The Way between mines and castles

Glimpses of history and enchanting landscapes, including mines and caves, castles and museums.

Difficulty: High | Km: 92.20 | Time: 3:41:17

In brief
You ride through a land barren and sometimes wild at times green, but always varied and poignant beauty. It starts with the breathtaking pass down to "the mountain of salt" the mine Bosco. The undulating route takes us to the foot of the slope that will lead us to Mussomeli. 7 km uphill pedaling, Manfredonico view of the imposing castle overlooking all the "Walloon". A visit to the castle, including historic sights and fascinating legends. It starts at a time of Sutera and his Monte S. Paolino. Renowned for its nativity scene for years that gathers tourists from all over Sicily ... After a stop for lunch, back in Serradifalco through constant ups and downs with the final climb brings us back home, tired but happy.

Stage 1:
In the small town of Mantedoro, mount Ottavio, is the Museum of the sulfur mine, designed to enhance and protect the Mineralogical heritage of the country.The Museum contains a permanent exhibition of pictures, reconstructions, minerals and tools related to the mining of sulphur.

Stage 2: Manfredonico Castle - Mussomeli (CL)
Beautiful medieval castle of Mussomeli, Manfredonico Castle which is located about two kilometres from the town centre stands on a limestone Ridge 80 metres high. Its walls nearly melt the rocks which is clinging, forming a whole which gives an aspect unusual places, almost magical and timeless. It is a magnificent building built in 1370, probably on the remains of an Arab fortress, Manfredi III Chiaramonte, a descendant of Charlemagne. The castle was placed at the Centre of several mysteries and legends because of the many historical events that took place between its walls. It tells of strange noises and rustling of silk clothes, sighs and squeaks that give the impression of being surrounded by strange presences.

Stage 3: Observatory and Planetarium - Montedoro (CL)
The astronomical observatory of Montedoro is the structure that houses the telescope, open to the public, Southern Italy's largest. It has a decisive role for the popular science of Sicily. You can carry out observations through a telescope at night, it will be like opening a window on the universe. Through the Planetarium, instead you will be able to view the sky through a realistic reproduction of it.

Stage 4: Sutera (CL)
It's a country rich in tradition and handicraft and being mold Arabic also retains a historic center of particular interest. Currently holds the recognition of "Orange Flag" by the Italian Touring Club. You can make the trip to Mount St. Paulinus, on which stands the Sanctuary of the same name, artistic and architectural element of great importance, for its silver urns that hold the relics of saints and Pauline and Onofrio. Visite the Museum of ethno-anthropological Rabatello district, visit the church of the Carmine where you can admire the statue of the Madonna del Soccorso, donated by Francis Solomon, one of the thirteen knights of the Challenge of Barletta. Worthy of note is the nativity scene that is organized every year at Christmas time in the district Rabato the country and attracts thousands of visitors.

Stage 5: Stincone Mine - Serradifalco (CL)
Until the end of the eighties in Serradifalco, "The country of mining" has been running the Mine Stincone, rich deposit of sulfur and potassium salts. Today it is only possible to admire the old mining site which once characterized almost all the country's economy. Based economy first from the mines of Sulphur, and then note the mines potash.

Altimetry

Road map