleolithic period, when the first people settled on this place.
In the distant past, the town was famous for pottery. Craftsmen dried products in small caves, which abound in the mountain. Today, bees are bred here, sage and olives are grown, which is facilitated by a fertile climate.
The small town, which once had almost three thousand inhabitants, has shrunk to 300 people. The Grotto can be safely called an open-air museum of ancient architecture. Gradually, the historical place is dying out. Almost 600 houses are empty. A unique, original settlement is about to disappear. The inhabitants of this place do not despair. They came up with a way to revive the village and opened unusual vacancies.
The essence of the work, you have already asked the question: "what will you have to do?"
It is difficult to call the offered vacancies a job. Rather, it is an exciting adventure for the whole summer. Four lucky people will live in one of the empty houses with all the amenities. Your accommodation is located on one of the cobbled streets in the center of Grottole. A typical rural house combines history and authenticity in an amazing way. You won't be bored. The locals do not know idleness.
The first month will fly by in training. Every morning, a local teacher will give an Italian lesson to help beginners get used to and find a common language with the local population faster. Andrea, who is also the inspirer of the Wonder Grottole project, will teach you how to grow vegetables. By the way, Andrea lives on the next street. Forget about fast food and semi-finished products! Rosa is a connoisseur of Italian cuisine. She will be happy to teach you how to cook traditional dishes from local products.
The tour will take the afternoon. A virtuoso driver of a small truck will discover the hidden gems of Basilicata. There is no guarantee that exploring the surroundings, you will not fall in love with this area. The evening will be spent in friendly communication with neighbors over an aperitif. An ordinary working day of a local resident by our standards is more like a pleasant vacation. While tourists will pay for the opportunity to visit the historic town, you will live in it and get paid for it.
After three months, the temporary citizens of the village will become real professionals. The idea of the Wonder Grottole project is that the first four volunteers will pass the baton to the newly arrived shift in three months. Please don't fall in love with Grottole! Otherwise, you will definitely want to come back.
What to do in your free time, first of all you will get acquainted with the inhabitants of the village, who are eager to breathe new life into the historic village.
By surrounding you with care, they will help you discover little-known Italy. For three summer months, they will turn into a support for the creative vacation of temporary citizens of the village.
There are enough attractions in Grottole for the whole summer and even in excess. In the very center there is a Zolleta bar, where a fragrant espresso is prepared during the day, and an aperitif is offered in the evening. On the western outskirts, as well as a thousand years ago, wine cellars are located in caves. Many families are still engaged in the production of their own wines from local grape varieties.
The small town even has its own castle, which is located on the very top of the hill. The castle of Castello di Sicinolfo dates back to the twentieth century. At that time, Grottol was ruled by powerful families. Visiting the castle at sunset, you can admire the breathtaking view of the valley.
Another ancient attraction is the Dirut Church, dating back 1500 years. Inexorable time turned the building into ruins. A high arch has been preserved, which can be seen even from the outskirts of the village. Join the history of this place, which the old stones have absorbed.
A few kilometers from Grottole, on the shores of Lake San Giuliano, the Bosco Coste Hotel is located. Surrounded by a nature reserve, it is an ideal place for relaxation and unity with wildlife. Here you can ride horses, soak up the sun, have a picnic.
A small Italian village will captivate you with a leisurely lifestyle, clean air with the aroma of herbs, good food and an abundance of sunny days. But most importantly, these are people. Open, kind, in need of help. Try "La dolce vita" (sweet life) in Grottola, working as a temporary citizen of a small town.