The aspect I have been attracted by in the South-East of Sicily is the capability of our ancestors to revive. This part of Sicily suffered because of an earthquake in 1693; nevertheless, men of that time, rebuilt their cities, with strength and tenacity; they have never surrendered, consigning us such an extraordinary cultural and architectural heritage. And we have to protect it, communicate it and live it in an innovative way, together with new generations, that have received this wonderful patrimony. FAIRSUD project has created a network of specific territorial realities, connected with the non-profit world, but open to the for profit one as well, in order to let them communicate with each other. Today Sicily is a land of opportunities, more than ever before; however, we need capacity, resolution and creativity; Sicilian young people can now take this land back, they can even rebuild a new Sicily. FAIRSUD project makes people see with their own eyes special situations, know really interesting stories linked to the non-profit world, with a clear ethical connotation, which were born and grew into the territory. A common element between this part of Sicily and any other part of this land is “hospitality”, an authentic hospitality; for this reason I want to mention one of the most famous travelers of Sicily, Goethe who arrived in Palermo and chose the place to stay in; he immediately asked the hotelier the price to stay there; the hotelier responded not to be worried about it, the most important thing was to be comfortable there. Sicily and Sicilian people continue being like this, authentic and welcoming.
There is a wide range of paths we can live here in “Val di Noto”, rural and literary paths. We can know the town through its monuments and museums, by land and by sea, and above all, only living in this territory, going through its streets and touching its stones, we can feel its perfumes. An advice I can give those who want to come to Sicily is to travel with a traditional guide, but also together with a good book about Siciliy, to read before coming or in the meanwhile, in order to reach the soul of Sicily and understand the genius loci.
FAIRSUD itineraries will give you the chance to know many aspects of Sicily; I advice you to discover smells and tastes of this land. This is the only way to experience it.