Pozzelle di Pirro

The Pozzelle di Pirro are a complex water collection system located just outside the town in a natural depression where rainwater once converged. It consists of numerous wells dug into the ground, ranging from three to seven meters deep. In these pits, dry-stone trulliform constructions were built with an opening at the top, later covered with soil. Some pozzi are interconnected and feature two or more openings on the sides of the rim, allowing rainwater to flow in and collect in the lower part of the artificial cavity, retained by the surrounding clay soil.\n\nSome scholars date the pozzi to the 18th century, while others believe they are much older, as similar structures exist in nearby farmsteads abandoned for centuries. The complex lies within a park of pines and eucalyptus trees.\n\nIn addition to the main park, there are other wells, perhaps even older, along the road connecting Zollino to Martano. According to tradition, this is where Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, camped before his battle with the Romans.