The Labirinto di Arianna is not just an ordinary maze. Created by the famous Sicilian artist Turi Simeti, its shape and structure are inspired by the ancient myth of Ariadne's Labyrinth, which was created for King Minos of Crete. This labyrinth served as a prison for the Minotaur, half man and half bull. The Minotaur was "fed" each year with seven young men and seven young girls, who were collected by Crete from Athens as a tax for the defeat of the Athenians. Theseus, son of the Athenian king Aigeus, volunteered to be one of those to be sacrificed to the Minotaur. His goal, however, was to kill the monster and save Athens from further sacrifice. When he arrived in Crete, he enlisted the help of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. Ariadne gave him a ball of thread which Theseus was to use to mark the way out of the labyrinth. Theseus did indeed kill the Minotaur and, thanks to Ariadne's thread, found his way back safely.
The labyrinth is made of red clay or terracotta, which gives it its characteristic red colour. In the middle of the maze you will find an olive tree, as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.a place where you can "get lost" and "find" yourself at the same time, it has a deep philosophical undertone that attracts tourists and art enthusiasts alike.
Fiumara d'Arte - open-air gallery
Labirinto di Arianna is part of a larger project that combines nature and art. A sort of art zone or open-air museum, Fiumara d'Arte stretches along the Tusa River and is home to more than ten other modern artworks that you can discover as you walk through the area. Most of these works are embedded in the landscape. Each piece of art is carefully chosen to harmonize with the surrounding nature. Whether they are sculptures, installations, or other forms of art, all of these works invite you to reflect and explore.
How to get to Labrinto di Arianna
If you are in or near Messina, definitely make time for this unforgettable trip. The drive from Messina takes approximately two hours by car, but once you arrive you will be rewarded not only by the beauty of the surrounding landscape, but also by a powerful artistic experience.
What to expect during your visit
Besides walking through the labyrinth, you can also admire other beauties in Castel di Lucio. Being located in a mountainous area, the views of the surrounding landscape are absolutely breathtaking, and if you like photography, you'll have plenty to do.
The Labirinto di Arianna in Castel di Lucio is undoubtedly one of those places in Sicily that you shouldn't miss if you're looking for something unusual and artistic. A visit to this area will allow you to combine the exploration of cultural heritage with modernartistic expression and offers you the opportunity to experience Sicily in a whole new way. If you have a trip to Messina, definitely make time for this fascinating excursion into the heart of Sicilian nature and art.
