Blue Arch

Symbol for entire generations of lovers, better known as the arc of kisses after it was used as a backdrop for Perugina commercials, the Blue Arch was purchased by the municipality after it was confiscated from the mafia. On the coast of Aspra, it is a real spectacle, a true rock monument recognized as an environmental asset. The natural bridge has in fact been redeveloped with very low environmental impact techniques and interventions to preserve the local ecosystem. A window on the sea that opens from the coast of Santa Flavia to that of Aspra, passing through Capo Mongerbino. Ispra, the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, has included it among the geological sites of greatest interest at a global level.

In depth

Confiscated from the mafia, the Blue Arch of the Aspra coast represents a spectacular rocky monument in the seaside village of Bagheria and is recognized as an environmental asset. A window on the sea that opens from the coast of Santa Flavia to that of Aspra, passing through Capo Mongerbino.

Ispra, the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, has in fact included it among the geological sites of greatest interest at a national level.

Purchased by the municipality of Bagheria, after being confiscated from the Mafia, the natural bridge has been redeveloped with techniques and interventions with a very low environmental impact to preserve the local ecosystem.

The works, completed on April 30, 2010, thanks to a loan granted by the Regional Territory and Environment, have brought the work back to its former glory.

Symbol for entire generations of lovers, the Blue Arch is also known as “the Arch of Kisses”. In the 1980s, the well-known chocolate kisses company chose – as the background for one of its commercials – the two rock swans suspended between sky and sea.

It took almost thirty years to bring this example of natural beauty back to light!

It was May 30, 1983, when one of Ciaculli’s bosses, Nicola Prestifilippo, had a concrete skeleton erected that would disfigure the landscape for decades.

Only after various bureaucratic vicissitudes and the intervention of administrators and expert technicians, the eco-monster was demolished, redeveloping the rocky arch and the surrounding panorama.

The Blue Arch represents a glimpse of rare beauty and a naturalistic heritage of exceptional value, which deserves to be valued and known by all.

For further information: Nature and Culture Association