nobody's land

Genova, 2011-2017

Originally a former mechanic workshop in Genova, Italy, Nobody's Land (Terra di Nessuno) was abandoned in 1977 and later metamorphosed into an illicit landfill in the 80s. In 1996, independent antifascist activists took charge, adopting the slogan "NO EROINA - NO POLIZIA" (no heroin - no police) in response to Italy's widespread heroin problem. This transformation marked the birth of the Social Occupied House- TERRA DI NESSUNO.

Over the past two decades, Nobody's Land has evolved into a diverse hub, attracting artists, youth, and political antifascist activists. Throughout the 90s, similar occupations unfolded across various Italian cities—abandoned buildings, former factories, villas, apartments, and vacant houses—guided by the ethos of reclaiming public spaces for communal, non-profit, non-commercial, and non-political party purposes.

Within this space, discussions flourished in support of organizing Italian and international antifascist anticapitalist movements. Terra di Nessuno played host to a myriad of activities, such as events backing workers' rights, supporting migrant refugees, artistic showcases, experiments, concerts, workshops, political assemblies, and exhibitions. It also served as a residence for some, housing hack labs and self-managed initiatives focused on digital rights and freedom of expression.

Reclaimed Occupation and self-determination emerged as vital strategies for escaping the constraints and political oppression imposed by the Italian government and municipal laws. These endeavors aimed to counteract neighborhood gentrification, and class struggle, foster community connection, and promote alternative information and antifascist counterculture.