House of butterflies, a small jewel in Marsala

The Butterfly House in Marsala, Sicily, is a large winter garden where hundreds of butterflies fly free. A riot of colors and species, including the gigantic cobra butterfly ( Attacus atlas ), which has a wingspan of almost 30 centimeters.

Inaugurated only a few days ago, however, the structure had to temporarily close in compliance with the recent ministerial provisions regarding the containment of the spread of the COVID -19 virus .

This is not a farewell, but a goodbye, which has come close to the first actual opening weekend, where there has been a real boom in visitors. 

The project

The project – born in Modica, in the Province of Ragusa, a few years ago – has an educational purpose and is focused on environmental issues and entomology , with particular attention to butterflies.

With this in mind, therefore, the Marsala facility was opened which should have remained open until June within the monumental complex of San Pietro.

The intention, in fact, was to offer all-round guided tours : moments of classic learning, but also particular sensory experiences that would give added value to the tour .

This is because the winter garden  is in fact reminiscent of a tropical forest: butterflies fly free , you can breathe the smell of flowers and you can even hear the delicate flapping of the insects’ wings. 

The temporary closure

The Marsala facility remained open for only a few days : the Prime Minister’s Decree of 8 March 2020 regarding the containment of the spread of the COVID -19 virus, in fact, determined its temporary closure.

A necessary measure in light of the health emergency we are experiencing, which implies a setback to the project, but not a definitive closure. However, even if not when the Butterfly House reopens right now, we may have to wait until next year .

The transformation of caterpillars into chrysalises (and consequently into butterflies), in fact, requires optimal temperatures and certain natural biological cycles .

In order to return to full capacity, therefore, it will be necessary to inevitably wait for all this to occur, in addition to what will be decreed at the government level.

Free butterflies and lush flowers

To recreate the ideal climate for butterflies , inside the winter garden there is a temperature of 28 degrees (with 90% humidity). 

During the guided tour these insects fly freely around visitors, sometimes even leaning gently on people. For this reason, care must be taken not to step on or touch them involuntarily . 

Visitors are surrounded by  flowers and plants , which give life to a varied setting that we hope will soon be available to be enjoyed in all its beauty.