A monument to the Madonna del Soccorso stands on the Sciacca waterfront.

The Fosse Granarie del Caricatore is an ancient storage facility that was used to hold grains.  The grain pits were dug into the rock, and were shaped like tunnels.  They were called “cannoli,” and just maybe this is where the name of the popular sweet comes from, as they share the same shape.  I guess it is possible to visit the granaries in peak season, but they were closed, during our time in the city.

The former Chiesa di San Paolo dates from the XV century.  When walking around the area near the church, it is no wonder it is no longer functioning as a place of worship.  The area is mostly abandoned, with the exception of a popular restaurant on a pier.

As we explored, we came upon a fun art installation, placed on a terrace, and overlooking the sea.

Vincenzo Licata was an Italian poet, who was born in Sciacca in 1906.  Licata was proud of the education he got, not by attending any particular school, but rather by breathing in the salt air, saying that his university was the sea, and his schoolmates, the local fishermen.  Among his most important work was the poem titled “Sciacca,” in which he paid tribute to the city of his birth.  So, it is only fitting that his monument is placed where it is, alongside the boats of the local fishermen, whose passion for the sea he shared.  The monument dates from 2010, and is the work of the local artist, Filippo Prestia.

Next up: We head back up to the historical district, for a last walk around!

<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Sciacca, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!</em>