Monte San Mauro, Archaeological site in Caltagirone, Italy.
Monte San Mauro is an archaeological site near Caltagirone with hundreds of tombs carved directly into the limestone rock face. The graves are circular in shape and still contain traces of weapons, jewelry, and pottery left behind by the people who lived here long ago.
The site was established around 4000 years ago and shows how people in ancient times buried their dead. Later, one tomb was converted into a Christian chapel, showing how communities adapted old structures for their new religious practices.
The tombs reveal how people who lived here conducted their burial rites and what objects they valued enough to place with the dead. Walking through the site, you can observe the patterns of how graves were arranged and decorated over centuries.
The site is located in open terrain with natural rock formations, so you should wear sturdy shoes and be careful during rainy weather. Information about objects found here can be seen in nearby museums and in Syracuse, which provide helpful context for understanding what you see.
Some of the tombs have pointed arch ceilings, a building style rarely seen in this region and suggesting connections to distant cultures. These architectural details remain clearly visible today and show the skill of the ancient builders.
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