Scala dei Turchi
Physical
A white marl cliff that descends in natural steps to the sea near Realmonte in Agrigento. The rock is uniquely bright white, the water below deep blue. The steps are formed by erosion. The cliff is visible for several kilometres.
Social
A very popular tourist site, often severely overcrowded in summer. People climb on the rock, which is both dangerous and damaging. The site attracts visitors from across the world who have seen it online. The gap between the fragility of the geology and the intensity of its use is critical.
Context
The Scala dei Turchi is formed from marly limestone (marna) and is one of the most visually distinctive geological formations in the Mediterranean. It has no protective status. Years of campaigning have sought to impose limits on visitor numbers. Erosion is measurable and ongoing.
Environment
Marl cliff subject to measurable, ongoing erosion, worsened by visitor climbing.
Taxonomy
- Symbiotic Shore + Liminal Edge
- Integrated Body + Domestic Body
- Geological Dialogue
- Ritual Season + Generational Memory
- Mass Tourism
- Geological Architecture
- Chromatic Field + Visible Threshold + Aerial-Only Reading