Thor Heyerdahl’s Former Resting Place in Colla Micheri, Italy

Thor Heyerdhal had an incredible life. Born in 1914 in Larvik, Norway, Heyerdahl became world-famous for his daring expeditions that challenged conventional thinking about ancient maritime capabilities.

His most celebrated journey was aboard the Kon-Tiki, a primitive raft made of balsa wood, on which he sailed 4,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean from South America to Polynesia in 1947. This extraordinary 101-day voyage was undertaken to prove his theory that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia using similar watercraft.

In 1969, he built and sailed Ra, a boat made of papyrus reeds, to demonstrate that ancient Egyptians could have crossed the Atlantic. When the first attempt failed, he tried again with Ra II in 1970, successfully completing the journey from Morocco to Barbados. In 1977, the Tigris expedition took him from Iraq to the Horn of Africa in a reed boat, proving possible ancient maritime connections between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization.

His life have been captured in several notable films and documentaries like: Kon-Tiki (1950), The Ra Expeditions (1972), and Kon-Tiki (2012). In the 1950s, Heyerdahl discovered Colla Micheri, a nearly abandoned medieval village perched on a hill above Laigueglia (SV). He was immediately captivated by its rustic charm and panoramic Mediterranean views. Heyerdahl developed a deep connection to the area, spending significant time there with his family in his later years.

He purchased several buildings and devoted considerable resources to their restoration, effectively saving the village from complete abandonment. His residence there became a cherished retreat for writing and reflection during his time in Italy. For a man of such remarkable achievement, Heyerdahl's tomb reflects his humble nature despite his worldwide fame. The grave is marked only by a modest stone bearing his name and years (1914-2002).

What made this resting place especially poignant is its position overlooking the beloved village of Laigueglia and the sea. A fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to crossing oceans, bridging cultures, and challenging scientific conventions. The site became a meaningful pilgrimage destination for admirers of his work and courage. Today, Colla Micheri remains a picturesque historic settlement, and Heyerdahl's connection to the village adds a fascinating dimension to his enduring legacy in the Italian Riviera.

A wanderer even in death, Heyerdahl’s remains were removed from the Colla Micheri site in 2024 and sent back to Norway, where they were reinterred in the churchyard of his hometown of Larvik.