JOURNEY TO THE LAND THAT ROSE FROM THE SEA by Walter Capella and Elisa Rocco

A 500-mile journey on foot through the land of nymphs and cyclopes, tracing the influence that landscape has on our own lives.

Elisa and Walter, an actress and a geologist, depart from Palermo in October 2021 to walk across Sicily. On a rainy day, they set off with loaded backpacks and sturdy boots for their six-month journey.

They traverse lush valleys, medieval villages and the great smoking volcano, overcoming challenges from cold and fatigue to floods and stray dogs. They delve into the hidden stories of the landscape, sometimes ancient, sometimes modern. They seek out encounters with local people, searching for those who have maintained a deep bond of belonging and meaning with their land. Along the way, they will meet alchemists and sculptors, forest rangers and volunteers on a sea rescue ship, and many others. Each of these encounters will leave an indelible mark on their experience. They began their journey with a tour of the largest island in the Mediterranean, because it is a crossroads between Africa and Europe, both historically and geologically, and because, as Goethe once wrote, Sicily is the key to understanding Italy.

The Adagio project aims to combine scientific and human storytelling, giving voice to landscapes and the communities that inhabit them. Slowing down is a challenge to the frenzy of modern times. Traveling on foot is an act of love for the planet we live on.

Self Published
314 pages
148 x 210 mm