Scopello
Scopello: a charming coastal town in the province of Trapani
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about Scopello, a truly charming coastal town located in the province of Trapani, in Sicily. The name of this village derives from the "faraglioni," or the rocks that emerge from the sea, visible from the town's beach.
Physical Geography
Scopello has about 118 residents, but during the summer, the number of tourists who visit exceeds 2,000. The village has grown around an ancient Baglio, an example of typical historical architecture of the area, located just over 10 km from the communal capital of Castellammare del Golfo. At the foot of Scopello, there is the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a wonder of nature that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Don't miss the "faraglioni" and the tuna fishery.
A short distance from the Baglio is Guidaloca, a bay with a beach about 400 meters long, made of pebbles, and limited by the "Pizzo della Gnacara" and the "Puntazza." On the west side of the bay, there is a cylindrical tower dating back to the sixteenth century, positioned to guard that stretch of coast.
History
The history of Scopello is ancient and fascinating. The first settlement on the promontory where the town is located dates back to the Hellenistic age, continued during the Roman and Arab periods of Sicily. In the thirteenth century, Emperor Frederick II of Swabia granted the land of Scopello to the Piedmontese Oddone de Camerana and the Lombard Knights of Sicily who arrived with him on the island. Then, in 1237, Oddone and his knights moved to Corleone, and Emperor Frederick II granted Scopello in feudalism to the city of Monte San Giuliano (now Erice).
The current village developed in the seventeenth century and is divided into two main parts: the Baglio, traditionally considered of Norman origin but dating back to the eighteenth century, and a small square with the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which became a parish in 1961, and a few houses.
Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies elected the Scopello area, with the nearby eponymous forest, to the rank of royal reserve for hunting, visiting it twice in 1830 and 1859. During the unification of Italy, the inhabitants of Scopello sided with the Bourbons and engaged in a battle with the Piedmontese forces who tried to settle in the area. After the expulsion of the Bourbons, the Scopello hunting reserve was assigned to a state-owned company tasked with disposing of the assets of the old Bourbon state and was purchased at very low prices by affiliates of the Castellammare del Golfo mafia, who then resold the land at market prices.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Tonnara
The tonnara of Scopello is one of the oldest and most important tuna fisheries in Sicily. The first buildings date back to the thirteenth century, while the actual tonnara was built in the fifteenth century by Giovanni Sanclemente and expanded by the Sanclemente family during the sixteenth century. It subsequently passed to the Jesuit Order and then to the Florio family. The tonnara ceased operations in 1984 and has since been renovated and turned into a museum.
The Faraglioni of Scopello
The Faraglioni of Scopello are a popular tourist attraction. They are characterized by their impressive rocks that rise from the sea, creating a stunning image. They can be reached on foot from the beach of Scopello, or - for those who love hiking and diving - they can be explored underwater.
In conclusion, Scopello represents a real treasure of southern Italy. Its millenary history, the beauty of the surrounding nature, and the presence of unique attractions such as the tonnara and the Faraglioni make it an ideal destination for those who want to truly experience Sicily. Come discover this little paradise on the Trapani coast and you won't be disappointed!
