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Casoli, the graffiti village
Photo © Comune di Camaiore - ufficio Turismo & Cultura
Photo © Comune di Camaiore - ufficio Turismo & Cultura

Casoli

A silent village invaded by auteur graffiti, a few steps from the sea and the mountains: the village of Casoli reserves surprises at every corner

Nestled between the green and blue of Versilia lies the small village of Casoli, known as the graffiti village. A short distance from Camaiore and its beaches, this small perched centre is a veritable open-air museum: for years, numerous artists have adorned the streets and alleys with works of art engraved on the walls, 'auteur graffiti' far removed from the concept of the urban mural.

The history of Casoli is ancient, but the custom of leaving an artistic testimony dates back to the early 1950s, when the painter and sculptor Rosario Murabito moved to Versilia with his wife, settling right in Casoli. Having fallen in love with the town and the warmth of its citizens, Murabito decided to pay homage to the place with a graffito in the main square, which is still visible today, as are the works displayed in the streets of Pietrasanta.

Over the years, numerous artists have stayed in this village and made it their custom to leave a sign of their passage. Casoli has gradually turned into the village of graffiti: the best way to admire it is with a walk through the quiet alleys, observing some of these artist's traces and some of the views of the surrounding landscape. One comes across works that immortalise scenes of everyday life or local characters, or even myths such as the graffito taken from the Odyssey and the one depicting Narcissus as he is reflected in the water. The latter is located not far from the historic centre, in the lower part of the village, inside an old washhouse.

The walls of the entire village are decorated in shades of red, yellow and brown, with which graffiti, known as sgraffiti, is mainly made. The process that leads to their creation requires precision and meticulousness: sandstone, coloured lime and metal powder are used, in a technique that balances art and craftsmanship.

Artist in Casoli
Artist in Casoli - Credit: Comune di Camaiore - ufficio Turismo & Cultura

In addition to the tradition of graffiti - celebrated in the annual event Sgraffiti di Casoli - the village conserves the Casa Museo Murabito, and is a strategic point for reaching the beaches of Camaiore and the trekking paths that wind through the woods of Monte Matanna in a short time.

Versilia