Archaeological Park in Grammichele

Il village of Occhiolà, located in the municipality of Grammichele, hosts a archaeological park of considerable importance. We are talking about the remains of an ancient town, now abandoned but once extremely illustrious.

Here's what you need to know about a place that doesn't lose even a shred of its original charm.

Brief history of the Archaeological Park in Grammichele

Il municipal archaeological park of Occhiolà it has origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It was a town near Grammichele, in the locality of Terravecchia. The first settlements could even be dated during the XNUMXth century BC, with the invasion by the Sicilians. However, scholars are still divided on this hypothesis. However, a tragic event marked a sort of watershed in the story of Occhiolà.

In fact, in 1639, a terrible earthquake completely devastated the village, with the town razed to the ground. The population was forced to flee the area and the catastrophe involved all of Eastern Sicily, with the ancient village suffering the worst consequences. It was no longer possible to rebuild the area on its ashes. Prince Carlo Maria Carafa realized this and decided to revive the village further south, in the municipality of Grammichele.

It was a very forward-looking choice, but the remains of an ancient castle are still visible today, capable of resisting both earthquakes and the wear and tear of time. A sort of archaeological redevelopment ensured that the prehistoric remains remained intact until 1693, the year of the last human settlements. Scientists have long focused on such important and fascinating findings, which then gave birth to the local archaeological park.

Works and wonders of the Grammichele Archaeological Park

The archaeological park of Grammichele offers a truly unique scenario. It can be admired through special guided tours, with the chance to rediscover a wonderful past. As mentioned earlier, the local castle it is the strong jewel of an experience to be lived, within a village that keeps an ultra-secular history intact. Don't miss it hexagonal city of Grammichele, including the Square, the Church and the Madonna del Piano area.

What to do at the Occhiolà Archaeological Park in Grammichele

The municipal archaeological park of Occhiolà in Grammichele offers various opportunities to its potential tourists. The site is well equipped to welcome its curious visitors, with several refreshment areas. The entertainers can welcome the little ones, while parents and older siblings can in turn discover the archaeological site in all its splendour. Temporary exhibitions are organized periodically, set up in special spaces. There are also tastings with banquets or refreshments rich in typical local foods, grown directly in the surrounding lands.

You can immerse yourself in various shows, with dances and functions of considerable importance. The archaeological park is characterized by a remarkable organization, with the possibility of taking part in a summer archaeological school upon reservation. Also important is the hypothesis of getting to know Grammichele, by having a look at the local cathedral or by tasting the famous sausage al ceppo.

How to reach the Archaeological Park in Grammichele

To reach the Archaeological Park in Grammichele by car from Palermo, it takes over 200 kilometers of travel and the passage along the A19 motorway. From Messina you have to take the A18 and travel 165 kilometres, while from Catania it is only 65 with transit through the State Road 417.

By train, the Ragusa station is the closest one and is 33 kilometers from the centre, although there is also a smaller local station.