SottoSale Museum of Contemporary Art in Petralia Soprana

The SottoSale Museum of Contemporary Art in Petralia Soprana

La salt mine a Petralia Soprana is certainly one of the most characteristic elements of this place, given that its history has always been closely intertwined with rock salt and its extraction. It will therefore certainly not surprise that a museum of Contemporary Art SottoSale in Petralia Soprana has also been dedicated to the salt mine, also known by the name of MACSS.
In the following guide you can find out what is unmissable to see.

History of the place: the salt mine in Petralia Soprana

Since ancient times, the area of ​​Petralia Soprana has been known for the salt deposits found in the area. Even some historical documents tell of how the Roman army stationed in the then Magna Grecia was paid for his services in salt, and from this habit derives the word "salary" still used today for the salary.
The extraction of salt has always been carried out in ancient times in a manual and artisanal way, but in the XNUMXs the first modern mine was founded in the area, by the company Italkali which is still active today. The particularity of this salt is that it is very fine, of an intense white color and with an unmistakable flavour: all thanks to the very high percentage of sodium chloride which is contained in the rock salt.

The mine and its company have given work to many people not only in Petralia Soprana but also in the immediate vicinity, so much so that it was almost natural to decide to dedicate a part of the 80 km of tunnels inside the salt mountain to house the of a museum dedicated to this production and to the history of the men who have contributed to making it great.

Architecture and any works of art present in the MACSS Museum of Contemporary Art SottoSale

The MACSS is located inside the deep tunnels from which the very pure rock salt. The setting alone would be enough to make the museum in the salt mine in Petralia Soprana an unforgettable place but in reality there is also much more that will fascinate all types of visitors.
The museum is divided into two parts which both represent a piece of local history. On the one hand there is a collection of work tools which over time have been used for the extraction and processing of salt: these finds tell the identity of the inhabitants of Petralia who have always identified with the mine and its activity.

On the other hand, however, about thirty works of art are exhibited, sculptures that have been created by internationally renowned artists starting from a block of rock salt and which cannot leave those rooms because on the surface, in contact with and with an unfavorable climate, they would dry out immediately and end up crumbling. The MACSS can be visited every Saturday but there are certain periods of the year in which the guided tour can be carried out with exceptional guides: current or retired employees of theRaffo's Italkali which tell in great detail the secrets of the mine.

What you can do in the surroundings or inside the MACSS SottoSale contemporary art museum

A visit to MACSS can be the right excuse to discover the many other beauties found in Petralia Soprana or in its immediate vicinity. Not for nothing the village of Petralia was judged in 2018 the most beautiful in Italy according to a ranking that was drawn up by viewers of the famous broadcast At the foot of Kilimanjaro.

The very particular aspect of the village is also linked to the fact that many different dominations have come and gone here over the centuries, from the Romans to the Byzantines, from the Arabs to the Normans. However, the sense of faith that has animated the local population for centuries is always very vivid, so much so that, despite its small size, there are numerous churches in the municipality. One of the most beautiful is the Mother Church of Saints Peter and Paul, very important also because St. Peter is the patron saint of the town.
Also worth a visit there Fountain of the Four Cannoli which is located in one of the historic squares of the village, namely that of Del Popolo, where there is also a noble palace that now houses the Municipality.

How is it possible to get to Petralia Soprana

The locality of Petralia Soprana is located in the province of Palermo and can be easily reached from both Catania and Palermo. The easiest way to reach the town is to take the A 20 motorway which connects Messina to Palermo and which intersects with Petralia: for those coming from Messina the reference exit is that of Pollina / Castelbuono while those coming from the capital must take the Buonfornello exit.
Visitors coming from Catania must instead take the A19 and exit at the Irosa tollbooth.

Petralia Soprana does not have its own railway station, therefore those wishing to reach the locality by train will have to refer to the Termini Imerese and Cefalù stations, which are the closest ones. From there they can then continue their journey by bus, thanks to the service made available by the public company ATS.

The museum opens only on Saturdays and organizes tours by reservation. For reservations call the telephone number.