MAX LEITZ INDUSTRIAL ARCHEOLOGY

26 November 2022 - 8 January 2023 Galleria SARP

Industrial archaeology in Sicily is deeply tied to its agricultural heritage, particularly in the citrus industry. The island’s landscape is marked by the remnants of industrial factories that were once hubs of production for citrus-based products, such as juice, marmalade, and essences. These factories, often located near the fertile citrus groves, were integral to the processing of Sicily’s abundant citrus crops, which have long been a staple of the region’s economy.
The architecture of these industrial sites is a testament to both the island’s industrialization and its agricultural practices. Many of the buildings feature large, open spaces designed to accommodate machinery for juicing and preserving citrus fruits. The use of brick and stone, along with large windows to allow natural light, was common in these structures. Some factories were built with elaborate water systems, making use of nearby rivers or aqueducts to power mills and other machinery.
In addition to the physical structures, the landscape surrounding these factories often included storage facilities, packing houses, and warehouses, as well as the workers' housing that was essential to the operation of these large agricultural enterprises. Over time, many of these factories fell into disuse due to changes in agricultural practices, competition from larger industrial centers, and the decline of the citrus industry.
Today, the remains of these factories serve as important sites for industrial archaeology. Researchers and enthusiasts study these sites to gain insight into the development of industrial processes in the region and the broader Mediterranean world. Preserving these structures is crucial for understanding the history of Sicily’s agrarian past and the role it played in the global citrus market. Many of these sites are now protected, offering a glimpse into the industrial landscape that helped shape the island’s economy during its peak citrus production years.