Fountain of the Nymph Zizza in Militello Val di Catania

La Fountain of the Nymph Zizza rises to Militello in Val di Catania and dates back to 1607 and is famous because it is linked to a particular event for the city, thearrival of drinking water. This work was carried out by the government of Prince Francesco Branciforte. There are no reliable sources on its provenance but, based on the style, it is attributed to Giandomenico Gagini jr.

During the year of its inauguration, water arrived in the town thanks to Prince Branciforti. From that moment the waters of the spring in Contrada Zizza were made to flow to the city's aqueduct. The Fountain includes an aedicule with pillars and a marble bas-relief. The water is collected in the octagonal tank and is designed to quench the thirst of animals too.

Architecture and works of art of the Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza in Militello Val di Catania

In the fountain a bas-relief is clearly visible which has been attributed to Giandomenico Gagini Jr who depicts exactly the Nymph Zizza. This is surrounded by two figures of lions located in two smaller structures, niches on the sides. The low octagonal basin is then located below a satyr mask.
In reality, the original version of the Bas-relief is not the visible one, as it was kept in the former Convent of San Domenico. The choice was dictated by purely conservative reasons, since the fountain was always working, the water was wearing down the marble and for this reason it was decided to replace it with an identical copy and to keep the original one elsewhere to keep it in its former glory. The restoration work was carried out in 2006 thanks to the Associazione Restauratori Catanesi.

The construction of this fountain was so important that the poet and historian Pietro Carrera even dedicated a poem to it in which he recounted thelove between the nymph and a shepherd boy. The goddess rises from the niche and with her left hand she holds the breast from which the water flows, with her index finger instead of hers she points to a scroll. Inside it reads: Non Sine Temperancia and then below Qvi Sitis Parce Mentiri.

The nymphs, in the Greek religion, represented gods divine maidens always connected to nature. Of the powers that concerned the mountains, the water, the springs, the trees. These are depicted near the fountains, because they are considered the powers of water. They have a perennial connection with this even when they are on earth. They are considered daughters of the Ocean, sources of fertility and growth. There are many nymphs in Greek mythology and they are often found associated with satyrs, one of which is located under the fountain. Nymphs have always been their target, these are minor deities with the Dionysian cult. They are human beings with some animal attributes with very marked sexual tendencies. Based on these details, it is still possible to read the story represented by the inscriptions on the Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza.

What you can do at the Ninfa Zizza Fountain in Militello Val di Catania and in the surrounding area

La city ​​of Militello it is of great scenic, naturalistic and historical beauty, for this reason there is so much to see, despite its small size. Of particular interest near the Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza you can admire the Oxena River, really characteristic even with some small waterfalls in which to swim in the warmer months.

Il Majorana palace it is one of the most beautiful and dates back to the end of the eighteenth century. Originally from the Renda family, he is also known for being the Palace of the Lions. Also worth seeing Mother Church of San Nicolò e SS. Savior and Bari Castle which was built in the XNUMXth century by Abbo de Barresio. Several churches worthy of a visit such as the Shrine of Santa Maria della Stella, Calvary Church, Church of the Madonna della Catena andSan Benedetto Abbey.
Suggestive the Sacred Art Museum born in 1985 and the Palazzo Baldanza Money.

A stroll through the streets of the historic center is a must Militello in Val di Catania where there are many recognized architectures UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How is it possible to get to the Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza in Militello Val di Catania

The Fountain is located in Largo Atrio del Castello, 95043 Militello in Val di Catania CT, Italy. It can be reached from the Provincial Road or from the Salita Catuso. The Fountain of the Ninfa Zizza in Militello Val di Catania is located immediately after the prison, it is easily identified but sometimes it is easy to find cars parked in the open space.

The place is served by public transport so it is perfectly reachable on foot, by bus or by car which can be parked right in the square. Care must be taken though, the road always continues but the two junctions are dead ends, so it is advisable to go back to take the main road and not continue.