The Ancient Tonnara of Scopello and the “Submersed Museum”

Submitted by Tonya Puleo on Thu, 2011-06-09 09:36

In Sicily Sicily - Western Side Castellammare del Golfo Art and Culture Nature and Outdoors Sport and Adventure

Literally “immersed” in history, enjoy a unique experience in the waters of Scopello in Sicily, swimming around ancient Greek amphorae and star fish.

Situated at a few kilometres from Castellammare del Golfo, in the province of Trapani, the Tonnara in Scopello is a fishing village with a tuna-fishery (Tonnara) which lies around an eighteenth century fortified farm (baglio). Not active for many years year, it owes its beauty and charm to the sea, from where majestic rocks “Faraglioni” covered in lush vegetation emerge.

Scopello is a beautiful sea-side town and summer resort, situated to the nearby pretty town of San Vito Lo Capo and the inimitable Zingaro Nature Reserve. Perfect for sunshine and sea breaks, you will also find excellent local produce, unforgettable fresh fish and the finest “pane cunsato” (bread baked in a wood-fire oven with oil, small tomatoes, smoked cheese, anchovies and oregano) in Sicily.

Another attraction for tourists, who in summer months can take part in the various events organised at the Tonnara, are the local artistic ceramics, and for the more adventurous, the sea-beds at the archaeological marine park. The coast of Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve are in fact rich in ancient ruins (dating back to the 2nd century A.D until modern day) which, discovered over the years, have managed to retrace the under water archaeological route “Submersed museum”; guided tours with a local diving centre are available.

At the faraglioni, you will see amphoras and ceramics with Greek, African, Roman and Spanish origins, remains of numerous ships, which over the years anchored in the area which is a natural wind-shield. The Archaeological route is located at 16 – 18 depth, with rocky sea-bed and sand covered in marine posedonia. From history to nature, at the north-west of the two Faraglioni you will find submersed grotto from where you can admire natural sponge, coral, mother-of-pearl and also marine life which freely “frolic” in the waters; star-fish, sea-urchins and sea-anemones; a truly breathtaking spectacle.