Pozzo di Gammazita

A few steps away from Ursino Castle, going via S. Calogero, you will come across the ancient pit that is entirely covered with lava stone of the 1669 eruption. A legendary place where water flowed. And under the water they were visible some red stains. Magnesium encrustations which are for Catania people the blood stains of Gammazita.

As for the legend, during the French domination, a soldier lost his mind to a young woman of Catania, Gammazita. Since he wanted her at all costs, he started persecuted and flattered the woman. But, since she was promised to another man, she always denied him. The wedding day, before reaching the church, Gammazita went to the pit to drink its water and the soldier abused her. Since she didn’t want to dishonour her family, she preferred to die by throwing herself into the pit.

Today you can visit it thanks to the guided tours organised by the association “Gammazita”, that works for its recovery and enhancement.