The origins of the historic Tonnara di Marzamemi are lost in the mists of time, dating back to when the Arabs established what would become the most important Tonnara or tuna fishery in eastern Sicily, around the year one thousand. Its name is said to derive from the Arabic ‘marsa al hamem’, translated into Italian as ‘rada delle tortore’ or ‘bay of doves’. The current layout of the hamlet dates back to the period from the mid-17th to mid-18th century, and the Prince’s Palace – il Palazzo del Principe – is the work of the great architect Vermexio. The small village consists of the Palazzo del Principe, the Loggia degli Scieri (now a lodge, but originally serving as a shelter for the large tuna boats), the church of San Francesco di Paola, the old tuna processing plant and about fifty fishermen's houses, all surrounding the large Piazza Regina Margherita.

THE HISTORY OF TONNARA MARZAMEMI

The origin of the name ‘Marzamemi’ is controversial and still hotly debated today: some believe it derives from the Arabic words ‘marza’ meaning ‘port’ and ‘memi’ meaning ‘small’, while according to glottologist Corrado Avolio from Noto, the toponym comes from the Arabic ‘marsà ‘al hamam’, meaning ‘bay of doves’, referring to the abundant presence of these birds in springtime. Simone Sultano, meanwhile, suggests that it has also been mistakenly derived from the expression ‘marza e memi’, referring to headlice, as mothers used to use this term while looking for parasites in their children's hair. In his book about stories and legends from Pachino to Capopassero ("Pachum Pachynos Pachino storie e leggende da Pachino a Capopassero”), Antonino Terranova also mentions another theory, according to which ‘Memi’ refers to Eufemio, the former commander of the Byzantine fleet who rebelled against Emperor Michele II, known as the Stammerer, and sided with the Arabs in their quest to conquer the island. Thus, ‘Marza-Memi’ would therefore signify ‘Port of Eufemio’, in the same way that Marsala means ‘Port of Ali’ or ‘Port of Allah’.

The current layout of the hamlet dates back to the period from the mid-17th to mid-18th century, and the Prince’s Palace – il Palazzo del Principe – is the work of the great architect Vermexio. The small village consists of the Palazzo del Principe, the Loggia degli Scieri, the church of San Francesco di Paola, the old tuna processing plant and about fifty fishermen's houses, all surrounding the large Piazza Regina Margherita. The Loggia degli Scieri is an imposing single large room, formerly used to house the large tuna boats (‘scieri’), which were launched directly into the sea from here. Palazzo Villadorata sits in the very centre of the Tonnara. It is an elegant Baroque building on two levels with a magnificent 250-square-metre terrace overlooking Piazza Regina Margherita, featuring the Prince's apartment on the first ‘piano nobile’ floor and a large panoramic terrace facing the sea.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT TONNARA MARZAMEMI

The Loggia degli Scieri lodge is unique: it is a marvellous single space with an open layout covering approximately 750 square metres. It also offers service and support areas and catering facilities, and is ideal for hosting receptions, gala dinners, meetings, conventions, events, weddings and other types of event.

Palazzo Villadorata offers luxury accommodation, with the Prince's apartment on the ‘piano nobile’ floor, providing sleeping space for up to sixteen guests distributed among five rooms, plus five bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and a large panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. On the ground floor, the beautiful tree-lined courtyard is suitable for outdoor cocktails and receptions, and there are two large suites, each sleeping two to four people, with access to the courtyard.

Manager of Tonnara Marzamemi: Domenico Bonaccorsi di Reburdone.