Gresti Castle – full day

Description

The name of this ancient fortress, Pietratagliata, fully conveys the spectacular nature of the place!

A majestic crest of quartzarenite rock develops almost perpendicular to the bed of the Gresti stream, creating a natural barrier. At the top, like a jewel set in the mighty cliff, the manor dominates with its full Norman-style tower. The castle stands guard over a vast territory that since the most remote eras has aroused enormous interest for the control of the roads that, from the eastern coast of Sicily, headed inland; where very important centers such as Morgantina, Agira and Enna arose.

We are in the territory of the municipality of Aidone on the road that connects Raddusa to Valguarnera.

In this excursion we will go up the Gresti stream for a good stretch; here we will discover an environment of great scenic impact, where the enormous boulders, detached from the rocky crest over the centuries, have moved along the river, thus making the route more adventurous. Once we reach the foot of the cliff, right at the point where the rock intersects the stream, we will admire the “Gurna”, a deep, perennial pool of water, capable of surviving even during dry summers. This small body of water is of fundamental importance both from a naturalistic and historical point of view. In fact, if on the one hand the constant presence of water and the cliff has made it possible for human groups to settle, who have probably frequented the area since prehistoric times; on the other hand it allows the passage and nesting of numerous animal species and in particular birds such as birds of prey, crows, wood pigeons, jackdaws and at dusk it is not uncommon to see nocturnal birds of prey.

A day walking through the most authentic views of the Sicilian hinterland countryside on a route that perfectly combines nature and history of this remote piece of Sicily.

Information:

• Circular route. Route length: 42km
• Difficulty E (medium)
• Difference in altitude + 707m;
• Difference in altitude – 922m.
• Recommended equipment: trekking shoes, long trousers, water, raincoat, hat, sunscreen.

Experiences:

• Departure from Casa Museo
• Passing by az. Agricola Scarlata (prickly pear)
• Arrival Caseificio F.lli Dangelo