New perspectives for ancient utopias. Towards a sustainable recovery of Italian rural villages

The 18th century division into farms system, as well as the reclaimed lands during the Fascist period, involve the construction of numerous rural villages in the Italian countryside, designed as autonomous and self-sufficient settlements. The change in economic and production systems has led to the abandonment and progressive degradation of several structures. And, if some have been transformed into luxury residences, many others still constitute unsolved places awaiting new life. These places contain great potential and perhaps tourist accommodation is not the only opportunity for rebirth, especially since the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic leads to rethink the ways and spaces of living, renewing the charm of pleasant, isolated and probably healthier places. A wise recovery, based on a global network and territorial approach, linked to the social, cultural and productive spheres, even with innovative entrepreneurship, could suggest alternative and sustainable scenarios that also intercept many goals of the 2030 Agenda.