Gairo Vecchio (Old Gairo) is a ghost town in the mid-east of Sardinia. The village was abandoned in the 50s after a massive flood that in 1951 destroyed the majority of the buildings. Nowadays, the ruins are still there and create a timeless atmosphere of inquietude and charm.
After the 1951 flood, the people of Gairo started to leave the village as the ground and their houses became unsafe. The names of the streets are still legible in many walls, helping the visitors to visualize the flow of life before the abandon. All the streets have the names of significant personalities of the ancient political and cultural life of Italy, which enhances the perception of walking in an ageless inlet of the history.
The move from the old town was completed in late 60s, in the new village located few kilometers above. Some people still grow their gardens in the old town, and it is also possible to bump into a flock of sheep looking for a good pasture. Even if most of the buildings are not accessible for safety reasons, Gairo ruins are open to visitors, which can enjoy a walk into this evocative place.
