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:

Comments

Your name



Address

Grammichele, Italy
See all sites in Grammichele

Details

Founded: 5th century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

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
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.