Explore the Birthplace of Luigi Pirandello and his Tomb in Contrada Caos, Agrigento: a journey through history, culture, and the Sicilian landscapes that inspired the renowned author.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

The Birthplace of Luigi Pirandello in Contrada Caos, Agrigento

Luigi Pirandello, Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1934, stands as one of the most iconic figures in Italian culture. Born on June 28, 1867, in Contrada Caos, a spot nestled between Agrigento and Porto Empedocle, Pirandello left an indelible mark on world literature. Today, his birthplace is a site of memory, culture, and reflection, welcoming visitors eager to immerse themselves in the life and work of one of the 20th century’s greatest playwrights.

The house where Luigi Pirandello was born, located in Contrada Caos, Agrigento, is a rustic late 18th-century building owned by the Ricci Gramitto family, Pirandello’s maternal ancestors. Surrounded by the captivating landscapes of Sicilian countryside and coastline, the family chose this place as a refuge during a cholera outbreak that hit Agrigento in 1867. Here, Luigi spent his early childhood—an essential period for shaping his artistic and literary sensibility. The stark, powerful views of the Sicilian countryside, coupled with the quiet of nature, left a profound imprint on his work.

In 1949, in recognition of the site’s cultural and historical value, the house was declared a national monument. Later, in 1952, it was purchased by the Sicilian Region to preserve it as a symbol of Pirandello’s deep connection to his native land. Transformed into a museum in 1987, the house now preserves manuscripts, photographs, and personal belongings of the author, allowing visitors to delve into the cultural roots and life of this Nobel laureate, in a place that truly reflects his identity and artistic inspiration.

An edition of The Jar and a typescript of The Salamander, examples of the literary legacy on display in the Pirandello House Museum.

In 1987, Pirandello’s birthplace was officially transformed into a house museum and integrated into the regional cultural network, alongside the Luigi Pirandello Library in Agrigento. Since then, the museum has undergone several renovations and improvements, making it a key site for literature lovers and tourists alike. Today, modern multimedia installations enrich the visitor experience, making the tour both engaging and interactive.

An original manuscript of The Old and the Young by Luigi Pirandello, dedicated to his children, housed in the House Museum.

The museum is divided into six themed rooms, which trace the major phases of Pirandello’s life and literary career. Visitors can admire an extensive collection of personal items, photographs, letters, manuscripts, and first editions of his works.

One of the most captivating features is the Room of Masks, paying homage to the famous theme of identity and illusion that runs throughout Pirandello’s work. Here, multimedia masks seem to come alive, offering a symbolic and thought-provoking experience.

Luigi Pirandello’s tomb, located near his birthplace, is a place of deep significance, faithfully reflecting the writer’s last wishes. In his will, Pirandello requested a simple funeral, without any formal ceremonies. He asked to be cremated and that his ashes be scattered across the countryside of Girgenti, where he was born.

“A third-class hearse, one used for the poor. No shroud. No relatives or friends accompanying me. The hearse, the horse, the driver—that’s enough. Burn me. Let my body, once burned, be left to scatter; for I wish nothing of me to remain, not even the ashes. But if this is not possible, let the urn be taken to Sicily and walled into a rough stone somewhere in the Girgenti countryside where I was born.” – Luigi Pirandello, Spiritual Testament (1935-1936).

Originally, the urn was placed at the base of a majestic old pine, known as the “Lone Pine“, completing the vision of solitude and peace that Pirandello had imagined. Unfortunately, in November 1997, a whirlwind destroyed the pine, leaving only the trunk as a reminder of what once was.

Today, Pirandello’s tomb is a place of pilgrimage for literature lovers, offering a moment of reflection on the deep connection between the artist and the Sicilian landscape that so profoundly influenced his work.

Luigi Pirandello’s birthplace is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with early closing at 1:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, while visits to the tomb are possible until an hour before sunset.

Tickets are affordable: €4.00 for a full ticket and €2.00 for a reduced ticket. Children, young people under 18, and residents of the Sicilian Region on the first Sundays of the month can enjoy additional discounts or free entry, in accordance with ministerial regulations.

The museum also offers guided tours, perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of Pirandello’s life, along with a well-stocked bookshop featuring books, gadgets, and memorabilia dedicated to the writer’s life and work.

Getting There: Pirandello’s birthplace is located in Contrada Caos, along State Road 115 between Agrigento and Porto Empedocle, and is easily accessible by car or public transport:

• By Car: From Agrigento, follow signs for Porto Empedocle on the SS115. There are specific signs for the House Museum, and parking is available nearby.
• By Public Transport: From Agrigento, you can take a bus towards Porto Empedocle that stops near Contrada Caos (check with the driver to confirm).
• Main Distances: Agrigento is about 4 km away, and Porto Empedocle is 6 km away, making the museum an easy half-day trip.

Useful Tips:

• Visit the tomb in the afternoon, when natural light enhances the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking the dirt paths near the tomb.
• Book a guided tour if you’d like to delve deeper into Pirandello’s life and works.