You & Marzamemi: beauty to share

The Monuments and Places of Interest of Marzamemi

Marzamemi is a seaside village, half a hamlet of Pachino and the other half a hamlet of Noto, whose name is said by some sources to derive from the Arabic “Marsà al hamen” meaning “Bay of the Turtledoves,” or from “Marsamemi” small Bay.
In fact, this area represents an obligatory passage point for small birds during migration.
Until a few decades ago, the economy was based on fishing and, even earlier, tuna fishing.
For several centuries, in fact, tonnara implanted in the early 1600s was active, in time becoming the second most important tuna fishery in Sicily.
The inhabitants of Marzamemi, called Marzamaroti, are originally from the towns of Syracuse and Avola.

To discover Marzamemi is to immerse oneself in a world where the beauty of the beaches blends with the historical and cultural richness of one of Sicily’s most fascinating villages. The beating heart of Marzamemi is its ancient village, where the history of the tuna fishery and narrow streets tell centuries of seafaring life.
A visit to the tonnara, an ancient center of tuna fishing, offers an authentic look at the village’s industrial and cultural past.

No less important are the boat excursions, which allow you to explore the coast and discover hidden corners of paradise, providing unforgettable moments among the waves of the sea.

Let’s find out together what are the most important monuments and places of interest in Marzamemi!

Tonnara of Marzamemi

The Marzamemi tuna fishery was erected in the 17th century under Spanish rule.
In 1655 it was acquired by the Calascibetta barons of Piazza Armerina, and in the second half of the 19th century ownership passed to the Nicolaci family of Noto.
During the 18th century the Prince’s Palace, the church dedicated to Our Lady of Carmel and the fishermen’s cottages were built.
The tuna fishery establishment is characterized by three large entrances that allowed the sheltering of boats loaded with tuna inside the so-called loggia.
In the early 1900s, a factory for processing tuna in oil was built on the north side, consisting of boilers and associated chimneys. The only remaining smokestack, which survived the bombings of World War II, can still be seen today.
The tuna factory remained active until 1954.

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - 1752

The old tuna trap church, consecrated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was built at the behest of Baron Bernardo Calascibetta, owner of the trap.
Work began in 1748 and ended in 1752.
Inside the church were three altars, a central one with a statue of Our Lady of Pompeii, and two side altars with statues of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Francis of Paola, patron saint of Marzamemi.
Above the high altar was a painting depicting Our Lady of Mount Carmel holding the Baby Jesus.
The church remained open for worship until 1948, that same year, in fact, due to exceptional weather events, the roof collapsed and the church was no longer usable.
Renovation work began in 2020 to use the church as the Museum of the Sea.

Church of St. Francis of Paola - 1948

The Church of St. Francis of Paola was inaugurated and opened for worship on January 4, 1948.
It consists of a single nave over five bays and a polygonal apse.
A characteristic rose window stands out on the façade. St. Francis of Paola, protector of sailors, is the patron saint of Marzamemi.
The relationship that binds the village to its patron saint is a people’s experience that reinforces the locals’ sense of belonging and results in a festival celebrated on the Monday following August 15, which is well attended.
Since the early 1900s, unfailingly every year, the Simulacrum of the Saint is carried on the shoulders through the streets of Marzamemi and also in an evocative procession by sea on a boat, where the Sailor’s Prayer is read and due honors are paid to the Saint.

Palace of the Princes of Villadorata - Mid-18th century

The Palace of the Princes of Villadorata was built around 1750 on the initiative of Baron Bernardo Calascibetta and stands on the west side of Piazza Regina Margherita, opposite the old fishermen’s dwellings.
The building has a simple facade and an arched entrance portal.
On the lower floor are warehouses that were used for storing goods and sheltering functional equipment for the tuna fishery.
Through an open space, connected to the Loggia degli Scieri, access is possible to the upper floor, used as the owners’ residence.
In the mid-19th century the building was acquired by the Nicolaci family, Princes of Villadorata.

Largo Balata - Loggia degli scieri

The Largo Balata takes its name from the stone slabs, called balate in Sicilian dialect, with which the space in front of the tuna fishery, in front of the small harbor, is appropriately paved in order to facilitate the hauling of boats and to make it easier to land the tuna caught.
The Loggia degli Scieri is a single large room used to shelter the boats (Scieri and Muciare) of the tuna fishery, which were hauled from here directly into the sea.
The facade of the Loggia is characterized by the three large gates that allowed the entrance and exit of scieri and muciare; these typical boats represented the symbols of Marzamemi’s local economy and culture.
In the early 1900s the tuna trap complex was completed with the construction of the Camperia; inside the Loggia the first phase of tuna processing was carried out: by means of winches, after being washed, they were hung by the tail from special beams called appindituri, where they remained at least twenty-four hours to bleed.

