Last Updated on 10 February 2025
Marzamemi is an ancient fishing village, established around 1,600 around its tuna fishery . In fact, tuna was fished and processed here and then exported to other towns along with the wine produced in the surrounding countryside.
Actually, the origins of Marzamemi date back to the period of Arab rule, around the year 1,000. Here, in fact, the first tuna fishery was built, which for many centuries was the main one in the whole of eastern Sicily.
Later around 1600/1700 the tonnara was modified and enlarged and fishermen’s houses, the Villadorata Family palace, and the church of San Francesco di Paola were built. The tonnara remained in operation until 1969, after which it was closed permanently due to lack of tuna.
Marzamemi is to be walked all around, getting lost in the various alleys and small stone houses. Go around the small town freely as I did and enjoy every corner of this magnificent place. You can leave your car in the large parking area before the village.
Where and what to eat in Marzamemi
In Marzamemi you will have the choice between many different restaurants. You can choose a place with a sea view, on the beautiful square or inside the old fishermen’s cottages. A good restaurant, where to eat well is definitely the Donna Nina restaurant , which is located on the square of the village.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Marzamemi, the answer is indeed fish, which you will find fresh and tasty here. Very typical are certainly all the dishes made with tuna, cherry tomatoes from nearby Pachino, fish arancini and prawns from Mazara del Vallo.
Marzamemi is located in the province of Syracuse .. Here you can find an article about what to eat in Syracuse and surroundings .
Here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes and products in general.
