Archaeological Park of Occhiolà, Grammichele, Italy

On the three ridges of the hill of Terravecchia it is situated the ancient area of Occhiolà, that developed him along an only principal road axle of medieval origin, it notices a great deal simple structures, typical of a country suburb.

On the tall part the imposing castle was found, of which lean traces remain, among which a buttress realized with blocks of square stone. This hilly system that constitutes the greatest part of the territory of Grammichele is an extraordinary archaeological layer that continues to be dug and studied since the first searches of Paul Orsi at the end of last century, and that today you/he/she could become a great cultural park. Here it is found, probably, the ancient Echetla, city sicula then ellenizzata, testimony of the Greek expansion toward the hinterland, of the relationships between natives and Greek.

Necropolis, residences and sacred areas have returned innumerable finds that notice the wealth and the artistic taste of this center.

The earthquake of 1693 completely destroyed Occhiolà and citizens moved to the near Grammichele.

References:

bbtalia.com

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

lajoiedevivr (5 years ago)
Absurd. In the middle of July the site is abandoned, brambles in the path and 3 forest guards who discuss and do not even say hello ....

Francesco Salamanca (6 years ago)
It should be more polished and accessible have visitors.

Wim Fields (6 years ago)
Only information in Italian

Archaeological Park of Occhiolà

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Church of St Donatus