Cimillà: SP81, Masseria history and Pleistocene finds

Near Contrada Cimillà, the SP81 scenic route begins at the SP25 Ragusa Marina. From there, it follows the SP37 towards Camemi and rejoins the SP25. If you are interested in its course, you can trace the route by following these junctions; its character also comes through in the rural landscape and the elevated views along the way.

Landscape along the SP81

The SP81 passes through rural areas with dry-stone walls, carob trees and masserie. Along the route, elevated views stretch across much of the hilly area near the coast, towards Pozzallo and Malta. Walls and trees shape the roadside scenery, while the views extend beyond the immediate surroundings. This brings together two distinct impressions: landscape details and expansive views. The information is also useful in different ways when planning your trip: the road names help you trace the route, while the views describe what makes the route distinctive in landscape terms. If you are comparing routes with rural features and wide-ranging views, the SP81 offers specific points of reference.

The architectural history of Relais Cimillà

Relais Cimillà is an old fortified masseria, rebuilt in 1700 on the structure of an old aristocratic castle. This allows two building phases to be distinguished: the older castle structure and the rebuilding of the masseria in 1700. Around the large inner courtyard (baglio) stood the workers’ homes, the owner’s house—which was larger and more ornately decorated than the other residences—and a small church. The baglio thus forms the spatial reference point for the various buildings; the owner’s house also stands out explicitly from the others in its size and decoration. If you are interested in architecture, you can understand the complex both through its fortifications and through the arrangement of buildings around the courtyard.

Pleistocene finds in Contrada Cimillà

A karst cave in Contrada Cimillà on the Hyblean Plateau yielded numerous Pleistocene mammal bones. Paleontological studies from 1992 and 1993 identify the remains of the dwarf megacerine Megaloceros (Megaceroides) carburangelensis (De Gregorio, 1925) as predominant. Remains of Cervus siciliae Pohlig, Elephas cf. mnaidriensis Adams, Ursus cf. arctos L. and birds were found in smaller numbers. The assemblage is therefore clearly dominated by the dwarf megacerine, but also includes several other mammals and birds. Compared with the masseria’s architectural history, the cave find opens up a different time horizon: it concerns Pleistocene wildlife, not another historical building phase.

When deciding whether Cimillà is a suitable place to stay, it helps to distinguish between these topics: the SP81 represents a road route through the countryside, the relais offers a specific architectural history, and the cave find is a matter of paleontology. Consider which of these appeals to your travel plans before comparing Cimillà with other possible places to stay.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Frigintini, Comiso, Cava D'aliga, Scoglitti, Pietre Nere San Zagaria, Campanella-gianforma, Michelica, Giarratana.

For the main travel overview: Ragusa.