The well of Gammazita stands in an area that once was part of the Jewish quarter of Catania: the Giudecca.

This legend is closely linked to the legend of the girl Gammazita.

She preferred to throw herself into the well in order not to lose her honor because of a French soldier who fell in love with her.

The reddish spots once visible, caused by the accumulation of magnesium and iron, were identified by population as the blood stains of Gammazita.

In 1621 this well was used as a watering hole for horses.

In 1669 lava covered the source, but in the following drainage the site was brought back to light thanks to the preserving work of the people of Catania who had filled it with stones to preserve the spring.

In the 19th century, the well of Gammazita was visited by several travelers on the Grand Tour, including Patrick Brydone, Abbot Richard de Saint-Non, Jean Houel, Dominique Vivant Denon and Charles Didier; they described it and made some engravings.

The site has unfortunately been for a long time in degradation, but today the Well of Gammazita is taken care of and enhanced by a specially constituted association that also organizes guided tours.

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