Cava Grande and the legend of Rosario and Grazia: a hidden treasure of Rosolini

In the heart of the province of Syracuse, specifically in Rosolini, lies Cava Grande, a deep valley known for its wild beauty and archaeological richness. One of the most fascinating areas of the valley is Cava Cansisina, which holds traces of an ancient rock settlement dating back to Byzantine times. In this picturesque setting are two hypogea, ancient tombs dug into the rock, evidence of the life that once animated these areas.

But Cava Cansisina is not only a place of archaeological interest. Here is intertwined a love story that has fascinated generations of locals: the story of Rosario and Grazia, a couple who lived in Rosolini in the late 1700s. Their story was told by the notary Faustino Maltese, a local chronicler, who recounted their love story, set among these ancient rocks. The legend tells of a troubled love, in which the rugged nature of the quarry reflected the difficult obstacles the couple faced.

In addition to their romantic affair, Cansisina Quarry is a place steeped in thousands of years of history. Byzantine hypogea represent an important find, testifying to the use of these caves as places of worship and burial during the Late Antique period. The proximity to the Holy Cross Hermitage, an ancient place of prayer and meditation, amplifies the feeling of sacredness that permeates the area.

Today, Cava Cansisina is a destination for trekking and archaeology enthusiasts, although hikes require time and preparation because of the impervious terrain. To visit these ancient crypts is to take a plunge into the past, into a world where history is intertwined with myth and where love stories seem to be written in the stones.