After a Restful Night in Marsala, Javier and María Pilar Are Ready for a New Adventure in Sicily. Their journey has already taken them through breathtaking corners of the island, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Today, however, they are about to experience something different— a journey into the heart of the Belice Valley, to discover Gibellina, a town that, after the devastating earthquake of 1968, was reborn through art and creativity.
Our Chauffeur-Driven Car and Its Guests Depart from Marsala: Heading to a Place of Memory and Rebirth
Early in the morning, we are already waiting with our chauffeur-driven car in front of the hotel in Marsala. The sun has just risen, and the sky is a clear blue, promising a perfect day ahead. Javier and María Pilar come down from the hotel with their usual enthusiasm.
"Today we’re going to discover a completely different side of Sicily, right?" María Pilar asks, intrigued.
"Exactly! Gibellina is not just a town—it’s an open-air museum, a symbol of rebirth and cultural resilience," we reply as we get into the car.
We leave Marsala behind and head towards the Sicilian hinterland. The road winds through golden hills and vast vineyards, with landscapes constantly changing as we approach the Belice Valley.
"This area is so different from the coast!" Javier observes, admiring the scenery. "I never imagined Sicily could be so diverse."
"And you haven’t even seen Gibellina yet. It will surprise you!"
After about an hour’s drive, we reach our first stop: the Cretto di Burri, one of the most evocative places in the area.
The Cretto di Burri: A Monument of Memory
As soon as we step out of the car, Javier and María Pilar are left speechless. Before them stretches a vast white concrete expanse, following the layout of the old town of Gibellina, an enormous work of art that looks like a shroud covering the ruins of the earthquake.
"What exactly is this place?" María Pilar asks, mesmerized by the surreal view.
"This is the Cretto di Burri, one of the largest land art installations in the world. The artist Alberto Burri decided to seal the ruins of the old town under this white concrete, creating a memorial that preserves the memory of the disaster," we explain.
Javier walks slowly through the paths of the Cretto, which follow the original streets of the destroyed town.
"It’s incredibly moving. It feels like a labyrinth of silence."
"Exactly. This is not just a tribute to the victims, but also a testament to art’s power to transform pain into something eternal."
After an emotional walk through the white slabs, we continue towards Gibellina Nuova.
Gibellina Nuova: An Open-Air Museum
A few kilometers from the Cretto, we reach Gibellina Nuova, built after the earthquake in a completely different location. This town is unlike any other in Sicily—instead of rebuilding in a traditional way, renowned artists and architects turned it into a modern art experiment.
We enter the heart of the town and find ourselves surrounded by sculptures, installations, and bold architectural designs. The contrast with typical Sicilian villages is striking—here, art merges with the city, creating a surreal and unique atmosphere.
"I’ve never seen anything like this!" exclaims Javier, gazing at one of the town’s most iconic artworks.
We stroll along the Sistema delle Piazze, an urban area designed by Pietro Consagra, featuring geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Everywhere we look, there is art—from the Grande Cretto by Ludovico Quaroni to the Porta del Belice, a towering metal sculpture symbolizing the entrance to the new Gibellina.
"It feels like being in a futuristic city!" comments María Pilar. "But how did they manage to create all this?"
We explain how Mayor Ludovico Corrao invited artists and architects from around the world to rebuild Gibellina in an innovative way.
"They didn’t just want to reconstruct the town—they wanted to turn it into something unique, where art could breathe new life into the community."
Lunch Amidst Art and Tradition
After a morning filled with emotions, we stop at a local trattoria to savor the authentic flavors of rural Sicily.
We choose a traditional menu:
✔️ Sicilian appetizer with local cheeses, olives, and cured meats.
✔️ Pasta with sardines, an iconic dish of Sicilian cuisine.
✔️ Roast lamb, served with seasonal vegetables.
✔️ Cassatelle di ricotta, delicious fried pastries filled with ricotta and cinnamon.
"This is one of the things I love most about Sicily," María Pilar says, savoring a bite of pasta. "Every region has a different culinary tradition, but everything is always delicious!"
Javier nods. "And every experience comes with a story. This trip is so much more than just a vacation."
Final Discoveries and Return
After lunch, we take one last walk among Gibellina’s artworks. We visit the Museo delle Trame Mediterranee, which houses a collection of contemporary art and traditional Sicilian artifacts, and we admire the Chiesa Madre by Ludovico Quaroni, a futuristic structure that resembles a spaceship.
"I never thought a town could be so strongly connected to art," Javier comments.
