Deep beneath our feet lies a hidden world. The Qanat Gesuitico Alto tells a story of ingenuity and survival. This underground tunnel is part of a network that once supplied water to Palermo. Imagine a city constantly thirsty. Especially during the scorching summers. The Qanat Gesuitico Alto played a crucial role in quenching that thirst.
These qanats are subterranean galleries. They were carved by muqanni masters of water. Simple picks were their tools. The tunnel walls consist of calcarenite. This is a fragile rock that is easy to dig.
The Qanat Gesuitico Alto intercepts the water table deep underground. Through gravity and carefully planned slopes, water flows to the surface. This ingenious system is of Arab-Persian origin. The Jesuits later adopted and improved it. They needed reliable water for their properties. “La Vignicella” was one such estate.
The Qanat Gesuitico Alto is located beneath the Altarello district. It is mainly under Casa Micciulla. The tunnel stretches 1100 meters. Its height is 1.55 meters. It varies between 60 and 80 centimeters in width. Wells dot the surface every 20 to 50 meters. They allow access to the water within. The tunnel is still active. Freshwater flows slowly along the floor. Springs bubble from the tunnel walls. They continuously feed the water supply.
The oldest sections of the Qanat Gesuitico Alto lie eight meters underground. The more recent sections are sixteen meters deep. The upper levels are carved from limestone. The lower levels are located in Flysch quartzite.
The name Qanat Gesuitico Alto comes from the Jesuits. They owned the land above the tunnels. They expanded and used the Arab-built system.
The speleological section of the Club Alpino Italiano offers guided tours. These tours are for groups of at least 15 people. You need an appointment. Helmets with headlamps and wellingtons are provided. A change of clothes and a towel are recommended.
The Qanat Gesuitico Alto and its counterparts like the Qanat Gesuitico Basso. They represent a vital part of Palermo’s history. They showcase the blend of Arab innovation and Jesuit adaptation. They ensured a steady water supply for centuries. These qanats are a testament to human resourcefulness. They are hidden beneath the bustling streets of Palermo. They silently whisper tales of water and life.