Pantalica - Ferla (SR)

September 25, 2016 -
Itinerary description: Our route winds between the Calcinara stream and the Anapo river. The excursion 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 by repurposing chamber tombs around the Byzantine chapels of San Micidiario, San Nicolicchio, and the Grotta del Crocifisso. 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 remained active until the early 1950s. Before reaching the old Pantalica station, we will head up a trail to reach the ruins of the Anaktoron (Prince's Castle).

History: The most striking features of this ancient city have always been its vast, dramatic necropolises, consisting of countless artificial cave tombs carved into the rocky cliffs (many of which were later reused), giving them the appearance of immense beehives. These small, oven-shaped chambers are often single, though many are multiple, with cells arranged on different levels. As for the settlement itself, the only visible evidence throughout the centuries has been the ruins of the princely Anaktoron. Additionally, there are the fortifications of the Porta di Pantalica, consisting of a deep trench carved into the living rock that blocks the Filiporto saddle, along with a supporting wall, both dating back to the Greek era. There are approximately 5,000 tombs, divided into five distinct 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 - Vito Cutrone
Phone:
333 7447419
368 7348961
Email:
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]