Work From the Past, Live in the Moment: My Remote Life in an Italian Medieval Village

What It’s Really Like to Work Remotely in a Medieval Village in Italy

By a Dolce Vita Coliving Guest – with practical tips, must-do activities, and a look into authentic Italian slow living

The Call of the Borgo: Why I Chose a Medieval Village Over City Life

Four months ago, I was stuck in a cycle all-too-familiar to remote workers—long days behind a screen, endless city noise, and a gnawing sense of isolation in my overpriced apartment. I craved connection, nature, and a pace of life that let me breathe.

Enter Dolce Vita Coliving, tucked away in the spellbinding hills of Umbria. I stumbled upon it through a friend’s recommendation, and before I knew it, I was booking a one-way ticket to Italy. I had no idea then that I'd find not just a new workspace, but an entirely new way of living.

Medieval Magic Meets Modern Remote Work

Let’s get this straight—working remotely from a 12th-century village sounds like a dream. And it is. But it’s also totally doable.

Vallo di Nera, the village that makes up Dolce Vita Coliving, are steeped in history. You’ll wander cobblestone lanes, work from stone-crafted buildings, sip wine overlooking misty green valleys, and hear church bells instead of car horns.

What surprised me most? The Wi-Fi is blazing fast (seriously—streaming Zoom calls while staring at a forest outside your window is surreal). The coworking areas are thoughtfully set up within ancient yet restored buildings, and the coliving apartments strike the right balance between rustic charm and total comfort.

A Day in My Slow Village Life

Morning: Wake up to birdsong and morning mist over the valley. Grab an espresso at the local bar, where you’ll chat with locals and fellow “borghisti” (village residents). Maybe join a sunrise yoga session in the garden or take a walk to stretch your legs before logging in.

Daytime: After a strong Italian coffee or two, I head to the coworking room—stone walls, wooden beams, big community tables. The setup fuels productivity. Breaks between client calls mean heading out for a quick hike—yes, just outside the door. And no commute drama, ever.

Evening: Come dinnertime, we gather on a terrace or in the trattoria for communal dinners—delicious local food like wild boar ragù or truffle pasta, always paired with regional Umbrian wine. Once a week we cook together in the communal kitchen, sharing family recipes from around the world.

Local Life & Community: What Makes It Special

What truly elevates Dolce Vita Coliving isn’t the architecture (though it’s amazing), the scenery (breathtaking), or the food (out of this world). It’s the people.

Within days, I felt like a part of something bigger. Here, remote workers, creatives, and entrepreneurs from around the world form a genuine community. We help each other out, share knowledge, organize workshops, and even start passion projects together.

I also felt profoundly connected to the local villagers—warm, curious, welcoming. I practiced my Italian, they taught me to make traditional strangozzi pasta, and we laughed over countless glasses of montefalco red. It’s rare to feel so included as an outsider.

Must-Do Experiences in and Around the Village

While working remotely here is inspiring on its own, the experiences beyond your laptop screen are pure magic. Here are some I’ll never forget:

🌿 Spring Truffle Hunts (April–June)

Follow local hunters and dogs into the forests and unearth prized Umbrian truffles. Afterwards, enjoy a truffle-studded meal in a mountainside farmhouse.

🎭 Umbrian Music & Medieval Festivals (May–September)

Step into the past with lively festivals featuring medieval costumes, live folk music, and traditional dancing in the village square.

🚲 Biking Through Valnerina (Spring to Fall)

Explore pristine nature trails with breathtaking views across the valley. Bikes are available, and locals are always ready to point you to hidden picnic spots.

🍷 Wine Tastings in Bevagna & Montefalco (Year-round)

Just a short drive away, these towns offer some of Umbria's best Sagrantino reds and Grechetto whites. Pair it with pecorino, obviously.

🔥 Summer Nights in the Piazza (June–August)

Evenings here mean spontaneous music jams, open-air dinners, or stories shared under the stars. No high heels or dress codes—just pure dolce vita.

Practical Tips for Remote Workers Thinking of Making the Move

💻 Check your timezone compatibility. The good news is, being in CET is convenient for both European and overlapping North American meetings.

🧳 Pack light—but think layers. The village can be warm in summer and crisp in the evenings. Bring comfy clothes, hiking shoes, and don’t forget swimwear for those impromptu river dips.

📅 Stay at least a month, if you can. It takes time to truly settle in and slow down. Longer stays are more affordable and deepen your community connections.

📶 You won’t miss the city infrastructure. From reliable internet to cafes and shops, the essentials are all within walking distance.

🍝 Try everything once. Whether it’s a neighbor’s homemade limoncello, a forest foraging walk, or helping out at a festival—it will become a core memory.

Final Thoughts: Come for the Wi-Fi, Stay for the Wonder

I came to Dolce Vita Coliving looking for a change of scenery. What I found changed my life. In this little corner of Umbria, you discover not just a new way of working—but a new way of living.

If city burnout, isolation, or a thirst for something more meaningful is calling you—answer it. You don’t need to choose between productivity and peace. Here, in this singular medieval village, you can truly have both.

Ready to Experience It for Yourself?

Whether you're looking for a one-month reset or a year-long relocation, Dolce Vita Coliving offers the perfect blend of remote work, meaningful community, and a slower, sweeter rhythm of life.

🌍 Come visit us in Vallo di Nera

📆 Best months to come: April–October (for sunshine, events, and outdoor living).
✨ Spots fill quickly start your journey to la dolce vita today.

👉 Join the community now or follow us on Instagram @dolcevitacoliving for real-time village life stories.

🏰 Work remotely. Live deeply. Welcome to the borgo.