Cretto di Burri Gibellina
A vast land art masterpiece by Alberto Burri, covering the ruins of Gibellina, transformed from tragedy into a monumental memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Cretto di Burri Gibellina
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast land art masterpiece by Alberto Burri, covering the ruins of Gibellina, transformed from tragedy into a monumental memorial.
"An amazing piece of land-art, not just from a bird's view, but also walking on the 'streets'."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 'streets' are steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the entire Cretto.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the sun is intense. Stay hydrated while you wander through this vast outdoor art piece.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Crack
The entire site
A monumental land art piece covering the earthquake ruins, creating a surreal, labyrinthine landscape.
Walking the Labyrinth
The 'streets' of the Cretto
Explore the white concrete pathways that mimic the original town's layout, offering unique perspectives.
Contemplation and Memory
Throughout the Cretto
A powerful memorial to the 1968 earthquake, inviting reflection on destruction and artistic rebirth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale and History
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 'streets' are steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the entire Cretto.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the sun is intense. Stay hydrated while you wander through this vast outdoor art piece.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended as there's little shade across the Cretto.
🚶♂️ Approach from the North
For an easier walk, start from the north side to avoid the steepest climbs.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 'streets' are steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the entire Cretto.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the sun is intense. Stay hydrated while you wander through this vast outdoor art piece.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended as there's little shade across the Cretto.
🚶♂️ Approach from the North
For an easier walk, start from the north side to avoid the steepest climbs.
📸 Capture the Scale
Drone shots offer incredible views, but even ground-level photos convey the immense scale of this land art.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Cretto di Burri's immense scale and profound artistic impact, calling it a 'remarkable work of art' and a 'place for contemplation.' The unique experience of walking through the concrete labyrinth over earthquake ruins is frequently praised. However, some note the challenging terrain and intense heat, advising preparedness.
"it is an amazing piece of land-art, not just from from a bird’s view, but also walking on the “streets”. The streets are very steep, so if you don’t want to exhaust yourself, then I advise you to approach from north - then you can mesmerize in the view and don’t have to climb a lot.
it is not a landmark where you have to pay / wait / whatever. It’s a big piece of concrete block that is free to enter, wander around."
Kristóf Tóth
"The remote location and empty feeling you find walking through the cracks is something special that is hard to describe. You can also visit the other ghost town nearby and hike through the ruins of an old church. Bring water as the heat is intense during summer."
Ed Greco
"Great place to visit to see the art installation to the memory of the lost town. Free to look around."
Paul “Woody” Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cretto di Burri is located near Gibellina in Sicily. It's best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited. From Trapani or Palermo, follow signs towards Gibellina. Parking is available nearby.
While it's a large site, follow signs for 'Cretto di Burri' or 'Gibellina Vecchia'. GPS coordinates can also be helpful.
Public transport to Gibellina is infrequent. It's highly recommended to have a car for easier access and flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.
If driving from Trapani, take the SS115 then the SS188 towards Salemi and Gibellina. From Palermo, take the A29 towards Mazara del Vallo and then follow signs for Gibellina.
While there aren't official guided tours within the Cretto itself, local guides might be available in Gibellina. Many visitors prefer to explore independently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Cretto di Burri is completely free. It's an open-air artwork accessible to everyone.
As an outdoor art installation, the Cretto is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee. The Cretto di Burri is a public artwork designed for exploration and contemplation.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the uneven terrain and lack of lighting, which can be dangerous.
There isn't a formal visitor center. Information about the artwork and its history is often found on local tourism websites or through signage.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The best way is to walk through it. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steep inclines. Allow at least 1-2 hours to wander and appreciate the scale.
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the Cretto, depending on how much they wish to walk and photograph.
The terrain is very uneven and steep in many areas, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. It's not considered fully accessible.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera is essential to capture the unique landscape.
There are no public restrooms directly within the Cretto itself. You may find facilities in the nearby town of Gibellina Nuova.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The aerial view is stunning, but walking through the 'streets' offers dramatic perspectives. Look for the interplay of light and shadow on the concrete.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying. However, many impressive aerial shots exist.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can create harsh shadows but also highlights the starkness of the concrete.
Absolutely. The abstract nature of the Cretto lends itself to creative photography, focusing on lines, textures, and the vastness of the landscape.
Any camera will work, but a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A drone offers a unique perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site. The historical context of the earthquake might be a sensitive topic, so consider how you'll explain the site's significance. The sheer scale and abstract nature of the art can spark imagination, but the lack of shade and potential for heat exhaustion are significant factors to manage.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This site offers a profound artistic and historical experience without any admission fees, making it a highly rewarding stop for those looking to explore Sicily's unique cultural landscape without breaking the bank. Remember to pack your own provisions to save on costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genesis of the Cretto
+1 Burri's vision was to cover the rubble with a white, concrete shroud, creating a labyrinthine landscape that echoes the original street plan of the town.+1The project was initiated in the 1980s and, after several phases, was largely completed in 2015, becoming one of the largest land art installations in the world.
+1 It's not just an artwork; it's a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the transformation of tragedy into a space for contemplation.+1Visitors often describe the experience as surreal and deeply moving. Walking through the 'cracks' of the Cretto, surrounded by the vast white expanse, evokes a sense of both desolation and hope. The sheer scale and the historical weight of the site make it a unique destination for art lovers and those interested in Sicily's history.
Exploring the Cretto: Practicalities and Experience
The experience of walking through the Cretto is often described as profound. The silence, broken only by the wind, and the stark white landscape create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
It's a place that encourages introspection, allowing visitors to connect with the history of the site and the artistic intent of Burri. The scale is difficult to grasp from photos alone; it truly needs to be experienced on foot.While there are no facilities directly within the Cretto, the nearby town of Gibellina Nuova offers amenities. The artwork is freely accessible, making it a unique and impactful destination for those seeking art, history, and a moment of quiet reflection in the Sicilian landscape.
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