Cesidio Di Ciacca

Born in 1954 in Scotland, Cesidio Di Ciacca is a third-generation Italian Scot. His grandparents were from Picinisco, specifically from the hamlet of I Ciacca. Cesidio, Mary and Carina’s elder brother, is a former corporate lawyer from East Lothian, who decided to return to the village his grandparents left almost a century ago. He bought and renovated a four-story house on the hillside above I Ciacca, and turned it a vineyard, I Ciacca Family Winery & Vineyard, where he produces a truly local and award-winning wine called ‘Maturano’. He also opened luxury boutique hotel, Sotto le stelle, with rooms scattered in the old town centre of Picinisco, according to the ‘Albergo Diffuso’ philosophy. Cesidio is passionate about the history, cultural heritage, and memory of the diaspora from Picinisco and the wider Comino Valley to the United Kingdom, particularly for future generations seeking to understand their roots and heritage. Demonstrating this commitment, he created a personal archive at I Ciacca, meticulously collecting documents, books (both fiction and non-fiction), films and photographs related to his own family and other families from Picinisco who shared similar migration experiences.