Grotta Calafarina is located in Pachino, in the province of Siracusa, between the small marina frazione of Marzamemi and the town of Portopalo di Capo Passero at the southernmost point of the island. The cave is just over 100 meters long with a drop of about 20 meters and has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Its significance is primarily due to its archaeological finds, which include sediments from prehistory to the Byzantine era.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, archaeologist Paolo Orsi discovered remains from various periods, particularly from the first Bronze Age (facies castellucciana). Nearby, the Grotta Corruggi and the Grotta del Pero can also be found. Although the area is restricted, it was previously privately owned but was recently transferred to the available domain of the Soprintendenza di Siracusa by regional decree.
On July 10, 2022, designers Dolce and Gabbana presented a fashion show of clothes and jewelry in Marzamemi inspired by the legend of Grotta Calafarina. The cave and its history have also been featured in media, including an article by Salvo Sorbello in the newspaper La Sicilia on July 9, 2022, titled Incantesimo della Grotta di Calafarina.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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