In company of Inspector Montalbano we have learnt to love a part of Sicily with arid, rural landscapes, an omnipresent sea, an itinerary studded with Baroque jewels and previously undiscovered corners: such as Sampieri, a coastal hamlet in Scicli. Here, a little to east, the Penna brickworks stand on the cliffs of Pisciotto. The brick factory which Montalbano’s fans will recognise as the Mànnara was active from 1912 to 1924 until it was ruined in an arson attack. Thanks to the famous police inspector, the location has become a well-known tourist attraction, causing the Regione Siciliana to expropriate it, begin safety procedures and start restoration work. The decision was taken after a location check of the latest damage caused by the bad weather lead to the realisation that this example of industrial archaeology had to be saved. The expropriation cost is €535,000, plus the cost of safety procedures €350,000. However, the biggest expense will be the restoration work, €5.5 million, which could result in the structure being transformed into a cultural and social centre.
Read our itinerary of Montalbano locations.