The Parco Forza Archaeological Site represents the historical area of Ispica, inside which it is possible to admire important finds and discover the fascinating history of this Sicilian town. The name of this park derives from the nomenclature of this area, known by all as Forza, inherited from Fortilitium, the term used to indicate the fortification that protected the territory of Ispica in ancient times.
The history of Ispica told at the Forza Park
The first human settlements in this area, according to the findings unearthed by archaeological excavations, date back to the Ancient Bronze Age, therefore around 3000 BC. The current Ispica saw the light shortly after 1100, where Spaccaforno was colonized by the Normans, the first name of this city, located right in the current Parco Forza, which today offers, in addition to wonderful landscapes, also the possibility to view the ancient finds and important finds of incredible archaeological importance, from which it was possible to reconstruct the history of these fascinating places.
What to see at the Parco Forza di Ispica Archaeological Site
Inside the Parco Forza Archaeological Site you can see the ancient remains of the old Ispica and the first forms of civilization that settled. The places of the old rock settlements, archaic tombs, sanctuaries and numerous artificial caves obtained by digging the rock can still be visited today. Not only references to the Protohistoric Era, it is also possible to find the remains of more developed settlements. This last category includes an amphitheater and the ancient Church of the Annunziata, in addition to the majestic Palazzo Marchionale, the most important building of the time that was destroyed following the earthquake of 1693, of which today we can only admire some details. between floors, granaries and warehouses. A little further away are the remains of an old stable, including a cave that served as a stable, where both the mangers and various graffiti depicting the horses on the walls have remained in excellent condition. In addition, during the Christmas period, the Parco della Forza becomes the location of the living nativity scene of Ispica, the most important living nativity scene in Sicily, capable of attracting the attention of thousands of tourists every year from all over the region, and beyond.
The Cava d’Ispica
The Parco Forza Archaeological Site is included within a larger area called Cava d’Ispica. It is a river valley, extending for about 13 km, where it is possible to see other details on a past civilization. The Cava d’Ispica reaches, in some points, up to a depth of 100 meters and sees the presence of two watercourses, which have allowed the growth of a rich vegetation, as well as guaranteeing, at the time, the ideal conditions for the first human settlements.