The village of Rogojeni in the Republic of Moldova, faced with a severe demographic decline, is banking on the tourist potential of the traditional Basque-style dwellings to ensure the survival of the community. Local authorities and the remaining inhabitants are trying to turn the unique architecture of the area, often compared to that of the “Lord of the Rings” universe, into a local development engine to attract international visitors and reverse the depopulation trend.
The village, which used to have about 200 inhabitants, now has a population of about 30 people, mostly elderly women. Mayor Ruslan Groza warned that the village is at risk of disappearing completely as many buildings, including the school and church, are abandoned. However, the specific architecture of the ‘basque’ hamlet – a dwelling built of stone and earth, partially buried and thermally efficient – has generated increased tourist interest. Their resemblance to ‘hobbit huts’ has attracted the attention of the international press, including AFP and Le Figaro, boosting the locality’s visibility.
The revitalization strategy began in earnest in 2020 with the renovation of the first house of its kind and its conversion into a museum. Visitors have access to authentic cultural experiences, including local gastronomy and tours of traditional interiors. Efforts are also supported by local entrepreneurial initiatives, such as the embroidery and traditional costume workshop set up by Mariana Groza, which uses social platforms such as TikTok to promote itself. According to the authorities, the number of tourists interested in the cultural landscape and vernacular architecture is on the rise, offering an economic perspective based on rural tourism to safeguard local heritage.