Explore The Modern Culture Of Beautiful Sicily In Italy

Sitting just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot,” Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island. It offers beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and plenty of culture. Among its splendors are the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in Palermo, and historic sites such as the Valley of the Temples, with its monumental Doric-style Greek temples. Of course, Sicily is also famous for Mount Etna, one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe. However, besides these wonders, Sicily is also a place of modern theatrical culture, beautiful art and excellent wines.

Teatro di Andromeda, Santo Stefano Quisquina

High up in the mountains, in the village of Santo Stefano Quisquina, lies the unique Teatro di Andromeda. This is no Greek or Roman ruin and is the modern brainchild of the farmer and sculptor, Lorenzo Reina. Apparently, after he got the inspiration to create the theater, it took him some 30 years to complete. Now, it is a striking and fascinating sight on the hillside.

Meanwhile, the theater is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, which only makes the theater even more dramatic. The reference to Andromeda is the 108 stone seats that are carefully placed to correspond to points in the Andromeda constellation. Meanwhile, other pieces of sculpture by Reina stand around the site, including a statue of Icarus and a hollow face, titled, “The Mask of the Word.”

During the summer months, locals and visitors can enjoy some of the highest, open-air performances in the world, which offer a unique experience. Meanwhile, visitors can find out more about the artist’s work in an octagonal museum on the site. Moreover, readers can see more about the site in the video included below. While the video is in Italian, subtitles in English are available.

Farm Cultural Park, Favara

Next on our cultural tour of Sicily is the small town of Favara, which used to be a desolate and almost abandoned place. However, an urban renewal project by artist Andrea Bartoli has made it into “a place that makes you happy.”

Initially, Bartoli started an art gallery in Favara, but gradually, the art gallery spread all over the town. Nowadays, visitors can explore a large art gallery, as well as many smaller galleries, displaying photo projects and video installations. Moreover, it has spread into two bars, a gift shop, a takeaway food stall, a vintage clothing shop and a wonderful secret garden.

Thanks to Bartoli’s efforts, the Farm Cultural Park has turned the tiny town into a hip location in modern Sicily. Moreover, on Friday and Saturday nights, locals and tourists alike can enjoy a film screening, live music or a DJ set while viewing the art of display. Readers can enjoy a tour of the town in the video included here.

Wine Tour of Sicily

From its very beginnings, wine has been a part of Sicily’s history and continues into modern times. When on the island, visitors can enjoy a tour of the various wineries, learn about the production of the wines, and enjoy hospitality and tasting tours. Here, experience the Sicilian DOC and DOCG wines, which include red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified wines produced from the native vines of the island.

Meanwhile, among the native vines are the famous Zibibbo, which is the oldest and was brought to Sicily by the Phoenicians. Other famous Sicilian grapes include the Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Frappato, Perricone and more.

Make sure to take a unique wine tour of beautiful Sicily, experiencing the flavors of the island and take some home with you when you leave.