Situated on the rugged northwestern coast of Sicily, Scopello, one of its most picturesque villages. It welcomes customers seeking to experience the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean with the most stunning cliffs, crystal clear waters and authentic Sicilian culture. Boasting a rich history that dates back centuries, one of the village’s most notable landmarks is the Tonnara of Scopello, which offers a glimpse into the fascinating history and deep-rooted traditions of Sicily. Scopello is a place where history, culture and natural splendour join to create a truly unforgettable experience.
This idyllic village’s fascinating history tells of the ancient Greeks who first settled there and the many civilizations that followed. Although occupied by the Romans and the Byzantines, it was the Arabs who had the greatest influence on its culture and architecture and gave Scopello its name translated from “cliff” in Arabic.
The Tonnara of Scopello
The Tonnara is probably the most iconic feature of Scopello’s coastline and is testament to the deep-rooted fishing traditions of the region. It offers a glimpse into the past, illustrating the pivotal role that tuna fishing has played in Sicily’s past. The buildings with their fish processing structures, were first established in the 13th century by the Normans, who noted tuna’s prevalence in Scopello’s waters. You can still see the fishermen’s huts but the most significant features are the stone walls and arched doorways that are characteristic of the architecture of the era.
The annual tuna migration “the mattanza” meant that tuna fishing was the main livelihood of the community of Scopello, who worked together to catch and process the fish. It was a time of bustling activity, where fishermen and workers would gather to harvest the sea’s rich offerings.
The traditional tuna fishing method was labor-intensive with a team of fishermen encircling a school of tuna with large nets, ushering them into a central chamber. Here they were processed into a variety of products, such as salted tuna and bottarga, a cured fish roe delicacy.
Sadly modern fishing methods and a decline in the number of tuna in the 20th Century made the traditional tuna fishing industry no longer economically viable, but the historic value of this cultural treasure, the Tonnara, was recognized. So in the late 20th century restoration efforts were initiated to preserve the buildings which were transformed into a cultural and historical visitor centre.
The Village of Scopello
Scopello is a charming village with a traditional character which offers visitors a calm and beautiful setting in which to relax. As well as being used as a backdrop for many films and artistic projects, a visit to the Tonnara provides a memorable opportunity to learn about its history and enjoy the enduring beauty of Sicily’s coastline.
