Cimillà: SP81 Panorama and Prehistoric Finds

Cimillà is a notable landmark for the SP81 scenic road: this is where a route through rural areas begins, offering sweeping views across a hilly area close to the coast. At the same time, a fossil discovery from a karst cave in Contrada Cimillà reaches far back into the Pleistocene. Another architectural point of interest is the fortified Masseria Relais Cimillà.

Landscape along the SP81

The SP81 scenic road begins at Contrada Cimillà, at the SP25 Ragusa Marina, follows the SP37 towards Camemi, and then joins the SP25 again. This sequence provides clear points of reference along the route if you would like to include a scenic drive in your travel plans.

The SP81 passes through rural areas with dry-stone walls, carob trees, and masserie. From the road, you can enjoy elevated views across much of the hilly area close to the coast, extending towards Pozzallo and Malta. The route thus combines specific details along the way with a broad view across the landscape.

If you enjoy combining different landscape impressions, the SP81 offers a distinctive travel theme: on the one hand, rural features shape the route; on the other, views open up towards the coast and Malta. This combination makes the scenic road a fitting focus for travelers who want the landscape to inform their choice of location.

A fortified masseria

Relais Cimillà is an old fortified masseria, rebuilt in 1700 on the structure of an old noble castle. The houses of the workers were arranged around the large courtyard, or baglio, along with the owner's house—which was larger and more elaborately decorated than the other homes—and a small church.

The baglio is the spatial focal point of this layout. The difference between the houses also makes the arrangement easy to understand: the owner's house stood apart from the others in its size and decoration, while the small church was another building within the complex. For those interested in architecture, the appeal lies in this specific interplay of courtyard, houses, and church.

A glimpse far back into the Pleistocene

A karst cave in Contrada Cimillà on the Hyblean Plateau yielded numerous Pleistocene mammal bones. A study published in 1992 identifies the remains of the dwarf megacerine Megaloceros (Megaceroides) carburangelensis (De Gregorio, 1925) as predominant. Smaller numbers of remains were found belonging to Cervus siciliae Pohlig, Elephas cf. mnaidriensis Adams, Ursus cf. arctos L., and birds.

These finds take us to a very different timescale from the road route and the history of the masseria. They can prompt conversations with children about which animals lived in this area in the past and how such finds differ from the landscape we see today. The animal groups mentioned also offer a specific comparison: one species was particularly common, while other mammals and birds were found in smaller numbers.

Choose the right travel focus

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Cimillà, the SP81 can be a specific point of reference when choosing a location: the route begins at Contrada Cimillà. Consider whether you would like to plan your trip primarily around the landscape or the area's natural history. That way, finding accommodation becomes part of a considered travel decision—not just choosing a name on the map.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Acate, Punta Secca, Ispica, San Filippo, Monterosso Almo, Modica, Camemi, Frigintini.

For the main travel overview: Ragusa.