"And yet, Gibellina proves that art is more than decoration—it’s a symbol of hope and rebirth."
We take a final look at the town before getting back into the car for the return journey.
"This day was incredible," says María Pilar as we depart. "We saw both the past and future of Sicily in a single day."
"And tomorrow? What other wonders await us?" asks Javier, excited.
"You’ll find out soon… Sicily still has many surprises in store for you!" we reply with a smile.
Discover Gibellina Stress-Free with Sicily Car Service - Chauffeur-Driven Car Rental
If you want to explore Gibellina, its extraordinary artistic heritage, and its fascinating history, choose our chauffeur-driven car service. Travel without stress, with maximum comfort, and enjoy a personalized tour tailored to your preferences.
📞 Book your tour today and experience an unforgettable journey! 🚗🎨✨
FAQ – Tour of Gibellina with Chauffeur-Driven Car Rental
1. What is included in the Gibellina tour with a chauffeur-driven car?
Our tour includes:
✔️ Private transfer from Marsala (or another agreed location) to Gibellina.
✔️ Scenic drive through the Belice Valley, with photo stops.
✔️ Visit to the Cretto di Burri, the largest land art monument in the world.
✔️ Exploration of Gibellina Nuova, an open-air museum featuring unique contemporary artworks.
✔️ Walk through the Sistema delle Piazze and visit to the Porta del Belice.
✔️ Optional visit to the Museum of Mediterranean Weaves, showcasing Sicilian art and culture.
✔️ Lunch at a traditional restaurant featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine.
✔️ Comfortable and stress-free return, with our chauffeur at your disposal.
2. How long does the Gibellina tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or evening. However, the itinerary can be customized according to the client’s needs.
3. Can I modify the itinerary during the tour?
Yes! Our service is fully flexible. If you want to extend your visit at a particular site or add more stops nearby, we can tailor the experience to your preferences.
4. Does the tour include a professional guide?
Our chauffeur will provide insights about the locations and local traditions, but if you prefer a certified tour guide for an in-depth historical and cultural experience, we can arrange it upon request.
5. What makes Gibellina special?
Gibellina is a one-of-a-kind destination, known for:
🏛 The Cretto di Burri, a monumental land art piece covering the ruins of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake.
🎨 Contemporary art scattered throughout the town, including sculptures, installations, and futuristic architecture.
🌆 The Sistema delle Piazze and the Porta del Belice, symbols of the town’s cultural rebirth.
🏰 The Museum of Mediterranean Weaves, showcasing Sicilian art, history, and craftsmanship.
6. What are Gibellina’s culinary specialties?
During the tour, you can savor:
🍝 Busiate with Trapanese pesto, a traditional pasta dish made with almonds and basil.
🐑 Roast lamb, a specialty of Sicilian rural cuisine.
🍷 Belice Valley wines, renowned for their intense flavors.
🍰 Cassatelle di ricotta, fried pastries filled with ricotta and cinnamon.
7. When is the best time to visit Gibellina?
Gibellina is fascinating all year round!
🌿 Spring and autumn → Ideal weather for exploring open-air artworks.
☀️ Summer → Perfect for combining the visit with a beach day on the western coast.
🎄 Winter → A quiet and less crowded atmosphere, ideal for appreciating the town’s art and culture.
8. Can I shop during the tour?
Yes! In Gibellina, you can find:
🎭 Artworks and miniature sculptures inspired by the town’s installations.
🍷 Local wines and traditional food products from the Belice Valley.
🧣 Sicilian handicrafts, perfect as souvenirs.
9. Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly! Children will enjoy:
🏛 Exploring the Cretto di Burri, walking along the preserved paths of the old town.
🎨 Admiring sculptures and futuristic architecture in Gibellina Nuova.
🍨 Tasting delicious Sicilian gelato or refreshing granita.
10. How much does the Gibellina tour with a chauffeur-driven car cost?
The price depends on:
✔️ Number of participants.
✔️ Type of vehicle chosen (luxury car, minivan, etc.).
✔️ Optional extras, such as a professional guide, tastings, or lunch.
📞 Contact us for a personalized quote with no obligation!
11. How can I book the tour?
Booking is quick and easy! Contact us at:
📞 Phone: +39 333 160 6317 | +39 328 481 7474
🌐 Website: www.sicilycarservice.com
✨ Discover Gibellina stress-free! Book your chauffeur-driven car tour and experience a unique journey through art, memory, and culture. 🚗🎨
