Pantalica - Ferla (SR)

October 16, 2016 –
Itinerary description: The route winds between the Calcinara stream and the Anapo river. It includes a visit to the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Filiporto saddle, the remains of the Anaktoron (Prince's Palace), and the rock-cut settlements that emerged around the Byzantine churches of San Micidiario, San Nicolicchio, and the Grotta del Crocifisso, often repurposing the ancient chamber tombs. Of historical interest, we will admire the Galermi aqueduct, a brilliant 40 km hydraulic engineering feat commissioned by the tyrant Gelone in 480 B.C. We will walk along a section of the old Ragusa – Siracusa railway, which was active until the early 1950s. Before reaching the old Pantalica station, we will head up a trail to reach the ruins of the Anaktoron.

History: The most striking features of the city have always been the vast, dramatic necropolises consisting of countless artificial cave tombs carved into the rocky cliffs (many of which were reused), giving them the appearance of immense beehives. The small, oven-shaped chambers are often single, but frequently multiple, with cells arranged on different levels. As for the settlement itself, the only visible evidence over the centuries has been the ruins of the princely Anaktoron. Additionally, there are the fortifications of the Porta di Pantalica, consisting of a trench carved into the living rock that blocks the Filiporto saddle, reinforced by a wall, which dates back to the Greek era.
There are approximately 5,000 tombs, divided into five different necropolises.

Fee: € 10.00 (includes guide services, insurance, and organization)
Meeting point: Sunday at 08:30 AM at Campo Boario, S.P.10 Ragusa/Chiaramonte Gulfi, or at 09:15 AM in Ferla at the parking lot before the cemetery.
End of excursion: 05:30 PM in Ferla.
Lunch: Packed lunch
Travel: Own car
Difficulty: Moderate.
Loop trail: 5 hours of walking – Elevation gain 200 m, elevation loss 200 m, marked trail, dirt track, and stream crossings.
Required equipment: Trekking clothing, small backpack, k-way (rain jacket), hiking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, 1.5 liters of water.
Guide: Salvatore Nicosia: contact - 333 7447419
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]