The mine complex of Floristella Grottacalda is located 4 km from Valguarnera (EN). An artefact of industrial archaeology, the park takes its name from the former sulphur mines, disused since 1970, which it embraces and has become an open-air museum.
The vast complex records the varying systems and techniques used for extraction and sulphur fusion in different eras. The calcaroni (circular furnaces used to smelt and extract the sulphur from inert material) are still visible, as are the semi-vertical tunnels (the discenderie) used in preindustrial times to reach the veins, the castelletti and vertical well systems used until recently to go underground, and the Gill furnaces – the most modern of the systems used to smelt sulphur.
Palazzo Pennisi, the mine owner’s sumptuous 18th century residence, stands on a plateau inside the park, offering an evocative contrast with the austerity of its surroundings.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
