Necropolis of Pantalica

Explore the historic Pantalica Nature Reserve and the scenic town of Sortino in the Anapo River Valley. Visit Pantalica, one of the most impressive prehistoric and Paleo-Christian settlements in Europe. Then, explore nearby Sortino and see the town’s memorable architecture. Get picked up from your accommodation in Catania, then head to the first stop: Pantalica Nature Reserve. Pantalica is located on a limestone promontory surrounded by a deep gorge formed by the Anapo and Calcinara rivers between the towns of Ferla and Sortino in Sicily. Pantalica was founded by Sicilian populations where they settled for over 2400 years until the end of the 12th century. This charming place is the largest necropolis in Europe. Here, you'll find the Necropolis of Pantalica, a collection of historic tombs. Next, head to the second stop, the town of Sortino. Sortino has always been known for being one of the most scenic homelands with Sicilian Baroque. Marvel at the architecture of the town's buildings and churches, including Mother Church of Sortino that features the Baroque style. At the end of the tour, get dropped off back at your accommodation or another drop-off location in Catania.

Discover the natural wonders of a UNESCO World Heritage Site on this guided trip from Ferla to the Pantalica Nature Reserve. Visit an ancient Byzantine oratory, walk through the ruins of the Anaktoron, and swim while surrounded by nature at Calcinara River. After meeting your guide in Ferla, follow your guide in your own vehicle to the entrance of the Pantalica Nature Reserve called Sella di Filiporto. Park your car, then follow an ancient mule track to reach the Byzantine village. Admire the Oratory of San Micidiario, completely dug into the white rock, then continue to other highlights, including the so-called “Prince’s Palace,” a megalithic structure of the thirteenth century B.C. of which only a few ruins are visible. By car, you’ll head to another entrance of the Nature Reserve of Pantalica. Going downstream, visit another Byzantine village with its oratory, the Church of the Crucifix, where you can admire a Byzantine painting illustrating Christ on the cross. Thanks to the presence of your own naturalist guide, you’ll get to discover some of the 700 species and subspecies of plants that inhabit these fascinating places.  Continue along a rock path, reach the clear waters of the Calcinara River, the perfect place to take a regenerating swim. Afterward, your guide will help you make your way to the exit of the village.

During the excursion you will retrace the history of Sicily from the 12th century B.C. to the present day. You will visit the wonderful archaeological site of Pantalica, set in an imposing limestone bordered by the Anapo river and its tributary Calcinara.The route you will follow, develops between the waters of the two rivers and the walls of the Anapo valley. You will visit different parts of the archaeological site, including the largest final bronze necropolis in Europe, with its 5,000 grotto tombs; the Byzantine villages of San Micidiario and San Nicolicchio, which will fascinate you with their rock churches dating back to the 4th century; the Anaktoron, the palace of Prince Hyblon, seat of local power from the 12th century BC. You will also visit the remains of a Greek trench and the narrow-gauge railway, crossed by the small train that was in operation until the last century. If the climate allows it, you can refresh yourself in the waters of the Calcinara torrent, and visit one of the active karst caves in the area. Nature, history and archaeology enclosed in a unique experience in Panatalica.