Cuba of Roses in Alcamo
The Cuba delle Rose di Alcamo is an Arab cistern which dates back to about a thousand years ago and is located about 300 meters from the Castle of Calatubo. It is a particular construction of Arab origin which still collects the waters of a nearby spring.
The building was the source of water supply for the inhabitants who resided in the medieval district of Calatubo: the waters of a nearby sources were conveyed by means of particular drainage channels which, thanks to the slopes, made the water resurface in the reservoir.
Cuba is of great archaeological and architectural interest as it is one of the rare constructions , still existing today, having some typical characteristics of " dammusi ", with a square shape and a roof similar to a dome, used to collect rainwater.
The fountain is composed of a chamber internal containing the water, communicating with an external tank, which was the drinking hole for large animals, which in turn carried the excess water back to other small drinking holes for smaller animals, now completely destroyed.
Second ancient testimonies, a garden and a thick palm grove surrounded Cuba: the palm trees provided shade, refreshing them during the hot summer and making it possible to grow fruit trees and vegetables, introduced into the territory. Some legends are linked to this garden and to Cuba.
