Mauro Morandi, Iconic Island Hermit, Passes Away at 85

Mauro Morandi, famously known as "Italy's Robinson Crusoe," has passed away at the age of 85 due to a brain hemorrhage in Modena. Morandi lived on the picturesque Budelli Island, off the coast of Sardinia, for 32 years until his eviction in 2021. The island, untouched and beautiful, captured his heart the moment he set foot on it in 1989. His experiences and life of seclusion inspired numerous books, documentaries, and interviews, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many sought his perspective on solitude and introspection.

In interviews, Morandi recounted his profound connection to Budelli, stating, “I fell in love with the island at first sight.” His choice of a solitary life starkly contrasted with the shipwrecked character of Defoe's novel, as Morandi deliberately embraced isolation. Despite the idyllic surroundings, he faced challenges, especially when forces sought to end his residency. His poignant reflections on solitude resonated during times of global crisis, revealing insights into the human experience.