Ciprigna Arab Cuba in Vicari
The Cuba of Ciprigna, also known as Cuba of Ciprina or Arab Cuba, is an architectural structure that testifies to the presence of the Arab people in the territory of Vicari.
It was originally built in a countryside area, far from the town centre, but today , following the territorial expansion of the village, appears surrounded by buildings of modern construction.
The term Ciprina, which in the classical period was attributed to the goddess Venus, leads to support the hypothesis that the Cuba was dedicated to Venus, or built over the remains of a building from the classical period dedicated to the goddess.
It is believed that the main function of the structure was that of a cistern as nearby there is a source of water which, probably , was part of an ancient Arab water network.
From an architectural point of view, Cuba has a square plan, with four pointed arch openings placed in the center of each side and is surmounted by a hemispherical cap made of stone blocks room with radial seats. The openings on the sides face exactly the four cardinal points.
In Sicily other buildings with the same architectural characteristics: the Cubula di Palermo and the Church of San Cataldoin Palermo.
