Greek era

Its history, however, has ancient origins. There are various pieces of archaeological evidence from settlements during the Greek era.
There are, in fact, still some latomies that exist (holes made from the rock) from the 5th century A.C. used in the Ancient Greek city of Eloro for the construction of temples and monuments, a small necropolis near Sveva Tower and a stretch of Via Elorina, a street that connected Eloro to Syracuse back then.

Byzantine era

The district with clear Byzantine influences is found to the south of Vendicari, called "Cittadella dei Maccari". Here, you can admire a Byzantine Cuba in a square-plan with three apses, a greater dome and an opening to the east that is illuminated by the sunlight that rises and then the light of the moon that, entering the building, marked the start of Easter.
Nearby there are several catacombs that go back to the same period, and the remains of homes, the sign of a densely populated area.

Medieval era

The Reserve's most visited building goes back to this era. Sveva Tower, probably built by Pietro d'Aragona, the Count of Alburquerque and Duke of Noto (1406-1438). This fortification was necessary to push back attacks by Saracen and Barbarian pirates and to guard and defend the warehouses where food reserves used for trade was stored.

Modern age

More recently, though no less fascinating, there is the Tonnara di Vendicari; a tuna fishing system built in the eighteenth century following the great influx of fish into Sicily. With periods of fish aplenty alternating with more barren periods, the system was completely overhauled in 1914.
In 1943, it was closed. What was once nearly a hundred metres of ruins, the beams that supported the roof, the high chimney stack and the fishermen's houses, have been completely restored and given to the community.

Our homes in Sicily. Our experiences in Sicily. More information here.