Occhiolà, Archaeological site in Grammichele, Italy
Occhiolà is an archaeological site in Grammichele where remains of medieval buildings, churches, and a fortress are scattered across ridges on Terravecchia hill. The ruins sit at about 490 meters elevation and reveal how a former settlement was laid out across the slopes.
The site was inhabited from Hellenistic times and may have connections to the ancient settlement of Echetla based on early investigations. A devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed the town completely, prompting a local prince to build a new settlement nearby called Grammichele.
The site served as a living community for many centuries, with structures showing how people organized their daily lives across the hillside.
The site sits on a hillside and requires decent fitness to explore the scattered ruins across the slopes. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and have sun protection since the area offers little shade.
Beneath the visible medieval ruins lie traces showing the site was occupied during Hellenistic times, making it far older than the structures visitors typically see. This deeper history often goes unnoticed when people focus on the more obvious later buildings.
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