Borsellino: Planetarium and Olive Culture

In Borsellino, astronomy and olive culture come together: the Planetario di Agrigento is located in Contrada Borsellino, within the municipality of Joppolo Giancaxio, a few kilometers from Agrigento. Also in Contrada Borsellino, Santa Oliva offers a tasting tour of the oil mill and olive groves of Azienda Agricola Russo. Scientific topics and agricultural insights thus stand side by side as different aspects of the destination.

Astronomy in Contrada Borsellino

The Planetario di Agrigento was inaugurated in March 2019. It is a museum and exhibition center of around 300 square meters dedicated to astronomy and earth sciences, and is aimed at the general public and schools. The complex includes a dome with a diameter of six meters and 50 seats for school visits. A science museum presents astronomy and earth sciences; the facility also includes an exhibition area with photographs and explanatory information sheets.

Visitor information updated on February 19, 2025, lists private visits and groups of at least ten people by prior reservation. Check the current visiting arrangements before your trip. This is especially helpful if a visit to the planetarium is a firm part of your plans.

Murals and architectural history in Joppolo Giancaxio

The murals in Joppolo Giancaxio turn building façades and streets into open-air art galleries. Their stories evoke emotions and celebrate local culture and traditions. Anyone interested in public art will find a different way to experience local culture here than by looking at individual historic buildings.

The Chiesa Madre San Francesco di Paola was built in the 17th century and features neoclassical design. Access to the Castello ducale di Joppolo Giancaxio is not always guaranteed: it may be privately owned or open only on special occasions. Check whether access is possible before visiting. This lets you align the cultural focus of your trip with actual visiting opportunities.

Nature trails and outdoor activities

Trekking and mountain biking are offered on nature trails in Joppolo Giancaxio. This adds a more active element alongside the planetarium, murals, and architecture. If you are weighing up different interests for your stay, you can consider whether cultural discoveries or activities on nature trails should take center stage. Families can also visit the Il Boschetto adventure park, which has high ropes and acrobatic courses for adults and children. Reservations are required for the activities and use of the equipped area.

Olive oil, tastings, and local festivals

At Santa Oliva, the tasting tour takes visitors through the oil mill and olive groves of Azienda Agricola Russo. It combines sampling olive oil with insights into its production and cultivation. If you would like to plan the tour, check its availability in advance.

Local events also add a culinary dimension: Mangia e Passia is an annual street food festival held in June, featuring typical local products and Sicilian street food specialties. The olive harvest and production of new extra virgin olive oil are also celebrated every year in Joppolo Giancaxio. A tasting tour and a festival offer different opportunities to explore olive oil and local products. Check the dates for the festival and olive celebration for the year of your trip.

Travel interests and accommodation choices

When considering a specific hotel offer, check how its location works for the visits you actually plan to make.

Discover more destinations: Bivona, Eraclea Minoa, Favara, Racalmuto, Villaseta, Porto Palo di Menfi, Montaperto, Contrada Fiori Sud.

For the broader travel overview: Agrigento.