Cava d'Ispica
Cava d'Ispica: the river valley with mysterious origins.
23 March 2022 - Categorie: Archaeological sites and museums, The places of the heart, Nature tourism Tags:
The Cava d'Ispica is one of the greatest naturalistic-archaeological curiosities of Sicily: a river valley of about 13 km that cuts through part of the south-eastern side of the island passing through Modica, Ispica and Rosolini. The interest in the Cava lies not only in its very fascinating landscape aspect, as well as a jewel of the Mediterranean scrub, but also in its history and origins. Its particular aspect, its geolocation, the type of rock and the proximity to the sea have made this place one of the largest rocky settlements in Sicily, a destination for various peoples throughout history.
The name Cava d'Ispica derives from the name of the homonymous city which, from the Greek éis pegàs, means "towards the springs", indicating the course of the stream that bathes it. Ispica took this name only after the earthquake of 1963: previously, it was called Spaccaforno which is why in the local dialect it is still known today as "Spaccafunnu".
To date, it remains complex to specify the epoch in which the first human settlement was established in the valley since the data collected refer to a decidedly vast period of time that includes protohistoric and historical ages. In fact, the valley offers several attractions: prehistoric necropolises, Christian catacombs, rock oratories and residential areas of different types that have followed one another from the Ancient Bronze Age up to at least the Early Middle Ages.
The name Cava d'Ispica derives from the name of the homonymous city which, from the Greek éis pegàs, means "towards the springs", indicating the course of the stream that bathes it. Ispica took this name only after the earthquake of 1963: previously, it was called Spaccaforno which is why in the local dialect it is still known today as "Spaccafunnu".
To date, it remains complex to specify the epoch in which the first human settlement was established in the valley since the data collected refer to a decidedly vast period of time that includes protohistoric and historical ages. In fact, the valley offers several attractions: prehistoric necropolises, Christian catacombs, rock oratories and residential areas of different types that have followed one another from the Ancient Bronze Age up to at least the Early Middle Ages.
Cava d'Ispica
Cava d'Ispica
Cava d'Ispica
Among the various monuments and sites to visit, the following cannot be missed:
The "Ginnasio": room dug into the rock of the Hellenistic-Roman period which is thought to have been used as an assembly hall where the community met.
The "Larderia": part of a large sepulchral complex, the locally named catacomb is the most famous of the many in the area and the largest in Sicily.
The "Spezieria": room consisting of a large room whose walls have dozens of recesses, possible closets for storing jars and containers of ointments, creams and herbal potions. The large hole dug into the limestone rock of the floor has led to the hypothesis that the place was used as a kind of pharmacy, hence the name of "La Spezieria".
The Fallen Caves: as the name suggests, these are collapsed caves. And it is precisely here that the charm lies: the collapse highlighted the different layers and multi-storey internal structures of the medieval age that were used as dwellings.
This and much more will leave you speechless in the Cava d'Aliga, a wonderful glimpse of art, culture and nature immersed in the Val di Noto.
The "Ginnasio": room dug into the rock of the Hellenistic-Roman period which is thought to have been used as an assembly hall where the community met.
The "Larderia": part of a large sepulchral complex, the locally named catacomb is the most famous of the many in the area and the largest in Sicily.
The "Spezieria": room consisting of a large room whose walls have dozens of recesses, possible closets for storing jars and containers of ointments, creams and herbal potions. The large hole dug into the limestone rock of the floor has led to the hypothesis that the place was used as a kind of pharmacy, hence the name of "La Spezieria".
The Fallen Caves: as the name suggests, these are collapsed caves. And it is precisely here that the charm lies: the collapse highlighted the different layers and multi-storey internal structures of the medieval age that were used as dwellings.
This and much more will leave you speechless in the Cava d'Aliga, a wonderful glimpse of art, culture and nature immersed in the Val di Noto.
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Villa Mia: A few steps from the golden sandy beach of San Lorenzo, in the formidable south-eastern Sicily, stands this wonderful villa surrounded by about 2000 square meters of garden full of Mediterranean plants. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, from the largest to the smallest, with its private swimming pool surrounded by the solarium with umbrellas and sun loungers. A quiet glimpse a few kilometers from the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto.
Villa La Cava: Marvelous modern villa surrounded by 30 hectares of south-eastern Sicilian countryside. Predominantly characterized by the use of ancient pitch stone, the patio in front of the house will give you a breathtaking view of the Sicilian sea and the historic center of Noto.
Pietra di Luna: Elegant residence built in 1825 and tastefully restored by its owners, it will give you the joy and quiet of true rural Sicily while from its splendid infinity peak you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the city of Scicli, a World Heritage Site 'UNESCO since 2002.
La Forma dell'Acqua: Fantastic residence located 100 meters from the fine golden sand beach of Donnalucata and surrounded by a garden of over 3,500 square meters on the coast of south-eastern Sicily. With its various shaded areas with equipped gazebos, its children's play area and its swimming pool with hydrojets, it is the ideal home for a holiday full of fun and relaxation for all ages.
Il Cavaliere: Through an avenue adorned with centuries-old olive and almond trees, you will reach this modern villa immersed in a typical corner of the Mediterranean countryside that will give you peace and quiet. Sitting on the large patio in front of the house, you will enjoy the wonderful view of the Ionian Sea and you can cool off in the suggestive swimming pool surrounded by vagetation.
La Memoria dell'Acqua: Breathtaking villa a few kilometers from the baroque city of Scicli, in the splendid south-eastern Sicily. The dwelling will give you spoiled for choice on how to spend your holidays: you can enjoy its swimming pool right in front of the living area and its large windows or you can take advantage of the wonderful golden sandy beach, 8 km long and still hidden from tourism. of mass, a few tens of meters. Or you can visit the beautiful Baroque cities such as Noto or Modica.
La Tenuta: A few kilometers from the baroque town of Noto, this tastefully furnished villa with a seductive character will give you unprecedented views over the enchanting south-eastern Sicily: from its sinuous hills to the blue of the sea, while you enjoy the inebriation scent of myrtle and caper from its comfortable private swimming pool.
Villa Nica: Villa with a strong and elegant character halfway between the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the tourist-seaside village of Marzamemi. You can cool off in the wonderful private salt-purified swimming pool or relax in the adjacent shaded patio with its comfortable sofas while a few steps away you can reach the famous beach of San Lorenzo, one of the most beautiful in south-eastern Sicily.
Meravilla: Extraordinary villa located between Modica and Scicli, jewels of the Sicilian Baroque of the Val di Noto. Its heated and private swimming pool will give you unforgettable moments of quiet, among ornamental plants and a luxuriant garden with lawn. Or you can relax in the modest SPA with sauna, turkish bath, emotional shower and whirlpool tub.
Villa Mia: A few steps from the golden sandy beach of San Lorenzo, in the formidable south-eastern Sicily, stands this wonderful villa surrounded by about 2000 square meters of garden full of Mediterranean plants. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, from the largest to the smallest, with its private swimming pool surrounded by the solarium with umbrellas and sun loungers. A quiet glimpse a few kilometers from the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto.