Through its history, we can discover the courage and determination of the men who worked there, despite the extreme conditions and risks they faced.
The history of the Floristella mine has its roots in the 19th century when the sulfur industry reached its peak in Sicily. Sulfur, a precious mineral used in various industrial sectors, including agriculture and ammunition production, was abundant in this region and represented a fundamental resource for the Sicilian economy.
The Floristella mine was founded in 1864 by a British company called "The Floristella Sulphur Company Limited." The workers, known as "carusi", were mostly impoverished farmers from the surrounding rural areas. These men, often teenagers or young adults, ventured deep into the mine armed only with pickaxes and oil lamps, ready to perform extremely arduous and dangerous work.
Conditions inside the mine were extremes: high temperatures, poor air circulation, toxic dust, and the risk of explosions. The “carusi” spent entire days in the underground galleries, digging and transporting raw ore to the surface. Their days were marked by the relentless pace of work and the hope of returning home unharmed.
Despite the difficulties, the Floristella mine achieved significant sulfur production, becoming one of the most important on the island. However, the price paid by the workers was high: many lives were sacrificed due to accidents, respiratory diseases, and health problems stemming from prolonged exposure to harmful substances.
The history of the Floristella mine is also marked by moments of struggle and workers' rights advocacy. Over time, the “carusi” organized strikes and protests to demand better working conditions and greater protection of their health. These battles, although often made difficult by a climate of oppression and exploitation, contributed to laying the foundations for social awareness and improvements in working conditions in the mining sector.
In the 1970s, with the advent of new technologies and the evolution of the energy sector, the sulfur industry in Sicily experienced an irreversible decline. The Floristella mine closed its doors for good in 1991, leaving behind a precious testament to a bygone era.
The history of the Floristella sulfur mine serves as a warning for future generations, a reminder of how work and the pursuit of prosperity demanded extreme sacrifices. It is a tribute to the resilience and courage of the men and women who helped shape Sicily's industrial past. Through an awareness of this history, we can better appreciate the progress and developments society has made in ensuring safer and more dignified working conditions for all.
Today, the Floristella mine has become a museum and a historic site that preserves the memory of one of Sicily's most important mining activities. Through guided tours and exhibitions, visitors can relive the atmosphere and hardship of the “carusi's” work, understanding the historical and cultural significance of this mine. Additionally, thanks to environmental and landscape guides authorized by the Parco Minerario, Floristella has now become a place for various experiences: botanical trekking, bike rides or e-bike rides with cultural visits; cultural excursions.