Verghiani places: Sicily told through literature
A literary journey through the Sicilian places that inspired Giovanni Verga’s masterpieces. From Catania
a Vizzini, passing through Aci Trezza, we retrace together the main stages that allowed the author to stand out among the greats of Italian literature.
Catania: where it all starts
Our special tour can only start from Catania, the writer’s hometown where he had his first experiences before wandering between Milan, Rome and Florence. The places he lived in the foothills of Mount Etna were fundamental to the writing of his works. From the characterization of the characters, to their names, through the background and setting.
First stop then is the birthplace by Verga, now a real museum, also included among the city’s mandatory visits. Then, in the historic center of the city and not far from the mansion, stands the St. Benedict’s church and convent, located on Crociferi Street and the setting of the novel “Story of a Blackcap.”
The same place was the set of Franco Zeffirelli’s 1993 film of the same name. Instead, in the heart of Catania, in the square named after the writer, you can see a fountain that reproduces the sinking of the Providence, the name of the boat told most famous novel of the writer verist, “I Malavoglia”.
Aci Trezza and Aci Castello: places of the heart
A few kilometers from Catania lies Aci Trezza, second leg of this virtual tour in search of the places most associated with John. And just walking through the streets of this village, it is possible to imagine the atmosphere of that fishing village that “I Malavoglia”. Don’t miss the Medlar House Museum, a perfect example of the typical dwelling of the Toscano that is, the family described in the work.
The literary journey then continues to Aci Castello. Not only was this village among the settings that serve as the backdrop for the above work, but the city administration a few years ago had proposed recreating the village of the Malavoglia, as the writer imagined and recounted it in his work. Also in Aci Castello, it is possible to visit the botanical garden within the ancient walls where Verga set “The Stories of Trezza Castle.”. An ideal place to take a break and enjoy the scenery, perhaps taking a walk, pampered by the sea breeze.
Vizzini and other special places
The discussion is still ongoing: some disagree that Verga was born in Catania. In fact, there is another theory that the writer came to light in Vizzini, his father’s place of origin, on his uncle’s farm, only to be registered later in Catania as a better choice for the family business.
In any case, the author made this small town his favorite setting: from the old town to the palaces, passing by the churches and the characteristic maze of alleyways, where were set among other things “La Cavalleria Rusticana,” “Mastro don Gesualdo.” e “The She-Wolf. By visiting Vizzini, you will have the opportunity to walk a real Verga itinerary and discover the most significant places described in his novellas.
This can only culminate with the literary park dedicated to the writer, where you can immerse yourself in nature and culture. Also near Catania, fans will surely recognize some “special” places for the Sicilian writer. Not to be missed is the beautiful Church of St. Agatha, where Bianca Trao and Mastro don Gesualdo were married, as well as the neighborhood of the Cunziria where the duel between Alfio and Turiddu.
These are just a few of the places on a unique literary journey that will allow you to discover places also made immortal through the works of Verga.
by Davide Donnarumma