Isab - Erg: Industrial History and Nature at the Saline di Priolo

Around Isab - Erg, the range of themes extends from the history of the ISAB facilities to the nearby Saline di Priolo. The municipality of Melilli also offers natural and cultural sites. For those who associate Sicily with more than just coast and beach, the area offers points of interest for a range of interests: industrial development, wetlands and birdwatching, architecture, archaeology and local cuisine.

Industrial History in Several Phases

The southern ISAB facilities were established in 1972 under the original name ISAB (Industria Siciliana Asfalti e Bitumi) and began operating in 1975. The northern facilities were established in the mid-1950s as SINCAT (Società Industriale Catanese); they began operating around 1960. When the ERG Group took over the northern facilities and the tank farm in 2002, the ERG Raffinerie Mediterranee refinery complex was formed together with the southern facilities. Another phase began in 1993: ERG and EDISON MISSION ENERGY founded the company ISAB Energy to build an IGCC plant for gasifying refinery residues and combined heat and power generation. The company’s history describes it as Europe’s first plant using this process.

Wetlands and Birdwatching

Near Isab - Erg, the Saline di Priolo Nature Reserve protects the last remaining part of a larger wetland that once stretched along the coast between Priolo and Marina di Melilli. A total of 245 bird species have been observed in the salt pans; 80 percent of them are migratory, either wholly or in part. More than half of the bird species observed in Sicily, as well as around 40 percent of those recorded in Italy to date, have been observed in the Saline di Priolo and on the Magnisi Peninsula.

For guided visits, you must book at least one week in advance; groups may not exceed 20 people. From Syracuse, take the SP 55. Follow the signs for Saline di Priolo, the Magnisi Peninsula and Thapsos, then continue along the coast to the entrance to the reserve. Check the reservation terms before your visit.

Nature and Architectural History in the Municipality of Melilli

Two churches in the municipality of Melilli represent different periods of construction. The Basilica di San Sebastiano was built in the second half of the 18th century. The Chiesa Madre, dedicated to San Nicolò, was rebuilt in the 18th century on the remains of an existing 13th-century church.

The local architectural history also includes the Pirrera Sant’Antonio, a quarry where limestone blocks were extracted. It has been used for this purpose since 1450; its maximum height is 27 metres and its average height is 20 metres. Limestone from the Pirrera was used to build the Torre and Castello di Melilli, and, after the 1693 earthquake, buildings and churches as well. Another natural attraction is the Grotta Palombara: this strict nature reserve was established in 1998 and extends for about 800 metres. The archaeological site of Megara Hyblea is also near Melilli; it is the site of an ancient Greek polis founded in 729 BC.

Local Cuisine and the History of the Coast

Cudduruni a miliddisa is a homemade focaccia made with durum wheat semolina. It is topped with anchovies in oil, onions, oregano and sun-dried tomatoes; local Caciocavallo is sometimes added. Cudduruni originated as a rustic focaccia prepared by farmers for important occasions. The dish thus offers a glimpse into a culinary tradition distinct from the area’s architectural and industrial histories.

The history of Marina di Melilli is also part of the story of the coast: the town was a fishing village on the Gulf of Targia, opposite the Thapsos Peninsula. Marina di Melilli was razed to the ground.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pachino, Noto, Portopalo Di Capo Passero, Solarino, Testa Dell'acqua, Priolo Gargallo, Augusta, Città Giardino.

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