MALTESE ZOTTA.

East of Marzamemi where the sun rises, bordered by a protective dike, are the ancient Latomie dating back to the Greek-Roman period, a stone quarry that was used for the construction of houses and temples at the time.

Later over the centuries, the basins formed after the stone blocks were quarried were used for leather processing by the population who immigrated to Pachino from 1760 from Malta.

In the outermost area of the latomie there is a block of larger rocks well identifiable to the naked eye, where a natural “pool” 180 cm high and 4×4 m wide can be found, which still bears the ancient name of Zotta maltisi, a term meaning ‘small amount of water,’ in reference to the numerous basins, scattered among the rocks, used for leather processing.

The Marzamaroti boys in later years used it as a place of fun, “playground” where it was possible to bathe and fish safely.

It is a place very dear to the people of Marzamemi who have frequented it for generations.

The place is accessible/reachable using appropriate foot protection, as the path about 80 mt, and totally rocky, outcropping from the water and the maximum height is 60 cm.

In this magical place it is possible to sunbathe and bathe in total tranquility.