DISCOVERING PANTALICA NATURAL RESERVE
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Immersed in nature, centuries of history under your feet: this is the Pantalica Nature Reserve. Every corner is surprising for its uniqueness, an enchanting place for historians, lovers of beauty and adventure. The territory of Pantalica Natural Reserve is an extraordinary complex of great natural, historical, archaeological and ethno-anthropological interest.
• Pick up at the place and time agreed with customers
Visit to Valle dell’Anapo. The territory of Pantalica covers about 80 hectares, bordered by two large quarries where the rivers of Cavagrande Calcinara from the north and the river Anapo from the south meet together. They have carved a high canyon over the centuries. Here you can discover more than 5,000 tombs carved into sheer rock throughout the territory and many Byzantine churches. These old ruins prove that Syracuse is one of the largest prehistoric settlements existing in Europe, which is enough to be included among the assets of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour to the discovery of this site includes a visit to the Necropolis of Filiporto, the Byzantine rock village, the Oratory called Oratorio Rupestre di San Micidiario, the Necropolis located in the northwest side of the river and the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace). Going down, you’ll meet the Cavagrande River flowing through the trees and plants of the natural Reserve, forming occasionally small lakes with pure and clear water, and the fascinating “Grotta dei Pipistrelli”, a bat cave, until you reach the final point where the River Cavagrande and the River Anapo join.
Tickets: request a quote at info@eastsicily.com
EAST tips
• Difficulty path: medium-high.
• Wear trekking shoes or tennis.
• Bring water to drink.
• You should go down to the Reserve in the cooler hours (up to 9.00) and go back after 17.00.
• Pantalica is the right place to visit for river trekking or hiking.