Historic Centre - Agrigento
"Il Gattopardo" (The Leopard) and the places in Sicily: what inspired Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
07 July 2023 - Categorie: Cities of Art and Villages, Cultural tourism, The places of the heart Tags:
There are numerous reasons why every year hundreds and hundreds of national and international tourists are attracted to our splendid Sicily and decide to spend their holidays in this "land of fire and sea", as the singer-songwriter Carmen Consoli described it. Along with them, there are equally numerous types of tourism that affect the island: one of these, not surprisingly our focus today, is the so-called literary tourism.
Literary tourism, a branch of cultural tourism, is a form of travel whose purpose is to discover the places described in novels, stories or poetry, or even those places that have a close link with literary exponents (e.g. Agrigento and Pirandello). Today, we want to tell you about the places that inspired Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa during the writing of "The Leopard".
Understandably, the novel is set in Sicily in the period of Italian unification and the protagonist is the Prince of Salina, a distant relative of the same author. Lampedusa has managed to give all readers the essence of Sicily among its natural beauties, its cultural richness and its infinite complexity of social relationships.
The Leopard was adapted for cinema in 1963 by Luchino Visconti who shot many scenes of the film in and around Palermo. In addition to Palermo with its wonderful unprecedented attractions such as the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni, what amazes is the unexpected beauty of the villages and other locations that offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Among the places described in the novel, we mention:
- Santa Margherita Belice, in the province of Agrigento, 60 km from Palermo. The village is famous for its castle, which was described in the novel as the place where the prince of Salina met with the mayor of Donnafugata to discuss the town's affairs.
- Agrigento, which inspired the author for the description of the city of Donnafugata in the novel.
- Donnafugata, a fraction of the beautiful municipality of Ragusa. The historic centre is characterised by an imposing castle, dating back to the 14th century, which dominates the main square of the village. The castle, built in Baroque style, was used as a film set for various productions, including the film "The Leopard" by Luchino Visconti.
Palazzo Filangeri di Cutò - Santa Margherita Belice
The Cathedral
Theatre Massimo
In short, there are many places to visit while leafing through Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel and each of them is particularly fascinating. Furthermore, the locations offer an excellent starting point for visiting other wonders of this part of Sicily, such as: Palermo which certainly has an infinite number of monuments and history to offer you as well as it is itself another starting point for visiting the jewels of this part of Sicily such as Monreale and Mondello or, towards the west, the marvellous beaches of Scopello (lo Zingaro) and San vito lo Capo about 40 minutes by car, the mediaeval Erice, the salt pans of Trapani, the island of Mozia and the Egadi islands, the wine cellars of Marsala just over an hour by car , towards the east the ruins of Solunto, Cefalù at 1 hour by car. Also, the nature reserves of Torre Salsa and Foce del Fiume Platani, the sandy beaches of Bovo Marina and Eraclea Minoa, also at a short distance from the cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento, the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Sciacca and its thermal baths, the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco. And if at this point you are very tired, you can always rest in one of our luxury villas with private pools in the area!
Recommended villas
L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.
Villa D'amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.
Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.
Villa D'amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.
Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square metres, in a fairly quiet area of the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite private swimming pool of 50 square metres is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.
Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square metres and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colours and scents of our beautiful Sicily.
Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.