Since
March 2003 Elio Vittorini (1908-1966) has been
for Syracuse something more than the great
writer who was born here. With the creation of
the Literary Park named after this profound
connoisseur of contemporary American literature,
the writer has become an "ambassador", in the
broadest sense of the word, for the cultural
world of this province. And not only with
reference to Vittorini's actual writings but
also to everything that they tell us of Syracuse
and this part of Sicily - the places of natural
beauty and historical interest, the traditions,
the people.
The Syracusan scenes that form the
background to Vittorini's life and works are
stages in a sentimental journey that create an
ideal Conversation in Sicily, as one of his
works is entitled - Ortygia, with the treasures
of the ancient city centre, the promenade along
the Ponte Umbertino to the spectacular and
elliptic Piazza Duomo, like a great eye with the
splendid cathedral at the centre.
The blend of architectural styles in the
splendid palaces reflects the millenary history
of Syracuse recounted by Vittorini.
In the
Cinema Museum in Palazzo Corpaci, it is possible
to view films based on some of Vittorini's
novels, such as Uomini e no, directed by
Valentino Orsini in 1980, starring Flavio Bucci
and Monica Guerritore.
All this is to be found in the Elio Vittorini
Literary Park: a journey traced through the life
and works of the author, who becomes a precious
guide for visitors as they discover Syracuse and
its province, forming an itinerary in which the
various places, described as the great writer
saw and experienced them, become the
protagonists of a story that leaves our senses
spellbound.
The Sceneries of
the Park

Siracusa - Ortigia |

Ortigia at night |
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Greek theater |

Ponte Umbertino |
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Piazza Duomo |

Duomo of Siracusa |
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(click on the photos to enlarge) |
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