Testa dell'Acqua: Culture, Karst Landscape and Sicilian Festivals

Testa dell’Acqua combines cultural history, natural landscapes and culinary tradition. Its local profile includes a museum dedicated to the history of southeastern Sicily, the Cava Testa dell’Acqua, religious festivals and traditional baked goods.

Museum and Traces of the Past

The MAT – Museo antropologico di Testa dell’Acqua is located in Testa dell’Acqua, a district of Contrada Mezzo Gregorio. It was founded to re-examine the history of southeastern Sicily from a comprehensive perspective. Its approach encompasses anthropology, history, ecology and technology. Anthropology deals with people and their ways of life, while ecology focuses on the natural environment; history and technology complement this perspective. Greek-Hellenistic farmsteads are also connected with Testa dell’Acqua.

Gorge, Karst and a Marked Trail

The Cava Testa dell’Acqua lies in a landscape of carbonate complex and river valley, where both surface and subterranean karst occur. Grotta Burritta is located in this gorge. The route to the Cava follows the SP64 towards Testa dell’Acqua. 4.7 kilometres after the turnoff, turn right onto an unpaved road; from the starting point, continue along a well-marked trail. The change between sections is important when planning the route: the access road and the marked trail do not begin at the same point, so the SP64, unpaved road and marked trail must be treated as separate parts of the access route to the Cava when planning the journey. The small “bberritta” spring is also located in the Cava. It is active all year round, although it carries less water during the dry months.

Festivals Between Faith and Farming Tradition

U Cummitu is a traditional rite held on 1 May in Testa dell’Acqua that combines religious devotion with appreciation for the fruits of the land. The Feast of San Isidoro in Testa dell’Acqua includes a re-enactment of traditional ploughing and the traditional Gran Galà degli Asini. The festival is associated with the second Sunday in September. The re-enactment of ploughing gives concrete expression to the farming connection at the heart of the festival programme.

Ricotta, Wine and Historic Breads

The third edition of the Sagra della Ricotta takes place in Testa dell’Acqua. Fresh ricotta is at the centre of the event; the food stalls also offer filled panini and local wine. The breads dedicated to Saint Isidore, known as cudduri di Sant’Isidoro, are considered a historic speciality. Until 1957, they were prepared by women from the Testa dell’Acqua district of Noto. They consisted of small rings made from unleavened bread, as well as X- or S-shaped rolls decorated with a fork. The dedication to Saint Isidore connects this baking tradition with the festival bearing the same name.

Discover More Destinations

Find more places here: Città Giardino, Brucoli, Melilli, Francofonte, Noto, Solarino, Pachino, Villasmundo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Syracuse.