Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Driving Tour:
Monti Madonie
STARTCEFALÙ
ENDCOLLESANO
LENGTH113KM; ONE TO THREE DAYS
This tour takes in the most picturesque towns in the Madonie mountains and rewards leisurely exploration; to see
everything in one day is possible, but will be tiring.
From Cefalù, follow the winding SP54bis for approximately 15km to the
Santuario di Gibilmanna
,
spectacularly perched 800m above sea level on the slopes of Pizzo Sant'Angelo (1081m). Here, in the 17th cen-
tury, the Virgin Mary reputedly restored sight to two blind worshippers and speech to a mute. The miracle was
later confirmed by the Vatican, and the church has since become one of Sicily's most important shrines. The
views over the Madonie from the belvedere out front are spectacular.
From Gibilmanna, head 18km southeast on the SP9 to
Castelbuono
, presided over by its magnificent
14th-century castle, then take the winding SS286 to the picturesque mountain town of
Petralia Soprana
.
The road, intermittently fringed by dense forest, is relentlessly sinuous but offers wonderful views over the val-
leys.
After lunching in Petralia Soprana or its pretty sister town of
Petralia Sottana
, follow the SS120 for
19km to
Polizzi Generosa
, nestled at the entrance to the Imera Valley. Named
generosa
(generous) by Fred-
erick II in the 1230s, the town is now best known as a trekking base for the Madonie, and is riddled with churches
that are often shrouded in mist. It's also home to a pastry known as the
sfoglio
: sweet dough filled with artisanal
sheep's milk cheese, cinnamon, chocolate and sugar.
Your last stop is medieval
Collesano
, 26km northwest on the SP119 and SP54 (or take the SS643 and
SP54; both routes afford splendid mountain views). Don't miss the Targa Florio museum, which celebrates the
history of the Madonie's now-defunct mountain road race, and make sure to stick around town for a hearty moun-
tain dinner at delightful Casale Drinzi (
Click here
).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Castelbuono
POP 9152 / ELEV 423M
The charming capital of the Madonie is set amid ancient manna ash and chestnut forests.
It owes much of its building stock and character to the Ventimiglias, a powerful noble
family who ruled the town between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Sights & Activities
Castello dei Ventimiglia
CASTLE
