Study trip to Sicily
Would you like to explore a unique crossroads of cultures and history? A country full of beauty, but also full of contradictions?
If so, then we cordially invite you to come with us to Sicily. The beautiful Mediterranean island off the southern Italian coast attracts visitors with its unique landscapes, baroque towns, idyllic fishing villages and unrivalled art-historical buildings and treasures. In stark contrast to this idyll, Sicily suffers from the Mafia (Cosa Nostra). We will therefore not only get to know culturally and historically significant sites and breathtaking landscapes, but also explore places and symbols that were created in the fight against the Mafia. Men and women will give us first-hand accounts of what their lives were and are like – in the knowledge of the mafia structures. We will meet judges, journalists and politicians, among others, as well as close associates of the murdered prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who did not shy away from the fight against the Sicilian mafia.
What can you expect?
Throughout our stay, we will be staying in the centre of Palermo, from where we will explore the city. In addition to Palermo, we will also visit other cities. For example, Castellammare del Golfo, known for its bays, beaches and medieval town centre, is on the programme. We will also visit Monreale with its imposing Norman cathedral. The study trip is organised and carried out in cooperation with the university chaplaincy horizonte Lucerne.
Target audience
Students and doctoral students (up to the age of 35) from the colleges and universities of Lucerne and Zurich are cordially invited to join us on the study trip. The number of participants is limited to thirteen (first come first served). This study trip is primarily aimed at an audience interested in the cultural, historical and social diversity of Sicily and at the same time wants to learn more about the criminal organisation of Cosa Nostra.
Language
We will be accompanied by two excellent tour guides – Anita Bestler and Emilia Maggio. Their guided tours as well as the translation for the various speakers will all be held in English.
When?
From 1 to 8 September 2024 (Sunday to Sunday). Arrival in Palermo should be no later than 16.00 hrs.
Outward and return journey
The outward and return journey to and from Palermo must be organised at your own expense and responsibility. We recommend that you take the opportunity to cross Italy by train and perhaps plan a few stops in between. It would be nice if several people could organise this together.
Recommended train connection (SBB timetable):
from Fri, 12:33, Zurich HB (change twice)
to Sat, 9:24 am, Palermo Centrale
Costs
For students (up to 35) CHF 620.- per person (all inclusive)
For doctoral students (and high-earning students) CHF 800 per person (all inclusive)
Please note: Travelling to and from the event is not included.
Please note that the participation costs can be kept low due to the subsidisation of the trip by the two university communities.
Information
Valerio Ciriello
Online information evening (work in progress)
Registration form
Registration deadline is April 30, 2024. Registration is only valid once CHF 620 or CHF 800 has been transferred to the following account:
PostFinance
CH91 0900 0000 8000 4151 0
Augustinusverein Zürich
Kath. Hochschulgemeinde aki
Hirschengraben 86
8001 Zürich
Have we piqued your interest? Then register with us. This will help us to determine how many people are interested in our adventure.
Enclosed is the travel description from September 2023 (new travel programme will follow shortly)
Travel report from Lumos Luzerner Studimagazin