Cocuzza family from Monterosso Almo
Davide Mauro - CC4.0
The Cocuzza family, who built their sumptuous home in Monterosso, was one of the most influential Sicilian families of the late nineteenth century.
The Cocuzza family, together with the Florio family, were considered among the richest and most influential Sicilian families: the first made its fortune on the sea, the Cocuzza family made it with the railways.
In the Cocuzza family there were several prominent personalities who they also held important institutional roles, such as Federico Cocuzza who held the role of deputy and senator of Italy for several years. In particular, Senator Federico Cocuzza, at the beginning of the last century, put together all his forces and his influence to create a new section of railway that started from Syracuse, forked at the crossroads of Giarratana to reach Ragusa or Caltagirone. , passing near Monterosso.
Today, some tunnels remain of that railway, small abandoned stations and a project to transform it into a fascinating trekking route. The last whistle dates back to 1956.
The decline of the Cocuzza family begins with the death of their son, a tragic event accompanied by stories between truth and legend: it is said that the Cocuzza family's son, after death, was treated as if were still alive, he was dressed and cared for. The pain was such that even the construction of the last wing of the palace was interrupted.
