Za Minica cave in Torretta

La Cave of Za Minica a Torrerra has always been a very important element of attraction in the Torretta area. Since ancient times this cavity was inhabited by men and animals who thus found shelter from dangerous beasts or from natural bad weather.
Today it can be visited and is a spectacle both from a natural point of view and as regards i historical finds that were found inside. But the most suggestive peculiarity, however, is the legend that circulates about the cave: here, then, is all the useful information that can be used to discover the Za Minica Cave in Torretta.

History of the Za Minica cave in Torretta

The historical artifacts that have been found inside the Za Minica Cave tell us that the cavity was inhabited since prehistoric times. In fact, inside it, in the archaeological excavations carried out since 1928, they have been found traces of fossil animals of that geological era but also a rock figure.
Also very impressive, however, it is the legend circulating in the cave. The so particular name, in fact, would derive from a story that for centuries has been told about the cave, according to which its interior would have been inhabited for many centuries by an ageless old woman named Za Minica who was dedicated to witchcraft.

The architecture and any works of art present in the Za Minica cave in Torretta

There are numerous traces that have been found inside the cave and that tell of the presence of humans and animals on the site since ancient times. In the excavations begun in 1928 at the behest of the scholar Ramiro Fabian numerous remains of prehistoric animals were found such as the Elephas mnaidriensis or Hyena crocuta spelaea and many others.
Furthermore, on one of the walls of the entrance, there is a partial remnant of a prehistoric drawing which probably depicts an ox and a jug. Almost all the artifacts that have been found inside the Za Minica Cave are today custodians inside the Paleontology Museum of Palermo , however it is possible to take advantage of the guided tours to discover the natural beauties inside the quarry.

What you can do around the Za Minica cave in Torretta

Certainly Torretta is a village very famous for its beaches and pristine blue sea , however, the reasons for attraction are not limited here, given that even from a cultural point of view the country is full of surprises. The village is known as the country of towers , given that along the coastal strip there are several watchtowers from different eras that were used to keep the arrival of enemies under control.

The village, on the other hand, is a succession of narrow alleys and low houses, a perfect location for the living crib which is organized during the Christmas period and which really involves all the inhabitants: private houses open to the public and are transformed into the shops of the past, to give a precise idea of ​​how people lived in the Middle Ages. The most representative monument, however, remains the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace to Torretta which is a XNUMXth century structure which had a long and laborious building process.

How is it possible to get to Torretta

Those wishing to visit the Za Minica Cave in Torretta can reach it from Palermo along the E90 while from Catania it will be necessary simply to follow the A19.

Da Messina the recommended route is to take the A20 first and then the E90 while from Agrigento it is advisable to take the SS121. From Trapani the most suitable road is the A29 and then the E933, from Syracuse the A19 and then the E932, finally from Enna the same road indicated to those starting from Catania , then the A19.

Those wishing to reach Torretta by train should refer to the stations of Carini Torre Ciachea or San Lorenzo, since the village does not have its own railway station. The journey can then continue to the destination thanks to the local bus lines made available by the AST.