Meghalithic Walls

Discover the hidden gems of Cefalù by taking a stroll along the ancient megalithic walls, just a stone’s throw away from your Miramare home. Immerse yourself in centuries of history and feel the energy of the walls as you walk towards the nearby port and sandy beach. Capture breathtaking artistic photos, hold hands with your loved ones and experience the perfect romantic getaway in the most shadowy part of the vibrant summer city. They are called “megalithic” or even “cyclopean” because of the size of the blocks used. In fact, the walls are about six meters high and were built using the dry-stone technique, superimposing blocks three meters thick. The construction of the megalithic walls of Cefalù dates back to the period between the fourth and fifth centuries BC. After the 16th century the walls began to be dismantled in order to use the blocks for the construction of houses. There were two different lines of fortifications. The first, the lower one, protected the city from both pirate raids and storm surges caused by the Grecale, Levante and Maestrale winds. A second fortified line ran along the slopes of the Rocca and protects the castle of Cefalu. Along the megalithic walls of Cefalù, at least until the 16th century, there were four different gates. The only one that still exists today is Porta Marina. Of the others, two opened to the south: Porta Ossuna, located in what is now Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, and Porta Terra, the remains of which are partially visible and incorporated into the Clock Tower in Piazza Garibaldi. The last was the Giudecca Gate and was located to the east, in the area where the Jewish quarter was located. Dating back to the fourth and fifth centuries BC, the megalithic walls of Cefalù are an architectural masterpiece built using the dry-stone technique, with blocks as thick as three meters. Once a defensive fortification for the Greek polis of Kephaloidon, the walls stand tall at about six meters and are truly a sight to behold. Although parts of the walls were dismantled in the 16th century, the remaining fortifications still serve as a testament to the city’s rich history. You can even walk through the only remaining gate, Porta Marina, or explore the remnants of the other gates that opened towards the south and east.

Take a step back in time and experience the magic of the megalithic walls of Cefalù on your next summer vacation.