Ancient Noto
Many have heard of the unique beauty of Noto, the undisputed pearl of the Sicilian Baroque, but few know that, before the reconstruction of the city,
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Sicily
and its
wonders
and its
wonders
Marzamemi
Discovering Marzamemi
Among the most fascinating destinations in Sicily, one cannot fail to mention the lively Marzamemi. This delightful seaside village seems made for wandering down time-worn cobbled alleyways, feasting on typical dishes and local wine and finally people-watching in the picturesque central square of the village.
Marzamemi is a Sicilian seaside village, which revolves around an ancient tuna fishery built by the Arabs around 1000 AD. As well as around sandstone buildings, cobblestone streets and open spaces that open onto the Mediterranean Sea.
The Tonnara of
Marzamemi
Marzamemi has gone through a period of rejuvenation over the past 20 years and the Tonnara is a symbol of that. The Tonnara used for tuna fishing was the most important in eastern Sicily during the 17th century. The construction of the Tonnara was granted in 1655 with the investiture of the Royal Court to a Spanish baron. The average number of tuna fished and processed here was around 2,000 per year. In the year 1911, a catch of 3,233 tuna was recorded. In 1922 fishing began to slow down so much that in 1926 the tonnara was closed. Today the tuna caught is brought to Syracuse where it is sold or stored on ice.
Queen Margaret
Square
Probably the jewel of this city. It is decorated with brightly colored ceramic flower pots, colorful chairs where people gather to chat over drinks, while watching the children play here and there. The atmosphere will quickly hit you and remind you that there is still a non-hectic society enjoying every moment.
It is the true historical center of the town and from here you can reach most of the attractions that Marzameni has to offer.
Church of
San Francesco da Paola
The church of San Francesco da Paola overlooks Piazza Regina Margherita and was built at the behest of baron Bernardo Calascibetta and Landolina, around the year 1752. The facade of the church is framed by two pillars, has an entrance in Baroque style, above there is a round window and what remains of the bell tower.
The church of San Francesco da Paola is connected to Palazzo Villadorata by a beautiful and characteristic stone arch. The church was built next to the Tonnara, so much so that it was called the "Church of the Tonnara". Here, every year, in the month of August, the patron saint is celebrated.
It is a celebration that has always been deeply felt by the community of the town. On the other side of the square, the new church, also dedicated to San Francesco di Paola, was built by order of Pope Pius XI and has a linear-style façade with a Romanesque rose window in the centre.
In conclusion, visiting Marzamemi is like visiting a town that seems to come out of an old fairy tale. Characterized by stone houses arranged around two natural harbours, Marzamemi is truly a little jewel not to be missed on your journey to discover south-eastern Sicily.
Sicily
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and its wonders
