Invisibile Mediterranean(s) – sixth edition: a cultural journey through the history, nature and landscape of Ionian Calabria

From 11 to 13 October 2025, the sixth edition of Invisible Mediterranean(s) took place, a cultural project conceived by Alfonso Femia and produced by 500×100, with the support of the Foundation Le Città del Futuro. This event follows the second edition of the Biennale dello Stretto in 2024, an international-scale event involving 12 countries and prestigious universities, establishing itself as a key reference point in architecture, art, and territorial dialogue.

The sixt edition focused on the Torbido Valley, a border area between the Serre and Aspromonte mountain ranges, proposing a route that includes the Ionian coast with Saline Joniche, the ancient village of Pentedattilo, and the striking White Badlands of Palizzi Marina. The journey also explored the archaeological heritage through visits to the Roman Villa of Casignana, an extraordinary example of Roman art and architecture, and the Archaeological Museum and National Park of Locri.

The itinerary continued through the villages of Gioiosa Ionica, Grotteria, Martone, San Giovanni di Gerace, Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, and Mammola, where it concluded at MuSaBa – Santa Barbara Park-Museum – Laboratory, an international artistic centre founded by Nik Spatari and Hiske Maas, a symbol of art rooted in the territory while protecting itself towards contemporary practice.

Alfonso Femia emphasizes that «their territory is a fragile value, shaped and transformed in relation to the needs of communities. Architecture can interpret these social and cultural changes, fostering new models of sustainable developments.»

Invisible Mediterranean(s) is a research project launched in 2018 which, through annual journeys, aims to descover and enhance the “invisible” Mediterranean – places, stories, and cultures often overlooked – by involving experts, architects, scholars and photographers. The Biennale dello Stretto, founded in 2022, is a major cultural event promoting architecture and art in the Strait of Messina with a strong international outlook.