The Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara

The Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara, in western Sicily in the province of Trapani, constitute a archaeological site of significant historical interest and are a captivating destination for all tourists who are passionate about archeology.

In use starting from the sixth century BC, the Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara were quarries from which the calcarenite, rock formed mainly of limestone grains.
Very close to the archaeological area of ​​Selinunte, the quarries were used for the extraction of rock which was then used in the construction of temples.

At the end of the 409th century BC following the loss of supremacy by the Greeks, the quarries fell into disuse with the arrival of the Carthaginians in XNUMX BC The defeat of the Greeks can be read today in the state of sudden abandonment where the quarries fell, where blocks of stone scattered about the site can still be seen, hastily abandoned by the quarry workers.

Time, therefore, remains engraved in the rock of the quarries: the orderly and methodical one of the extraction work, like the tragic one of the defeat.

The architecture of the Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara and what can be admired inside them

The architecture of the Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara tells us a lot about the work that was carried out there: we can notice the circular incisions on the rock, the first phase of the extraction process, but also to admire column segments still being worked on, half attached to the rock.

Capitals, sections and other material extracted, but left in the middle of the work, are visible in various points of the site, testifying to the rapid retreat of the Greeks.
Some traces of this passage are visible even along the road to Selinunte, abandoned forever, hundreds and hundreds of years ago.

The Cava del Capitello is one of the most emblematic symbols of the whole story: located on the western side, it houses a capital partially carved and abandoned, not yet ready to be brought to Selinunte.

The southern area is characterized by a hilly, green and humid area: this area is called Bog Leo and together with the volcanic areas with the surrounding ski slopes, it is today the territory of the wild duck.

What to do at the Rocche di Cusa and in the surroundings

The Rocche di Cusa di Campobello di Mazara are the perfect destination for archeology lovers, who don't want to give up their passion even on vacation: a stay in Campobello di Mazara will in fact be the perfect opportunity to organize a visit to the Cusa site.

To get a complete picture of the area between the sixth and fifth centuries BC, true enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Archaeological Area of ​​Selinunte, where the Acropolis, the Eastern Hill, the Pianoro di Contrada Manuzza and the Sanctuary are located; the archaeological itinerary concludes with a stop at the Civic Museum of Selinunte, where you can admire vases and ceramics found in the archaeological site, as well as bronze statues.

Not far from the Museum, there is also the Mother Church of Castelvetrano, dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta: the building, built in the XNUMXth century, is imposing but refined by the presence of arabesque decorations that frame the portal, while inside you can admire very interesting altarpieces and works of sacred art.

Castelvetrano is only 7 km from Campobello and is certainly a center to visit for those who are in the area: populated by almost 30.000 inhabitants, it is called the City of Olive Trees and Temples, due to its proximity to Selinunte, in the Nocellara area. Here there are many churches to visit, such as the Church of San Giovanni, the Church of the Santissima Trinità di Delia and the Church of Purgatorio, among the most beautiful sacred buildings in the centre. To complete the tour of the city, also discover Porta Garibaldi and the Fontana della Ninfa.

Of course you can choose Campobello di Mazara as a base for the whole tour Belice Valley, and in the village you will have the opportunity to stroll in the historic center dating back to the seventeenth century, with the beautiful Mother Church of Santa Maria al Presepe, of nineteenth-century origins and the Clock tower, symbol of the city.

From Campobello in a few minutes you reach the coast, with the Tre Fontane beach: here, between golden sand and turquoise waters, you can swim or sunbathe a stone's throw from the watchtower. Numerous other towers are scattered throughout the city and in the marine hamlet.

We close with a suggestion for those who want to taste the most typical flavors of the local cuisine: it is located in Campobello Nocellara oil, excellence of local farmers and you can eat excellent swordfish rolls.

How it is possible to reach Campobello di Mazara

Reaching Campobello di Mazara, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani, is easy both by car and by train.

Who comes in driving feel, can do so from the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo, taking the exit for Campobello di Mazara, 3 km from the town; who comes the train, can get off at Castelvetrano Station, 7 km from the centre, with which it is connected by bus and shuttle.