Vassallaggi

Vassallaggi is an archaeological complex spread across five hills between the Salso and Platani rivers at 704 meters elevation. The site features marked paths passing through ancient burial grounds, water storage cisterns, and residential structures from multiple periods of occupation.

The site shows continuous habitation from the Early Bronze Age until around 320 BCE, with evidence of Sicanian settlements and later Greek colonization influences. Archaeological finds point to different phases of economic and cultural development across these centuries.

The sanctuary between the second and third hills shows an altar for sacrifices and rooms with terracotta busts dedicated to the goddess Demeter and her daughter Kore. These objects suggest that people gathered here to perform religious ceremonies and seek blessings for good harvests.

The area is best explored earlier in the day when the sun is less intense, as there is little shade and the site requires substantial walking. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, and a flashlight can help you examine the underground cisterns and rooms more closely.

The necropolis contains sarcophagi made of alabaster plaster and imported pottery from leading Athenian workshops of the 5th century BCE. These costly imports reveal that residents had connections to wealthy trading networks across the Mediterranean.