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2023 - Quarry of S.Antonio
Project Type
Photo Essay
Date
February, 2023
Location
Melilli, Siracusa, Italy
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In February, while photographing in Sicily, I visited several quarries, but none left as strong an impression as the St. Antonio Quarry near Syracuse. Nestled beneath the small hill town of Melilli—whose name aptly echoes "beauty"—this limestone quarry dates back to the late 15th century, a time when the Aragonese expanded their reach from Sicily to the Italian mainland, spurring architectural growth and a demand for fine stone.
The 1693 Val di Noto earthquake devastated the region, prompting large-scale reconstruction. Stones from St. Antonio were quarried extensively, shaping the Baroque revival in Val di Noto; its limestone even reached Catania’s cathedral. Centuries of extraction carved the quarry into a true labyrinth, with narrow passages connecting cavernous spaces up to eight stories high. During WWII, the British used it as an arms depot, adding yet another layer of history.
After years of abandonment, the quarry has recently found new life as a cultural venue. I owe thanks to a gracious lady at the Melilli tourism office, who kindly arranged my visit with Jacob, the current manager. He opened the quarry's gates for me alone, sharing its history with enthusiasm and reviving the storied echoes of this remarkable place.