Sicily has a ‘second Pompeii.’ But it’s covered in concrete

Sicily has a ‘second Pompeii.’ But it’s covered in concrete

Sicily has a second Pompeii But it – Every week, CNN Travel delivers fresh insights and updates on global travel through its newsletter, *Unlocking the World*. This edition highlights a range of stories, from iconic landmarks and cultural shifts to the rise of modern art and the hidden dynamics of international tourism. Among them, the tale of Gibellina stands out as a remarkable blend of tragedy, creativity, and rebirth.

A city reborn in concrete

Once a vibrant Sicilian village, Gibellina was nearly erased from existence in 1968 when a devastating earthquake leveled its historic streets. However, rather than allowing the ruins to fade into obscurity, locals and artists envisioned a new future for the site. In a bold artistic gesture, the renowned Italian artist Alberto Burri transformed the catastrophe into a monumental work of land art. By pouring concrete over 926,000 square feet of the hillside, he preserved the outlines of streets and pathways as if frozen in time, creating a surreal landscape that echoes the ancient city of Pompeii.

Gibellina’s metamorphosis has turned it into a modern-day marvel, now recognized as Italy’s first Capital of Contemporary Art in 2026. The village’s rebirth symbolizes more than just architectural innovation—it represents a community’s resilience and a cultural renaissance. Locals hope the year will cement its reputation as a “magical place,” where history and art converge in unexpected ways.

Monuments and mysteries

While Gibellina’s story is rooted in human intervention, other sites are the product of centuries-old craftsmanship. In southeastern Turkey, the Mount Nemrut UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity. The area, adorned with colossal limestone statues, was commissioned by Antiochus I, a king of the region in the first century BCE. His vision was to have his tomb nestled among the deities, ensuring his legacy endured as long as the land itself.

Across the globe, the Kasubi Tombs in Uganda have also emerged from a crisis to reclaim their place as a spiritual hub. After a catastrophic fire in 2010, the site—once a symbol of Buganda’s cultural heart—underwent extensive reconstruction. The basket-like thatch structure, believed to be a gateway to an unseen realm, now welcomes visitors once again, offering a glimpse into the region’s profound traditions.

Geology and cinema

Wyoming’s Devils Tower, a towering geological feature that rises 867 feet into the sky, has long captivated the imagination. For Native Americans, it is a sacred site, but its fame as a tourist destination owes much to its role in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*. The tower’s dramatic presence in the movie elevated it to international prominence, even as its origins remained rooted in natural processes—cooling magma, not alien intervention.

Despite its fantastical reputation, the structure’s real-world significance is undeniable. It serves as a reminder of how natural formations can inspire both cultural myths and cinematic legends, blurring the line between reality and imagination.

Challenges in the culinary world

Meanwhile, the world of gastronomy has faced its own reckoning. Earlier this year, René Redzepi, the Danish chef behind the acclaimed restaurant Noma, stepped down amid allegations of abuse. The decision sparked global headlines, but it also sparked debate about the image of high-pressure culinary environments. For many, the accusations reinforced existing stereotypes about the intense and often toxic nature of working in Michelin-starred kitchens.

Yet, the trend of solo dining is gaining momentum, challenging these perceptions. In Seoul, one restaurant went further by explicitly banning single diners, displaying a sign that read,

“We don’t serve loneliness.”

This gesture highlights a growing concern about the social anxiety surrounding dining alone. However, as more people embrace solo living, the stigma attached to solitary meals is slowly fading. The concept of solomangarephobia—fear of dining alone—now appears to be giving way to a new era of individualism in dining culture.

Love in the extreme

Some of the most extraordinary stories arise from the most unlikely places. A couple who met in the remote Antarctic base of McMurdo Station in the early 2000s recently returned for their wedding after a 12-year hiatus. This time, they brought their children to experience the unique environment of the continent. The family’s journey exemplifies how love can transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, even in the harshest of climates.

Their experience is not isolated. Across the world, the “Schengen Shuffle” has become a popular strategy for expats seeking to live in Europe without residency visas. By moving between Schengen Zone countries, travelers can enjoy the freedom of the EU’s open borders while avoiding the complexities of permanent settlement. This phenomenon has sparked discussions about how mobility and culture shape modern lifestyles.

Stories that define a week

From ancient ruins to cutting-edge art, from geological wonders to emotional reckonings, the week that was brought together a mosaic of global narratives. In the realm of politics, a historic summit set the stage for international collaboration. In the world of war, a costly conflict continued to shape regional power dynamics. And in the world of film, a prestigious festival celebrated both new talent and enduring classics.

Yet, some stories remain more personal. Australians, for instance, often advise visitors to skip Canberra, citing its political atmosphere and perceived lack of charm. However, the capital city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, natural beauty, and cultural depth. As one local put it,

“You should visit anyway—there’s more to it than just the government.”

Whether it’s the allure of a well-preserved ruin or the thrill of a distant landscape, the world is full of experiences waiting to be discovered.

A legacy in stone

Gibellina’s transformation underscores the power of art to reshape history. By entombing the village in concrete, Alberto Burri created a space where the past is not forgotten but reimagined. The site has since become a symbol of both disaster and innovation, inviting visitors to reflect on how destruction can lead to creation. As Italy’s first Capital of Contemporary Art, Gibellina’s story is one of resilience, proving that even the most unlikely circumstances can birth something beautiful.

The broader implications of such projects extend beyond the local. They challenge traditional notions of preservation, offering a new way to honor history through modern interpretation. In a world where cultural landmarks are often threatened by time or neglect, Gibellina serves as a reminder that creativity can breathe new life into the remnants of the past.