The Hypogean Cathedral is an ecomuseum tells and celebrates the history of a place and a community that created and brought it to life over the centuries. It has two main focuses: the extraction of “tuff” (as the calcarenite is called in Sicilian) by the “pirriaturi” (miners in Sicilian) in the island’s subsoil, and the underwater life along the coasts and on the seabed of Favignana.

Through a visitor route that winds through a historic underground quarry, our guests can enjoy an immersive experience, discovering the history of stone extraction and local seafaring traditions – a history resulting from the deep connection between people and the island of Favignana, both above and below sea level.

The Hypogean Cathedral originated from the vision of Tore Ferrante, a Palermitan who moved to Favignana, supported in this venture by a diverse and passionate team: Maria Guccione, the island’s historical memory and a scholar, who promoted and supported the project; his life partner Rosi and their daughter Ester; his long-time friend Corrado; and the Municipality of Favignana, which supported and sponsored the initiative.