Our journey starts from an upward path in the middle of a lush pine forest to a wonderful cave with the purest water spring – the Grattara Cave – which probably is part of the reason behind the name of the town itself.
Inside of the Cave you will be able to listen the mysterious tale of the Old Woman and the one of the Nymph’s spring, a legendary female entity whose identity comes from a millennial myth linked to the existence of a primordial indigenous oracle located in a madonite outpost in which people lived from prehistoric times.
Later, after a little rest to immortalize the indescribable landscape at the feet of Pizzo di Pilo, we will proceed to the north-west, towards the St. Giorgio Abbey. The site has become today a favourite destination of both Italian and foreign visitors that come to discover what at first sight might seem a ruin like many others, but in reality is a milestone in the Norman Itinerary in Sicily.
The St. Giorgio monastery’s church is in fact a particularly important cultural asset in Sicily from many points of view: historic, artistic, spiritual, anthropological. The monastery, founded by order of the Duke Ruggero II around 1140 in order to seal peace with Pope Innocenzo II, was entrusted to the order of French monks, the Premostratensi, whose only monastery in Sicily was that very one in Gratteri.
Around 1300 the abbey was inherited by the Ospitalieri of Jerusalem, better known as Malta’s cavaliers, that kept it as commedy for various centuries, until it was completely destroyed for reasons still unknown, exception made for some folk tales.
Brace yourself to embark on a journey in the distant Middle Ages, to the discovery of the intriguing history of a Norman monument, but also of the local legends, like the one about the existence of a treasure that many strangers looked for throughout the centuries.
Our journey will end at the “passo della Scala” in front of the small church of the Crucifix, where it is possible to glimpse a breathtaking landscape on the Tyrrhenian coast. Overlooking the Carapé, we will tell you the stories of the women’s talismans and of the Souls in Purgatory, of the votive aedicules located now inside of the Church.
Be prepared to enjoy an unmissable adventure, accompanied by a narrator that will guide you through a fascinating journey in the heart of the Madonie.
What’s included
This itinerary includes three stops
- Grattara Cave;
- Vista Piano Prato;
- St. Giorgio Abbey;
- Piazzetta Scala.
Info about the place
Visit the website to get more information
Duration and time of the excursions
Time: to be chosen between 9.00 a.m and 5 p.m. (we ask you to arrive about 30 minutes before the departure)
After the excursion you will have the cance to: taste the place’s typical products, have lunch at the restaurant or outdoors, by taking advantage of the caterring, and buy the local typical products.
Possibility to stay overnight
Meeting point
Departure from the Grattara Cave
Types of excursion
Excursion with pack animals for the carriage of supplies
Duration
The whole itinerary lasts 5-6 hours
Size of the group
The excursion will only take place with at least n°8 participants.
What to bring
Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, long trousers, comfy and closed footwear (sneakers or boots), a bottle of water, an umbrella, warm clothes for the evening (it can get colder on the mountains).
Excursions’ days
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See the events’ calendar.
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Every day upon reservation with at least n°8 participants.
Level of difficulty of the excursion
Medium
Cost of the itinerary €50
(Excursion with guide + lunch)
The price includes the transportation, a guide and a narrator’s assistance, a packed lunch that will be enjoyed during the excursion in a characteristic place with typical Sicilian products (drinks included).
Extra prices
Price of the shuttle bus Gratteri/Cefalù – Cefalù/Gratteri
The time of departure and return will be determined based on the number of participants
Meeting point in Cefalù – Train Station
Meeting point in Gratteri – Belvedere Gangi Battaglia
Any transfer from other locations can be arranged together with the organization based on the participants’ number
What to know
The itinerary can be subject to change in case of unplanned circumstances out of our control.
The company reserves the right to change or cancel the itinerary if necessary based on disposition and / or adverse weather conditions.
The participants need to sign a waiver before taking part of the excursion.
Note: the guides reserve the right to judge the level of experience of every participant. If they believe the participant is not suitable for the excursion, they will not be able to take part in it.
or more details about the excursion and about the map of the route, visit the following link:: eventi.visitgratteri.com