Roots run deep in Salamone Azienda Agricola. Looking out across this scenic hill recalls a time when residents depended on the land for survival. In 1800, the Salamone brothers, who bred cattle and worked in the sulphur industry in Aragona, bought the manor of Carbonia from the Duke of Grazia. In the past, this scenic hill was full of almond trees. It is still possible to see the twisted almond trees at the top of the hill which were planted by my grandfather. These almond trees show give us an idea of farming tradition. This area contains two large historic properties, Masseria Salamone and Robba.

di Petru Rizzu. The Masseria Salamone which is near the company with spacious barns called “le mannare” also contains simple houses as well as a small church. This area shows how residents used to grow their own food supply to feed themselves and be self-sufficient by living far from the town. Robba di Petru Rizzu, the other historic property is at the top of the hill in order to defend this land from enemies.

From the white limestone hills, turning around our eyes from north to south we can admire the landscape that through a succession of valleys and rugged mountains decreases gently to the sea. That image, so dear to me, of an ancient countryside suspended in time, uncontaminated, has accompanied me since childhood exhibiting the colours of all seasons.

I found there my inner self, my oasis. From the limestone amphitheatre I proudly look at the olive grove lying on the plain and shelteredfrom the south-eastern winds. High dark poplars stand out among the olive trees. A long time ago, “La chiuppera” (poplar wood) offered shelter to flocks from the scorching summer sun. The name of “Carbonia” (or “Cravunìa”), is connected with coal production.

Nearby there are many agricultural centres, each displaying unique qualities that often make them frequented by tourists.

Aragona - Its history is related to both the sulphur mines and the life of miners which is masterly described by Pirandello. At “Maccalube’s nature reserve” you can watch the volcanic eruption of mud clay continuously coming out from the earth due to the emission of hydrocarbons. The mining park and “Torre del Salto” in the district of “Muxarello” are also noticeable sites to see.

S. Angelo Muxaro - Is one of the most remarkable centres of the Sicilian prehistoric age with its very interesting proto-historic necropolis and with its grottoes.

Santa Elisabetta - In “Monte Guastanella” you can visit the ruins of a Byzantine fortress which dominated the land far and wide. On the slopes you can still find prehistoric burial caves. In less than 20 Km from there, you can reach the uncontaminated coast of “Siculiana” and “Realmonte” with its nature oriented reserve of WWF.