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AREA: Alto Belice Corleonese, Monti
Sicani, Valle del Torto and del Sosio
This area covers a large part of the territory (43 Communes) of the Palermitan hinterland. Most of the land is given over to agriculture but there are also a great many natural reserves including
Bosco di Ficuzza (Godrano),
Monte Genuardo,
S.M. del
Bosco Grotta di Entella (Contessa Entellina
and
Giuliana),
Monti di Palazzo Adriano e Valle del Sosio (Palazzo
Adriano; Chiusa Sclafani) to name just a few.
Here are also several greatly interesting
archaeological areas and prehistoric sites
which add to the attraction of destinations such as
Other buildings of historic,
architectonic and ethno-anthropological interest include
fortified country houses, hamlets, chapels, paper mills,
windmills, bridges and drinking troughs, all of which,
alongside the archaeological and prehistoric sites, are
a fully integral part of the territory and highly
representative of the area’s history
An
essential characteristic of this area is its rural
identity, not only thanks to the presence of specific
crops (vines and olive trees..) but also, and more often,
of vast areas of cereal and grain cultivations (ex large
landed estates). There is also a considerable area given
over to sheep farming, and, consequentially, to the
production of cheeses, (Pecorino Siciliano d.o.p.,
Canestrato, Palermitano, Provola Siciliana… and one
possible itinerary could the “Monte Sicani Cheese
Route”). Some farmers also grow a mix of crops such
as vegetables, fruit, and vines.
The countryside
is often entirely uncontaminated, while many of the
towns, especially those that are far from large urban
centres, have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Indeed, this area is home to four Sicilian-Albanian
towns:
Of particular interest are the
Byzantine religious festivals for Epiphany and Easter,
though ordinary weddings and christenings are also worth
witnessing. These towns also specialise in the
production of religious icons, hand-made jewellery and
traditional female costumes. This area of the Province
of Palermo can be visited in all periods of the year
though it is arguably at its best in Spring or Autumn.
It particularly attracts visitors looking for a relaxing
holiday immersed in nature, those who like
outdoor sports or those whose passion is to
investigate gastronomic delights. So as to really
get to the area well, it is possible to take part in the
following activities: excursions, mushroom picking,
potholing, paragliding, hang gliding, horse-riding,
cycling and educational visits to farms and vineyards.
For this latter activity we recommend San Cipirello,
Contessa Entellina and the area around
Monreale…)
Recently, many new tourist
structures have opened up, especially agriturismi, which,
along with alpine refuges and attractive country
residences, offer a pleasant place to stay. (See the
Hospitality section)
Typical produce
D.O.C. Wine - Monreale, Alcamo and Contessa Entellina
Cheeses, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, honey, bread
and sweetcakes (in particular we recommend the Cannoli
of Piana degli Albanesi). |
