Mauro Morandi, known for his 32 years as the sole resident of Budelli Island, has died, leaving behind a rich narrative of solitude, introspection, and the struggle against eviction.
Mauro Morandi: The Last Robinson Crusoe of Italy Passes Away at 85
Mauro Morandi: The Last Robinson Crusoe of Italy Passes Away at 85
A reflection on Mauro Morandi's unique life on Budelli Island and his legacy of solitude.
Mauro Morandi, the individual affectionately dubbed Italy's Robinson Crusoe, passed away at the age of 85 in Modena, Italy, on January 3. His death was attributed to a brain hemorrhage, as confirmed by Antonio Rinaldis, co-author of Morrandi's reflective memoir about his life on Budelli Island published in 2023.
Unlike the fictional character created by Daniel Defoe, who found himself shipwrecked and yearning for rescue, Morandi deliberately chose a life of solitude. His journey began in 1989 when he stumbled upon Budelli, a stunningly undeveloped island located off the northern coast of Sardinia, and immediately fell in love with its serene landscape. However, Morandi's cherished isolation was abruptly ended in 2021 when he was evicted, struggling against those determined to remove him from his home.
Throughout his time on the island, Morandi's unique lifestyle inspired books, a song, various documentaries, and numerous interviews. During the isolation imposed by the recent global pandemic, many looked to Morandi for insights on solitude and personal reflection. In a 2020 interview with CNN, he articulated the deep connection between solitude and self-reflection: “I read a lot, and think. Many people are scared of reading because it leads them to contemplate their lives, and that can lead to uncomfortable realizations.”
Morandi’s life on Budelli is a poignant reminder of the beauty and challenges of solitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire those interested in exploring the delicate balance between isolation and connection in a rapidly changing world.
Unlike the fictional character created by Daniel Defoe, who found himself shipwrecked and yearning for rescue, Morandi deliberately chose a life of solitude. His journey began in 1989 when he stumbled upon Budelli, a stunningly undeveloped island located off the northern coast of Sardinia, and immediately fell in love with its serene landscape. However, Morandi's cherished isolation was abruptly ended in 2021 when he was evicted, struggling against those determined to remove him from his home.
Throughout his time on the island, Morandi's unique lifestyle inspired books, a song, various documentaries, and numerous interviews. During the isolation imposed by the recent global pandemic, many looked to Morandi for insights on solitude and personal reflection. In a 2020 interview with CNN, he articulated the deep connection between solitude and self-reflection: “I read a lot, and think. Many people are scared of reading because it leads them to contemplate their lives, and that can lead to uncomfortable realizations.”
Morandi’s life on Budelli is a poignant reminder of the beauty and challenges of solitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire those interested in exploring the delicate balance between isolation and connection in a rapidly changing world.
