The Fiumara d'Arte: an atypical art itinerary, all to be done by car

The Fiumara d’Arte

Hi I’m Noemi,

a student of the faculty of art history of Catania.

Recently I visited the monuments of Fiumara d’Arte, a project that has enhanced various areas of Sicily that are not normally listed among the main tourist destinations.

A wonderful route indicated mostly in autumn and spring, when the colours of the Sicilian countryside offer enchanting landscapes and mild temperatures make the visit absolutely pleasant!

The Fiumara d’Arte route is one of the new tourist attractions in Sicily; it offers breathtaking views between the Nebrodi Park and the Madonie Park, which are usually overshadowed by tourists who prefer sunny beaches.

It all began in 1982 when the art collector Antonio Presti commissioned the sculptor Pietro Consagra to create a work of art in memory of his father.

From that moment on, a series of ideas were born that gave life to 8 works of art located where the river Tusa, from which they take their name, once flowed.

The Stages of the Fiumara d’Arte

You can follow the itinerary as you wish, you can visit all the stages or just some of them. I have chosen to visit them all, here is my route on board a Sicily Rent Car, a 500X to be exact, really perfect for this trip out of town.

1st stage: La Materia Poteva Non Esserci

As a first stop, faithful to historical events, I visited the work made by Pietro Consagra, called “La Materia Poteva Non Esserci”.

It looks like an imposing and sinuous sculpture, 18 metres high and composed of two elements placed side by side, one white and one black.

A work is not only to be observed, but above all to be experienced. Going through it and trying to grasp its concept and its relationship with the environment.

2nd Stage: Energia Mediterranea

Continue along the provincial road 176 as far as Pettineo, in the hinterland and then deviate towards Motta d’Affermo, taking an articulated road that winds for 5 kilometres; here you will find yourself in front of “Energia Mediterranea”.

A blue wave, created by sculptor Antonio Di Palma, which evokes the link with the sea even though we are in the Sicilian hinterland. A work loved by large groups for the funny photos that can be taken.

3rd Stage: Pyramid at 38th Parallel

Drive another 5 kilometres towards the sea and you will find yourself in front of the “Pyramid at 38° Parallel”. A real Egyptian sculpture that rises like a lighthouse towards the sea.

The work of the artist Maurizio Staccioli, who wanted to represent man’s relationship with the eternal and the ephemerality of life.

The pyramid is a perfect symbol to express this concept; the Pharaonic tomb has always linked the human being with otherworldly dimensions that preserve his existence beyond death.

4th Stage: Una Curva Gettata alle Spalle del Tempo

Continue in the direction of Castel di Lucio for about ten kilometres and you will find yourself in front of a sinuous concrete shape in the middle of a bend.

This symbolises the link between the old and the new and the dichotomy between tradition and innovation.

5th Stage: Il labirinto di Arianna

Just a few kilometres inland and you reach one of the most appreciated and interactive works of the whole route: the “Labyrinth of Ariadne”.

Two high arms make up the entrance to a concentric labyrinth. Entering the labyrinth wants to be an almost spiritual experience, where you can free yourself from the outside world and face a moment of inner reflection. Up to the centre of the labyrinth, where there is a metal plate and a tree symbolising life itself.

6th Stage: il Muro della Vita

Following the road from the Labyrinth of Ariadne, the first work you come across is the “Wall of Life”. An ancient concrete wall, entirely covered in terracotta. On it fifty different artists created their personal works to restore dignity to a structure that had been anonymous until then.

7th Stage: Golden Boat Room

It is the only work that cannot be visited by the Japanese artist Hidetoshi Nagasawa himself. It is a room enclosed in the earth, where a boat upside down and covered in gold is the protagonist.

The author has decided to seal it so that it is the memory that has the memory…

A truly unique motivation to reflect on.

8th Stage: Monumento per un Poeta Morto

One of the most visited works of Fiumara d’Arte is the “Window on the sea”, we are almost at the starting point of the route that closes in a loop.

We can stop here to admire and reflect on everything we have visited while looking at the “Monument” of Tano Festa.

Looking towards the infinity of the sea is a moment that brings us back to the awareness of our being small before the whole world, but that gives us great hope for the immense beauty of creation.

An incredible journey between art and nature that will leave you breathless, in front of the works of Fiumara d’Arte: this is what awaits you!

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