Grotta delle Trabacche - Castello di Donnafugata - RG

April 14, 2019
We set off from Contrada Buttino, starting at the parking area of the Grotta delle Trabacche, which we will visit before we begin. The Grotta delle Trabacche is a small catacomb carved into the limestone plateaus that define the Iblei mountains. Due to its shape and size, it dates back to the 4th century AD and stands as one of the largest and most monumental in the province of Ragusa. This route mostly follows the dry riverbed, though in some sections we will need to leave the riverbed to continue along the right or left banks. All around, you will find carob trees, olive trees, shrubby spurge, butcher's broom, ivy, and mastic trees.
Discover the Ragusa countryside while admiring the unique geometry of the dry-stone walls, built to clear stones from the thin but fertile soil, to mark property boundaries, and to allow cattle to graze in the open without wandering off.
We will conclude our walk as planned at the Castello di Donnafugata. It was built upon the remains of a 13th-century tower by Baron Corrado Arezzo in the 1800s. The Baron expanded the original structure, transforming it into a true noble residence. Furthermore, the fascinating Baron turned the castle into one of the most important hubs for social life during the Umbertine era. The name Donnafugata comes from the Arabic "Ain-jafat," meaning "Source of health".

Fee: € 10.00 - Includes guide service, organization, and RCT insurance.
Expenses not included: packed lunch and fuel costs for travel.
Meeting point: Sunday at 09:00 AM, ND PETRLI srl - Via Ettore Fieramosca, 232 - 97100 Ragusa. Here is the link for directions to the meeting point. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGCqJ
End of excursion: 05:00 PM at Castello di Donnafugata.
Travel: own car.
Route: approximately 6 hours of walking including breaks – both marked and unmarked trails.
Difficulty: moderate.
Lunch: packed.
Equipment: required: trekking clothing, small backpack, k-way (rain jacket), hiking boots, waterproof jacket, flashlight, hat, 1.5 liters of water.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]