Teatro Andromeda

Credits: Taoclick Photo

High atop the Sicani mountains in the town of Santo Stefano Quisquina Sicily is a hidden gem that unites art and nature. Nestled within a 300-acre farm is the Teatro di Andromeda, which is the creation of sculptor and farmer Lorenzo Reina.

Lorenzo grew up in a farming family, but his passion was art and he would spend his nights making sculptures. As he got older, he left to pursue his own dreams of being an artist. Once his father got too sick to take care of the farm Lorenzo returned to run the family business.

He never lost sight of his dreams and continued to make works of art as he cared for the farm. Lorenzo came up with the idea to incorporate his sculptures within the 300-acre land uniting art with nature. He carved out an area 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level overlooking the Strait of Sicily. This open air theater, which is one of the highest in the world, has a circular platform with 108 carved stone seats that look like they are scattered across the area, but in reality are arranged in the shape of the Andromeda constellation giving the theater its name.

During the warmer months, the theater hosts numerous events giving you incredible views of the surrounding landscape as the backdrop for the stage. In addition to the theater you will find other sculptures from Lorenzo sprinkled through the area. There is a depiction of Icarus' body lying face down with the feathers around him. You have a giant sculpture titled "La Maschera della Parola" (The Mask of the Word) that has hollow eyes and mouth. If you happen to be there for the summer solstice you can see the sun shining through the mouth of this sculpture.