Colapesce

This mural is inspired by the legend of Colapesce, often told in numerous versions. One of these accounts tells the story of a boy, Nicola, who was the son of a fisherman from Messina. Being a skilled swimmer, Nicola was nicknamed Colapesce (Cola = Nicola; pesce = fish).

The adventurous tales of his dives and his fame reached the King of Sicily, Frederick II, who decided to test his skills. The king, followed by his court, took a boat and threw a cup into the sea, and the boy found it immediately.

Then the king threw his crown into deeper water, and Colapesce retrieved it again.

The third time, King Frederick II threw a ring into deeper water, but Colapesce did not return. Swimming out to sea, he saw that Sicily rested on three columns, but one of them was badly damaged. Colapesce decided to stay underwater, holding up the damaged column to prevent Sicily from sinking.

Colapesce is said to still be there today, holding up the island in the depths of the sea, and this mural is a tribute to his story.