Tonnara of Scopello
The Tonnara di Scopello is one of the oldest in Sicily.
The original nucleus of the Tonnara di Scopello dates back to the 13th century. The body of the building was leaning against the rock and dominated by a watchtower: at the time the Tonnara represented an enormous wealth and had to be defended and monitored. The second tower visible above the trap, which dates back to the fifteenth century, designed by the Florentine engineer Camillo Camilliani, was always built for defensive purposes but does not fall within the territory pertaining to the trap.
The complex underwent extensions and modifications during the 15th and 16th centuries by the Sanclemente family. These extensions involved the construction of all the buildings that surround the ancient nucleus of the tonnara. The ownership of the trap then passed to the Society of Jesus and finally to the Florio family. The heirs of the Florio family are still the owners today.
The area is accessible to tourists upon payment of an entrance ticket. With the ticket it is possible to stop in the areas open to the public and take advantage of the deck chairs made available. The ticket includes a guided tour of the tonnara which takes place at set times during the day and lasts about 45 minutes.
The Tonnara di Scopello can be easily reached by car and a paid parking is available in the area.