Camperia - 20th Century

La Camperia was used by the Nicolaci family in the early 1900s as a factory for the production of tuna in oil.
The tuna was cooked in two furnaces equipped with chimneys of which only the smaller one remains today: the larger one, in fact, collapsed due to Anglo-American air raids during World War II.
The large-scale factory occupies the area of the “big field” bounded on the west by Viale Jonio, overlooking the Balata marina, on the north by Via Marzamemi and on the east by Via Letizia, which flows into Piazza Regina Margherita.

Courtyard of the Rais - 18th Century

The Courtyard of the Rais is a small clearing, paved with limestone basalt, surrounded by the fishermen’s cottages and in front of the House of the Rais (head of the tuna fishery, responsible for the tuna fishermen and the success of the mattanza).
The location of the Casa del Rais was strategic to the control of the passage of fishing boats since, in the back, the house faced directly onto the sea.

What to see around Marzamemi

Around Marzamemi, southeastern Sicily is revealed in all its magnificence, offering scenery, stories and flavors that enrich your stay in this land of sunshine.
First among all we put the naturalistic treasures, such as the Nature Reserve of Vendicari and the Calamosche Beach.
This protected nature reserve offers visitors the chance to explore a breathtaking coastline with crystal clear waters and pristine beaches.
Every place around Marzamemi tells a story, an invitation to discover the most authentic soul of Sicily.
Other beaches in the vicinity that are definitely worth a visit are San Lorenzo and Spinazza beaches: both offer the opportunity to sunbathe and enjoy the Mediterranean.

The Salt Pans of Marzamemi

The extraction of salt from the Marzamemi salt pans was functional for the preservation of the bluefin tuna caught in the local tuna fishery.
The salt pans remained in operation until the early 1960s.
During the period of their activity, in the feeding channels connected with the sea, some rare fish species found their natural habitat, such as the marzamarieddu, a small fish that later, as a result of the intense anthropization of the place and the decommissioning of the salt pans, disappeared altogether.
Beginning in the 1970s, the salt pans, in the summertime, when the bodies of water dried up, were used by young people in the village as soccer fields.
All that remains of these now disused salt pans is the large pond, which in the winter season becomes a passage point for various migratory bird species, including pink flamingos.

Isolotto Brancati

Delightful natural island, small in size, which due to its location a few meters from the coast and the particular structure of the block of flats that stands there, has over time become one of the symbols of Marzamemi.
Since the early decades of the 20th century, Prof. Raffaele Brancati, a doctor from Pachino and distinguished chair of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Catania, obtained the state concession of the islet.
The latter had his summer residence built on the islet, a characteristic red-burgundy building, where he often used to host his cousin, the famous Pachinese writer Vitaliano Brancati, who drew from that evocative place a source of poetic inspiration.
Toward the end of the 1930s, the state concession of the islet became property, so the place took on the name of Islet Brancati.

The Latomie of Marzamemi

The Latomie of Marzamemi are among the largest open-pit quarries from the pre-Hellenistic period in all of Sicily, from which the ancient Greeks extracted large blocks of calcarenite to erect temples or other buildings.
Today the area of the latomie lies almost entirely submerged due to rising sea levels over the past millennia.
The location of the quarries close to the shoreline is explained by the choice of transportation system by boats.
The geometric cuts in the rock attest to workings conducted on several overlapping levels, a sign of intensive and continuous use over time.
Scattered almost everywhere on the latomia floor, or stacked close to the breakwater, hundreds of calcarenite blocks can still be observed.

Rudini's Mill - 1897

A few hundred meters from Marzamemi, in contrada Lettiera, is the prestigious oenological establishment Palmento di Rudinì.
The Palmento was erected in 1897 at the behest of Antonio Starrabba marquis of Rudinì, a descendant of the Starrabba princes of Giardinelli and founders of Pachino.
It is an example of industrial archaeology of relevant importance in that, at the time, it was a very technologically advanced structure, comparable to the wine factories that the Florios had built in western Sicily.
Characteristic is the monumental underground cellar that was used to keep the temperature of the must constant, from here through long enoducts, the wine was transferred to the ships moored in the Port Fossa.
In 2010, after impressive restoration work, the plant became a multipurpose center with an attached Ecomuseum, where archaeological and anthropological artifacts from the area are displayed.

Beaches

This corner of Sicily that frames Marzamemi is dotted with enchanting beaches.
North of the village are the beaches of Spinazza, San Lorenzo, Vendicari and Calamosche.
Heading south, on the other hand, one can discover the beaches of Marinella, Cavettone, Vulpiglia and Morghella.
Arriving at Portopalo we find the beach of Scalo Mandrie and the small beach of Capo Passero Island.
Followed by other beaches to the Isola delle Correnti, the southernmost point in Europe and a watershed between the Ionian and Mediterranean seas. Continuing further we encounter the beaches of Carratois, Punto Rio, Costa dell’Ambra, Granelli and Porto Ulisse.

