The Farming Community of Realmonte (Muntirriali)
The Farming Community of Realmonte (Muntirriali)
Although the territory of Realmonte faces the sea, in the past its inhabitants did not engage in fishing (in fact, there has never been a port or a fishing fleet).
Instead, they were skilled “viddrana” (farmers), capable of cultivating the land and producing vegetables, grains, legumes and fruits of all kinds.
These products, known for their quality and taste, were highly sought after by housewives in the towns where farmers would travel with their carts.
In the early morning, before sunrise, they would heat to the ANTU – the place where they carried out their hard daily labour, whether in the cold or under the scorching sun, to earn the daily bread – sometimes a simple “pistolu” or “muffulettu” (a loaf or round bread).
A “tozzu” (a piece) was eaten for sustenance, while the rest was saved for the family waiting at RROBBA, the countryside home, where the “Fimmina” (woman- wife and mother) awaited the return of the “omu” ( man, husband and father) from the Antu; rasising the children with great dedication. In those times, poverty in Realmonte demanded a life of sacrifice and hardship, sustained by simple meals based on the fruits of the land. These products were sometimes bartered for equally humble fish – “di friiri” (for frying) or “di brodo” (for soup) – from nearby towns as Porto Empedocle and Siculiana, where ports allowed for fishing activities.
“U Puzzu de Preguli” tells the story of the farming society of Realmonte and also serves as a valuable asset for nature and experience – based tourism. It is part of a trail network that includes hiking paths, cycling routes, and bridleways along the Lido Rossello – Pergole route. The well is located within a narrow valley and is accessible to the road. Both well and the road (represented on the map as a circle connected to a long, narrow strip of land) need to be restored and repurpose, including for potential use as a water resource.
