The support network
A walk is not just the route: it is also the guarantee that it can be done safely, ensuring that the walkers’ needs are met.
With the exception of Monreale and partly Piana degli Albanesi, the villages crossed are rich in history and natural beauty but are not tourist destinations. Therefore, there are not many accommodation facilities, and in some places one can only rely on private individuals willing to welcome walkers: this, however, is a critical point that can turn into an advantage, since it offers the opportunity to enter into a relationship with the territory. In other words, something that offers added value to slow experiential tourism.
The support network of the Friends of the Way will be able to help walkers should they encounter any difficulties.
In the Way of Thousand one can never feel alone.
The support network includes all the municipalities crossed, regional departments, the University of Palermo, national, regional and local associations whose statutory vocation is to promote the territory while respecting nature. There are also accommodation facilities willing to offer discounts to walkers (compared to the prices charged on the most popular platforms such as Booking and Airbnb).
Below are the references for each Friend of the Walk who has offered general support; at each stage we list the Friends of the Walk who can offer support in that area.
The credential and the testimonium
The credential accredits the walker with all the Friends of the Way and guarantees the support that each Friend has agreed upon with the Pro Loco of Monreale.
It is also a kind of diary, where one can note down encounters and new friends.
To obtain credentials you must first book them on our website.
Once booked, the credentials are collected at the ticket office in the Benedictine Cloisters, next to the Dome of Monreale.
During the journey, the credentials are stamped by friends of the Way (facilities, associations and affiliated organisations). At the end, they are endorsed by the ticket office of the museum of Palazzo Steri in Palermo, where it is also possible to collect the ‘testimonium‘, issued to those who prove that they have stayed at least five nights along the route.
MAKE A DONATION
The Way of The Thousand from Renda to Palermo was created by volunteers with no public or private financial support. With a donation give the opportunity to contribuite to the expenses for the improvement of the Way
The Friends of the Way
The Pro Loco of Monreale
The most passionate Friends of the Way are a few volunteers of the Pro Loco of Monreale who, without any financial support, have worked to make it possible.
You can turn to them for suggestions and requests pertaining to their field of activity; you will find their contact details on the contact page:
Creator: Stefano Lo Coco
Support network: Amelia Crisantino, President of the Pro Loco of Monreale, Luciano Tusa, Stefano Lo Coco and Davide Mangano
Texts: Amelia Crisantino, Luciano Tusa and Stefano Lo Coco
Route definition and GPS track survey: Luciano Tusa with the collaboration of Stefano Lo Coco, Davide Mangano and Francesco Viola
Website: Federico La Fiura with the collaboration of Luciano Tusa and Pippo Buzzetta
Social media: Alessia Badagliacca
The friendly entities
On the initiative of the Pro Loco, and with the support of the Municipality of Monreale, which has played the role of lead municipality, there are numerous bodies that have signed memoranda of understanding to make the realisation of the Way possible.