Activities

Snorkeling

Where to sleep in Marzamemi

Services

Umbrellas

Bathrooms

Showers

Deck chairs

The events

Feast of St. Francis of Paola

The feast of the patron saint of Marzamemi is celebrated on the Monday following the Feast of the Assumption, which is August 15.
Suggestive is the sea procession of the simulacrum of the Patron Saint, which still remains one of the most participated moments in the village.
The Simulacrum of St. Francis is embarked on a fishing boat adorned with flowers, on which the authorities and the marching band are also brought up, the procession is followed by hundreds of boats.
Before returning to the marina, the authorities throw a wreath into the sea to remember all the victims of the sea.
Once on land, the statue of the saint continues the procession through the streets of the town.
In the afternoon of the feast day, in the setting of Porto Balata, the cuccagna a mare and the boat race are held, events that represent the oldest and most established marzamarota tradition.

Conclusion

So, this is an overview of your tour in Marzamemi! You have seen some of the most beautiful sights this charming fishing village has to offer and hopefully gained an appreciation for its rich tradition and culture. The Tonnara di Marzamemi is a must-see attraction, with its stunning architecture and fascinating history. But don’t forget to explore the rest of the village, from the picturesque streets lined with traditional houses and stores to the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

And if you are looking for even more adventure, there are many other attractions in the surrounding area to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Marzamemi for an unforgettable experience!

Frequently asked questions

What are the most beautiful beaches to visit in and around Marzamemi?

The beaches around Marzamemi are renowned for their natural beauty and crystal clear waters.
Among the most appreciated are:

San Lorenzo Beach: Located near Marzamemi, it is famous for its fine sand and transparent sea, ideal for families and those who love to relax.
Calamosche Beach: In the Vendicari Nature Reserve, this beach is nestled between two rocky headlands, offering an almost pristine natural environment.
Marchesa Beach: Also known for its tranquility, it offers a serene atmosphere for enjoying the sun and sea in peace.
Portopalo di Capo Passero Beach: At the extreme tip of Sicily, it combines the beauty of the sea with the opportunity to explore the island of Capo Passero.
Marianelli Beach: Also part of the Vendicari Reserve, it is a favorite destination for naturism lovers and those seeking less crowded beaches.

Each of these beaches offers something unique, from clear turquoise waters to breathtaking natural scenery, making the Marzamemi area a true paradise for sea and nature lovers.

Where exactly is Marzamemi located and how can I get there?

Marzamemi is located in the southeastern part of Sicily, belonging to the province of Syracuse.
This charming seaside village is located precisely between the town of Pachino, known for its prized tomatoes, and the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Its prime location, a short distance from the island’s southernmost tip, Capo Passero, makes Marzamemi easily accessible from both Syracuse and other places of interest such as Noto, famous for its Baroque.
To reach Marzamemi, one can use both the state road that connects the main towns on the coast and public transportation with buses that leave from Syracuse and other nearby towns, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the beauty of this Mediterranean pearl nestled between history and nature.

What can’t I miss during my visit to Marzamemi?

During your visit to Marzamemi, there are some not-to-be-missed experiences that capture the essence of this charming seaside village:

Explore the old town: Stroll through the narrow streets of Marzamemi, admiring the colorful historic buildings, the main square and craft stores offering unique local products.
Visit the Tonnara di Marzamemi: Discover the history of tuna fishing in Sicily by visiting the ancient Tonnara, one of the most significant examples of this important industry for local maritime culture.
Taste Modica chocolate and other specialties: Don’t miss the chance to sample the culinary delights of the area, including Modica’s famous chocolate, local wines, and fresh seafood dishes.
Enjoy the beaches: Spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches near Marzamemi, such as San Lorenzo and the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural scenery.
Attend the cultural events: If your visit coincides with the summer period, don’t miss the cultural events and festivals that enliven Marzamemi, including the Marzamemi Film Festival, which transforms the village into a meeting point for film enthusiasts from all over the world.

Every corner of Marzamemi offers something unique, making each visit a rich and memorable experience.

Are there any boat excursions available in Marzamemi?

Yes, there are fascinating boat excursions in Marzamemi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline and crystal clear waters of southeastern Sicily from a different perspective.
These excursions allow visitors to discover remote beaches, hidden coves and snorkeling sites, where they can admire the area’s rich marine biodiversity.
Some tours also include visits to Capo Passero Island and the Vendicari Nature Reserve, famous for their natural beauty and breathtaking views.
You can find various offers for boat tours, suitable for families, groups or couples, to experience an unforgettable adventure on the sea of Marzamemi.

What are the best accommodation options in Marzamemi for a memorable stay?

Marzamemi offers several accommodation options to make your stay memorable, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Visit our Where to Sleep page to find the perfect accommodation for you!