Theater of Andromeda: between art and nature
Have you ever wondered what there is beyond the usual tourist attractions in Sicily?
As promoters of Slow Tourism, we bring you an evocative topic about a hidden destination in one of Sicily’s least visited places. A place that seems to belong to another world. And a way by which Sicily, through ordinary people, in addition to its strong cultural character shows an almost disarming spiritual simplicity.
When art meets the beauty of our landscapes
Many art lovers will have had the opportunity to be fascinated by the simple story of the shepherd Lorenzo Reina. A young man dreamer, with a future already mapped out by his father, but which he himself does not accept, because art is his life.
In this case, it was his simple life that allowed him to notice the beauty of his land as he took his father’s sheep out to pasture at dusk. On a mountain in the countryside of Agrigento in 1000 meters altitude, animals ruminated still, motionless, staring at the view. Almost admiring it, as if it were a divine good or a sign of spiritual peace.
And one night, as he was carving alabaster in the barn, he went out for air and had an insight, perhaps because of his 20 years somewhat illusory. He wanted to make a theater, which would have as its sole thespian the peace of that place. Maybe a temple, on that peak where his sheep had stayed. captivated by the fascinating atmosphere, full of a special energy.
He began laying the first stones in the 1980s, only to have to stop due to his father’s critical condition. Subsequently, he took his dream back into his own hands to carry it out. Passionate about astronomy, philosophy, history and art, he read a scientific note in which the Galaxy M31, namely the Constellation Andromeda, would collide against the Milky Way. So, he wanted to imprint that galaxy in that magical place of his, really bringing the work to completion, with 108 seats all corresponding to the Constellation.
He had numerous awards, such as at the 54th international biennial exhibition in Venice and at the Expo of Italian art in Milan. Today is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and seekers of peace e silence spiritual.
A magical time to visit the artwork is during the summer solstice, when the present sculptures become protagonists. In particular, the Mask of the Word at 19:45 sees the shining sun break through the inside of his mouth.
How to visit the theater
The site can be visited daily from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The cost of the ticket is €10.
Guests are requested to maintain a composed silence e respect during the visit. For more info, visit their
website.