Catania, the case of the "illustrious men" without noses: destroyed statues

The Fai Days, organized by the Italian Environment Fund, make the weekends of Italians magical by allowing them to visit cultural sites, often authentic masterpieces such as palaces, historic villas, sanctuaries, ancient oil mills. All places that are little known or generally not accessible.

During those weekends, we all feel a bit more cultured, a bit more connected to our nation, and probably inclined to stand in long lines to access cultural sites, always patiently waiting with a smile on our lips. Catania, for its part, may not have earned the title of Capital of Culture 2028 - a detail that, between an arancino and a baroque monument, seems like a true offense to its historical ego - yet, to remind everyone that the capital of Etna has beauty to spare, this year it decided to showcase its “fine silverware” for the occasion of the Fai Days: there was indeed a special opening of the Cryptoporticus inside the Bellini Garden.

Tourists in line over the weekend at the Bellini Garden for the "Fai Days"

A labyrinth of history and 18th-century charm desired by Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello, an unmissable experience, which many visitors did not let slip away.

All eagerly in an orderly line waiting to descend into the bowels of the earth to admire… well, it’s not quite clear what, but certainly something very important and cultural. Because, as we know: if there’s a line, it’s culture. But while the queue of curious onlookers patiently awaited their turn, above their heads, in the famous “Avenue of Illustrious Men”, a small silent drama was unfolding. The busts of great Catanese figures, those who made the history of the city, were witnessing the scene with an expression… well, not exactly disdainful. Because, to be honest, most of them no longer have a nose to express disdain.

Indeed, because the Avenue of the Illustrious - all men - at Villa Bellini, is more of a “Avenue of the Mutilated” than of the Greats. Marble busts that seem to have fought with history, or perhaps with some overly zealous vandal. Missing noses, chipped ears, disfigured faces: a true horror show of artistic decay. And the most ironic thing is that these poor busts cannot even wrinkle their noses to show their discontent. They must remain there, motionless and mutilated, watching people pass by, oblivious to their suffering. What a shame.

The Fai Days have been a golden opportunity to celebrate Catanese culture, and instead we find ourselves facing neglect and decay. Perhaps we should dedicate a Fai Day to the restoration of these poor busts as well. Who knows, maybe one day we will see them with a whole nose. And then, perhaps, they will finally be able to wrinkle it in front of such abandonment.