In the land of the Goddesses

The building, which probably dates back to the 18th century, became the headquarters of a pawnshop (Monte di Pietà in Italian) thanks to a substantial bequest intended for charitable works by the brothers Luciano and Giuseppe Palermo at the end of the 19th century. The pawnshop was established and registered as a charitable organisation in 1845, but only operated until 1943. Pawnshops were established to support individuals in financial difficulty. Borrowers would provide valuable items as collateral for a loan, and these items would be returned once the debt had been repaid.

The building was subsequently repurposed as a tax office, then remained closed for many years and fell into disrepair. After extensive restoration carried out a few years ago, the former charitable institution was returned to the community as a multi-purpose cultural centre. The building is made of warm-toned limestone sourced from a nearby quarry. At the centre of the main façade is a door with a round arch adorned with decorative motifs typical of Sicilian Baroque. On the first floor, three large windows with stone sills, jambs and lintels illuminate the spacious rooms, which are used for cultural and tourist activities that promote the city’s historical heritage.

Housed in the former Capuchin monastery, this elegant and evocative museum showcases artefacts from Morgantina that were returned from renowned international museums following their theft in the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition opens with a remarkable archaeological collection, featuring the pair of acroliths from the late 6th century BC, among the earliest examples of Greek sculpture influenced by the islands, crafted using the sophisticated acrolithic technique. It continues with the imposing statue of the Goddess from the late 5th century BC, made using the pseudo-acrolithic technique, and the Hellenistic silver treasure, likely part of the banquet service of the city’s prytaneum. One of the most striking pieces is the evocative polychrome terracotta head of Hades from the 4th century BC.

The entire collection consistently attests to the central role of the cult of Demeter within the territory of the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark.

One of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, Morgantina is located on a sandstone ridge that is rich in water resources thanks to its marly clay subsoil. Originally an indigenous centre, Morgantina was Hellenised between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 6th century BC. It was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducezio in the 5th century BC and flourished again during the Hellenistic period, reaching its peak in the 3rd century BC under the influence of Hiero II of Syracuse. Visible remains include the two-level agora, the theatre, public buildings and houses adorned with mosaics and frescoes, such as the renowned ‘House of Ganymede’. Two thermal baths, among the oldest on the island, also stand out: one is thought to have been designed with the contribution of Archimedes. Abandoned in the 1st century BC, the city was never reoccupied and its original structures have been preserved intact, offering an authentic image of a Hellenistic polis in the inland area of Sicily. Excavations continue to enrich the site, which now hosts cultural events such as the Barbablù Fest and Morgantina Rivive, strengthening the connection between the local community, visitors, and historical heritage.

Lake Pergusa is located within a sub-elliptical basin, surrounded by the Erei Mountains. It is the only endorheic lake in Sicily, with no tributaries or outlets, and it has a tectonic origin. This important wetland in the heart of the island is a key stopover point for migratory birds and is home to a wide variety of bird species. Under specific light and temperature conditions, a unique phenomenon causes the water to turn red due to the action of certain microorganisms. This effect, caused by the development of sulphur bacteria, also acts as a natural self-purification mechanism. A deeply evocative and inspiring place, it has been mentioned by ancient authors such as Ovid, Cicero, Livy and Diodorus Siculus. According to myth, it was here that Pluto kidnapped Proserpina, daughter of Ceres, the goddess of fertility. Her mourning was so profound that the fields ceased to flourish. Only thanks to Jupiter’s intervention were mother and daughter allowed to be reunited for part of the year. Since then, Proserpina’s absence has marked the arrival of autumn and winter, while her return heralds the coming of spring and summer.