Walking Tour

4 hours

Sicily

In Sicily’s sunny Belice Valley, lies a little village with an incredible history. In January 1968, a devastating earthquake destroyed the towns of Gibellina and Poggioreale. After the earthquake, the town of Nuova (New) Gibellina rose from the devastation, becoming an inspiration for contemporary art and architecture.

Route Details

You will begin your journey in New Gibellina, visiting the incredible spherical church of Chiesa Madre, designed by the Italian architect Ludovico Quaroni. This bold and unconventional architectural masterpiece embodies the town’s determination to rise from the ruins.

From there, your guide will accompany you to Porta del Belice, symbol of the renaissance of Gibellina, and through the town’s art-filled streets, showing you how modern architecture and monumental sculptures can help redefine the urban landscape.

Next, you will visit Gibellina’s Contemporary Art Civic Museum, home to a remarkable collection of contemporary art, including a vivid series of paintings by Mario Schifano. You will conclude the tour at the iconic Cretto di Burri, a haunting yet breathtaking land art memorial that overlays the ruins of Old Gibellina. This colossal artwork, designed by Alberto Burri, retraces the streets of the lost town, inviting visitors to reflect on the profound interplay between destruction and creativity.

This tour offers a deeply moving and enlightening exploration of Gibellina’s transformation, and an unforgettable exploration of art’s power to heal, transform, and inspire.

Choose this tour if…

You’re fascinated by contemporary art and modern designs.
You want to learn from the voice of a local expert the history of this community’s inspiring resilience and creativity.
You’d like to walk through a town transformed into an open-air museum.

Sites Visited

Chiesa Madre by Ludovico Quaroni
Porta del Belice by Pietro Consagra
Gibellina’s Contemporary Art Civic Museum
Alberto Burri’s Cretto

Logistics

Tickets

You are pre-paid for the tour and the admission to the Contemporary Art Civic Museum. Note that there may be nominal site entrance costs or other fees that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.

Transportation

We are staying in Gibellina. Can the guide meet us at our hotel? No, it would be easier if guests met the guide at the designated starting point, as hotel locations in Gibellina vary, and walking from your hotel could take significant time. This ensures we can make the most of the short tour and cover all the highlights.

We are staying in Palermo. Can we add a car service from and to Gibellina? Yes, we can arrange a car service from your hotel in Palermo to the meeting point in Gibellina and back for an additional price. Simply leave a note in the note section at checkout to let us know.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

Few things that pair well with this tour:

Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and a hat for outdoor exploration

For more information on planning your travels to Sicily, take a read through our Context Stories.

If you are looking to learn more about Sicily before a visit, check out our online lectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children? Yes, while this tour is not specifically designed for kids, it is suitable for families with children. Just keep in mind that it can get quite hot in Sicily in the summer, so we recommend coming prepared for the weather.

Can we take this tour in the afternoon? We normally recommend this tour only in the morning because of the heat, particularly in the summer months, and because of the distance from Palermo. Please let us know in the note section at checkout if you would like to request a different time.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

While Gibellina itself is quite flat, making the urban sculptures easily accessible, the Cretto di Burri presents some challenges. Entering the Cretto is not recommended for wheelchairs unless it’s an electric model with strong brakes, as the terrain can be uneven and difficult to navigate. However, visitors with mobility issues can still enjoy excellent views of the Cretto from both the top and the bottom, as well as from the nearby road, offering a meaningful perspective on this remarkable site.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Chiesa Madre
Porta del Belice
Gibellina’s Contemporary Art Civic Museum
Alberto Burri’s Cretto

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Not Included

Food and drink

Unless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Gratuities

Tips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of New Gibellina Highlights Tour: Earthquake and Art general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

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