THE NATURAL RESERVE

The Reserve, which falls into six municipalities such as Altavilla Milicia, Baucina, Caccamo, Casteldaccia, Trabia and Ventimiglia di Sicilia, is one of the most interesting naturalistic corners of Sicily.
About 4600 hectares of nature reserve dotted with caves, cliffs, peaks, sheer walls, gentle slopes, streams, archaeological sites. The reliefs of this Reserve, together with Monte San Calogero, constitute the ideal conjunction between the Madonnas dei Monti of Palermo.

The calcareous nature of the rocks formed in the Mesozoic age by sedimentation in a marine environment of medium depth, has led to the occurrence of numerous karst phenomena. This is how the Grotta Mazzamuto, the Grotta Brigli and the Grotta dei Leoni were formed, whose visit is recommended under the guidance of qualified people.

Due to the remarkable naturalistic, landscape and environmental emergencies present in the territory, it is one of the sites of Community Interest (SIC) of the Natura 2000 Network. the kestrel, the red kite and the black kite. Among the mammals it is possible to see the marten, the wild cat and, above all, the rare Apennine hare, an endemic species that lives only in some geographical areas of our country. Under the vegetative profile, populations of holm oaks dominate, with their persistent and dense vegetation. The Neapolitan and spring cyclamen, the violet together with the butcher’s broom punctuate the undergrowth with shades of purple, pink and red. The attentive hiker will not miss the different species of orchids whose flowers adorn the spring meadows with extraordinary colors and shapes.These places have seen the presence of man since ancient times, such as Grotta Mazzamuto, whose considerable importance is due to the discovery of remains of the dwarf elephant, (we are talking about over 400,000 years ago before HomoSapiens appeared). of the Lions than in that of the Brigli.

The most significant architectural emergencies of the Reserve are undoubtedly the Hermitage of San Felice, which can be considered the “Gate of the Reserve” because various naturalistic excursions can start from here, and the hunting lodge of the Marquises Artale built in the 18th century. (reduced to ruins) to meet the needs of a luxurious resting place during hunting trips.