Scoglitti
Scoglitti, a seaside village in Vittoria
Scoglitti is a small village in Vittoria, Sicily, located on the coast of the Gulf of Gela. This charming seaside resort has about 4,175 inhabitants and is the only village in Vittoria in the free communal consortium of Ragusa. It is located near the archaeological site of Kamarina and overlooks the Sicilian Channel.
Geographical description
The territory of Scoglitti extends over the plain of Vittoria and the coastline offers wide beaches covered with dunes and golden sand. The town is 10.87 km from Vittoria and overlooks the mouth of the Ippari River. The climate is very temperate and dry.
History of Scoglitti
The Arab geographer al-Idrisi knew Scoglitti by the name of "Gazirat el-Haman" ("little rocks of the doves"). Settlements in the area date back to the 17th century, coinciding with the foundation of Vittoria. The village constitutes the outlet to the sea and the port for the connection with Malta. The expansion of the area took place following the abolition of feudalism in 1812. The wine trade and the port served as a loading point for agricultural products, while in the 20th century warehouses for salting fish, which no longer exist today, spread. The development of the urban fabric occurred in the 19th century and remained almost unchanged until the 1950s.
Art and culture
Scoglitti boasts numerous artistic and architectural works. Among these, the Church of Santa Maria di Portosalvo, now called San Francesco di Paola, to distinguish it from the new church of the same name. The Church of Santa Maria di Portosalvo (Scoglitti) built in 1937, is a gift from Pope Pius XI, and inside it, there is the wooden statue of "S. Franciscuzzu", from a Spanish shipwreck in past centuries. Also, the statue of the patron Assunta di Cammarana, Santa Maria di Portosalvo of 1685, and the Lighthouse, an architectural structure in Liberty style. In 2016, in the premises of the Lighthouse, the "Piccolo Museo del Mare" was inaugurated, where maritime traditions meet technology. However, since 2018, the structure is no longer functional.
Festivals and fairs
Every year, in the summer months, Scoglitti celebrates the "Estate scoglittese," an event that offers a rich program of activities and shows. From 2006 to 2011, with the name of "Open Village," the event was included in the tourism promotion calendars of the Sicilian Region and hosted events and artists of national and international fame. Among the most important festivals, there are the "Maria Santissima di Portosalvo Assunta di Kamarina," which takes place from August 1 to the penultimate Sunday of August, and "San Francesco di Paola," celebrated on the second Sunday of July.
In conclusion, Scoglitti is a charming village that boasts a fascinating history and numerous artistic and architectural works. Its beautiful beaches and summer program make this place an excellent destination for vacations. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing place, Scoglitti is definitely a great choice!
