Summary of the practice :
Urban improvement measures to a part of the old district of Geraci Siculo by making a balcony-viewpoint, which looks over a typical Sicilian landscape. The building is situated in a place where the historic importance is very great; fitting out of an information centre for visitors.

The project has helped to rediscover the long history of Geraci Siculo and has helped to reinforce the local community’s spirit of identity and belonging.

The use of a non–traditional architectural idiom and materials has made the project stand out in its urban and territorial setting.

Thanks to this project the number of tourists and consequently employment will increase.

Implementation context :
The balcony viewpoint is situated in the Vicolo Mendolilla in the old part of Geraci Siculo. It is here that, according to tradition in 1337 the count of Geraci, Francesco I Ventimiglia, pursued by the royal troops of Pietro II of Aragon threw himself with his horse, falling into the deep precipice below.
Respecting the typology of old buildings, the project has transformed the dead-end, up till now used for debris, into a panoramic viewpoint over the valley; from here one can see the summit of Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.
By demolishing the wall which shut off the dead-end, we have made a glass passageway, which jumps out for three metres. Metaphorically this rekindles Francesco Ventimiglia’s leap into the void.
At the side of the balcony viewpoint, on the ground floor of the building which houses the communal library there is an information centre where one can admire low-reliefs which tell the story of Geraci. There is also a multimedia site.

Target audience :

“Ventimiglia’s leap” and the information centre bring together historic and cultural knowledge and the improvement of the natural environment; in fact from the balcony viewpoint one can admire a magnificent view of part of the Madonie Park.
To launch this work we needed:
- knowledge of history
- technical and professional knowledge
To boost the use of the site, we needed knowledge of the area, of history and local culture

Objective of the approach :
The project is for the people of Geraci, especially the young and visitors, who will be able to learn the history of the town and its whole community.
The aim of the town of Geraci and those behind the projects was to combine aspects of historical research with measures to improve the site; and also, they wanted to create a public work which, already while it was being drawn up, identified the way it would be used and managed.

Results :

“Ventimiglia’s leap” and the information centre bring together historical and cultural knowledge and the enhancement of the natural environment; in fact from the balcony viewpoint one can admire an immense and magnificent landscape which is part of the Madonie Park

Anticipated use and dissemination:

The aim of the town of Geraci and those behind the projects was to combine aspects of historical research with measures to improve the site; and also, they wanted to create a public work which, already while it was being drawn up, identified the way it would be used and managed.
Completion of this project shows that high quality contemporary architecture, using non-traditional forms and materials, is completely compatible with the old areas of the town and the rural environment and it can even help to enhance them.

Completion of this work has achieved:
- the rediscovery of local history and traditions;
- understanding of history aiming to enhance the local cultural heritage so it can be enjoyed;
- town improvement

Associated actions :

The information centre next to the balcony viewpoint will be able to link up with the other neighbouring tourist information offices to become part of a Madonie Park visitor circuit.
Since the project was aimed at improving the old part of the town before being put in the three year public works plan, we received suggestions from citizens and stakeholders for its construction

• Contact :
• e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Town Hall : Telephone 0039 0921643080 e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. M.me Carmela
  Musciotto ( architect) ; M. Giuseppe Chichi
• Institution and or person :

The town of Geraci Siculo (Pa)