Just a few kilometres from the famous Valley of the Temples lies a place that traditional guidebooks often overlook: Favara. This small town has been transformed from a forgotten village into an open-air art laboratory thanks to Farm Cultural Park.
Here, amid quiet alleyways and restored buildings, contemporary art blends seamlessly with daily life, offering visitors an unexpected, authentic, and deeply human experience.
In 2010, in what was then a crumbling historic centre, two Sicilian professionals – Andrea Bartoli and Florinda Saieva – chose to stay and bet on an idea as ambitious as it was revolutionary: turning Favara into a hub for contemporary art and social innovation.
They purchased several derelict buildings in the old town and, with the help of architects and artists, regenerated them, creating a one-of-a-kind space: Farm Cultural Park.
This open-air museum is now considered one of the most influential independent cultural centres in the world.
Favara is just a 10-kilometre drive from Agrigento, and once there, all you need to do is step inside to find yourself immersed in a world of its own.
An artistic showcase at the heart of the city
At the centre of Farm lies Cortile Bentivegna, located in the historic heart of Favara.
A walk through this courtyard reveals murals by some of the most influential street artists on the contemporary scene, alongside both temporary and permanent installations, independent galleries, reimagined architecture, and artist residences.
But Farm is more than a museum, it’s a living, breathing entity. A place that evolves and involves. Every visit is different from the last; surprise is part of the experience.
The permanent installations break with the ordinary , from the Mediterranean kasbah of the Seven Courtyards to the secret garden inspired by the oases of Marrakech. Every corner offers a new point of view.
We have everything, we lack the rest
Starting in 2024, “Abbiamo tutto, manca il resto!”‘ (‘We have everything, we lack the rest!’) is a four-year transdisciplinary project that serves as a platform for thought and action for Sicily.
Bringing together a network of artists, architects, designers, and activists, the project explores some of the island’s deepest contradictions, including the youth diaspora, unfinished public works, and climate change.
Its goal is to inspire real transformation. The exhibition is divided into three sections and encourages visitors to imagine new ways of living in and relating to the island.
A model born on the margins
What began as a dream for Andrea Bartoli and Florinda Saieva has become a benchmark for urban regeneration and independent culture.
Over the years, Farm Cultural Park has won major awards, gained the attention of international media, and inspired similar projects in other locations. Most importantly, however, it remains a living place, a continuous experiment that proves how art and civic vision can tangibly change the fate of a place.
How to reach Favara and Farm Cultural Park
Favara is located about 10 km from Agrigento and is easily accessible by car or bus. Once you arrive, follow the signs to the historic centre, where Farm Cultural Park awaits.
Admission requires a ticket, which can be purchased online to avoid queues. The park is open year-round, but spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying its outdoor spaces and lively courtyards, not to mention the gentle inland Sicilian climate.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or simply curious to explore places off the beaten path, a visit to Favara and Farm Cultural Park offers an unforgettable experience, an utopia made real in the heart of authentic Sicily.
Photo credits:
Cover: Favara Farm Cultural Park, foto di DMarx22 via Wikimedia Commons
Favara Farm Cultural Park, foto di HaguardDuNord via Wikimedia Common
Favara Farm Cultural Park, foto di HaguardDuNord via Wikimedia Commons
Favara Farm Cultural Park, foto di HaguardDuNord via Wikimedia Commons
