Pozzallo
Welcome to Pozzallo, a tourist and seaside town located in beautiful Sicily. With its 18,913 inhabitants, Pozzallo is located in the province of Ragusa and is famous for its port, wide beaches and the 1400 Cabrera Tower. In this text, we will present the physical geography of Pozzallo, the origins of its name, and its history.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Pozzallo is divided into flat and sub-hilly parts. It is located about 35 kilometers from the city of Ragusa and borders the municipalities of Modica and Ispica. It is the least extensive municipality in the province of Ragusa but has the highest population density.
Climate
The climate of Pozzallo is Mediterranean, with mild and rainy winters and hot summers with few precipitation, but made more bearable by the sea breeze. According to a 2001 ENEA research on solar irradiance, Pozzallo is the second most exposed Italian municipality to the sun, surpassed only by Pachino. Thanks to its 6,035 Joules/m², the value of the average annual solar radiation makes Pozzallo an ideal place for outdoor life.
Origins of Name
The name Pozzallo has ancient roots. In fact, until the 9th century, the area was called "Pausis Alòs" by the Saracens, which means "port to the sea" in Greek. In the 10th century, the area was called "Puteus-alòs," which means "well to the sea." In the 12th century, after the Islamic conquest of Sicily, the territory was called "Marsa as Deramini," which in Arabic means "port of camels," while in the 15th century, the forms "Alpusalli," "Poçallo," "Pocial," and "Puoçalo" alternated. In the 16th century, the toponym is indicated as "Lapuzzallu," "La Puzzallu," "La Puzzòla," and "Puozzàla." In the 17th century, the most common form was "Puzzallus" and "Puzzallum." Over time, there have been many transcription or interpretation errors of the toponym. For example, the name is asserted to derive from the Latin "pecium," which means "agricultural measure." However, the most common form is the current one, namely "Pozzallo."
History
Prehistory and Classical Age
The first traces of human presence near the city date back to prehistoric times and are found in Necropoli di Bellamagna, Cozzo Rao, and Carpintera. The area was then frequented in Greek times, before receiving the influence of the Romans, who included it in the province of Sicily. Pozzallo remained under Roman rule throughout the republican period, and already in Roman times, the area was known for its relative strategic importance.
Medieval Age
In the medieval period, the territory passed under the dominion of the Arabs and then of the Normans. In 1268, Pozzallo was destroyed by Charles of Anjou but was soon rebuilt thanks to the contribution of the local population. In the 15th century, Pozzallo was included in the possessions of Giovanni Villena, Duke of Modica, and later fell under the jurisdiction of the Orsini.
Modern Age
During the modern era, Pozzallo was involved in bitter conflicts between local aristocratic households. In the 18th century, the city expanded due to the increase in commercial activity in the port. In the 19th century, Pozzallo suffered heavy damage following the earthquake of 1693.
Contemporary Age
During World War II, Pozzallo was occupied by American troops, who landed here in 1943 during Operation Husky. After the war, the city experienced a period of tourist and commercial development, thanks above all to the increase in shipping traffic connecting the city to other European destinations.
In conclusion, Pozzallo is a municipality that preserves its ancient history and has been a protagonist of the main historical events of Sicily. Thanks to its strategic position, the territory has been at the center of important commercial routes for centuries. Today, Pozzallo is a renowned tourist destination, thanks to its wide beaches and mild climate throughout the year. Come and discover Pozzallo, the city with ancient charm and breathtaking beauty!
