Discovering the Sicilian mountains: the Dolomites of Sicily
Usually those who choose to spend their vacation in Sicily come here for the sea and the wonderful beaches. But the Island offers more than just this. The mountain ranges of Peloritani, Iblei, Sicani, Madonie and Nebrodi are small earthly paradises where the highest peaks of Sicily. Some of these, over the years, have earned the nickname of Dolomites of Sicily, given the similarity to the well-known reliefs of northeastern Italy.
The strongholds of raptors
The journey through the Dolomites of Sicily begins at the Nebrodi Natural Park. Part of theSicilian Apennines, the mountain range is bounded to the south by Mount Etna and to the west by the Madonie Mountains. Characterized by dissymmetry among the various slopes, the environment is quite humid and conducive to the development of a flora e fauna lush.
It is right here that one of the most important mountains in Sicily rises, as well as the Castro Rocks. Standing 1,315 meters high, and with notable rock walls attesting to its dolomite features, it has numerous hiking trails and several shelters along the way, such as the renowned Rifugio del Sole. In addition, this territory is the home of the Griffon of Sicily and of the Golden Eagle.
It is about the latter that the legend is told that the hermit Saint Nicholas Politi, living far from civilization, established a strong bond with a pair of eagles who still fly over this area of the park. Speaking to this tale are many of the paintings found at Alcara Li Fusi. To this day, the villagers maintain an affectionate relationship with these birds of prey, which have become a symbol of the Nebrodi.
Alcara Li Fusi, the village at the foot of Mt.
About 8 kilometers by car from the Castro Rocks we find. Alcara Li Fusi, nestled just below a rock face in the Nebrodi Mountains. The village is famous for the Italy’s oldest pagan rite: the Muzzuni.
The Muzzuni is nothing more than an earthenware vase covered with hand-embroidered drapes and jewelry, with ears of corn brought inside to honor the Goddess Ceres. The festival, with sacred and profane overtones, is held on the June 24 on the day of Saint John the Baptist. During the ritual, locals go through the streets of the village with their Muzzuni, offering food to passersby.
Rocca Busambra and the Bosco di Ficuzza between history and nature
The journey continues in the central northern part of the island, right in the Madonie Park. Much like the Nebrodi mountain range, the area boasts some of the Sicily’s highest peaks.: Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 mt), Pizzo Antenna Grande (1,977 mt) and Monte San Salvatore (1,912 mt).
The vast territory is populated by wild boar, fallow deer, red foxes, European hedgehogs, Italian hares and birds of prey. Even here there is no shortage of Dolomites of Sicily, as Rocca Busambra in the Ficuzza Forest Reserve. Its nearly 15-kilometer-long ridge, formed by several ridges, rises over the green hills of the forest below. You can admire the jagged vertical walls by following the white paths that lead up to the Alpe Cucco Refuge, a plateau just below the Rock.
Not only nature, but also history. A few kilometers from the reserve we find the small town of Ficuzza and the Royal Hunting Lodge of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. The king spent his leisure time in this luxurious mansion, engaging in hunting and fishing from the lake. Here, too, there are many trails that can be followed, including one that leads to small mountain streams and the King’s Pulpit, a stone seat used by King Ferdinand as a base point for hunting.
How to visit the Dolomites of Sicily?
The Sicilian Apennines offers unique scenery due to its biodiversity. It is certainly possible to visit these places through guided tours. The association Sikania Trek offers excursions such as the King Ferdinand Trail or theascent to the summit of the Rocca Busambra. For more info click here.
For those who don’t want to miss the circling of the Griffons on the Castro Rocks, the Better Future Project Association is organizing an excursionalong the Bacchus Trail passing through the Griffon Vultures Area, through the dolomite walls and the karst stream Stella.
Luca Russo