5. Rural civilisation

Looking at the Caltagirone landscape from here, you can make out small abandoned rural constructions, new houses under the historical centre of Caltagirone, cultivated fields previously covered by forests… The landscape changes over time, it transforms. In the indoor station you can follow the evolution of this landscape over time, gaining a lot of information about the way people lived in this area. Rural buildings, votive shrines, and small country churches bear witness to the rural and religious life of the people. These are historical traces that are slowly being lost, often without leaving any mark. During our walks, we collect photographic material which we display in this building. We placed some bat nests and boxes under the pergola for insectivorous birds. The role of small garden wildlife in pest control is well known: ladybirds devour aphids and prevent them from attacking orchards and new garden crops; earthworms help recycle soil; hedgehogs eat slugs that would otherwise damage gardens; bats eat mosquitoes and midges; flying insects help with pollination. The presence of these small animals in the garden helps to keep the garden in balance. To encourage them to stay, it is important to leave some wild corners so they can hide, provide water, create shelters for themselves, insect hotels or birdhouses, for example, and above all… ban all toxic products!

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