THE CASTELLACCIO

This destination is more historical-cultural than naturalistic, because the occasions to meet particular species of plants or animals are rare. Anyway, this itinerary gives us the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view of the Conca d’Oro: Mount Caputo, where the Castellaccio of Monreale majestously rises. This castle, with an irregular quadrilateral plan and six towers protruding outside, was built by William II of Hauteville in the 12th century as a fortress to control the passage of Saracen rebel populations coming from the Sicilian hinterland. Managed by the Benedictine monks, it contained a church of which the three apses and a central nave still remain to this day. It was partially deprived of its functional components, by the autonomist barons rebel against the crown of Aragon so that the real forces could not use it to defend themselves from attacks. Although the area is not of particular naturalistic importance, it can still offer some interesting views.

During spring we can admire the blooming of many asteraceae. Tits, blackbirds, serins and other sparrows live among the trees which survived the many wildfires which afflicted the zone and the vegetation surrounding the castle. While driving down the road exiting Monreale, take the road to San Martino delle Scale, near Portella San Martino and park your car. On the right, walk that zigzagging path surrounded by a low Mediterranean scrub resisting among arid rocks  and some thorny brooms, the only plants resistant to soils so affected by the erosion. After almost a half hour, we arrive at the Castellaccio dominating the peak of Mount Caputo,  764 meters above sea level. From here we can see all the Conca d’Oro, from Altofonte to Mondello. The website is managed by the S.A.C (Sicilian Alpine Club).

SAN MARTINO’S SNOW HOUSE

Two steps away from Monreale there is an ancient snow house. San Martino is a mountain place located in the Municipality of Monreale. San Martino is known for its Benedictine Abbey and for its wooded areas offering fresh air during the hot summers. But what many don’t know is that it also hosted a snow house.

The history of Sicilian snow houses is really interesting. These ancient cold’s factories served to gather and store the snow in order to better taste sherbets and ice creams in a time when refrigerators did not exist yet. What many don’t know is that just a few kilometres from Monreale there is one to snow house: The Snow House of San Martino delle Scale. From the Mountain Village, a visitor must go to the forest state property towards the Snow House, through a comfortable small road, where one can enjoy the breathtaking panoramas towards the valley and the bottom of the Gulf of Palermo.

The use of the Snow Houses was very important. Producing, storing and transport ice at the end of the 19th century was a difficult process. Ice was available only in the high mountain zones and exclusively in short winter months. Therefore, many efforts were made to be able to preserve and transport it. This is where “Nivaroli”, the ice merchants, came into play. They created basins called, in fact, snow houses, in particular mountain areas where fallen snow accumulated. With special techniques they managed to preserve it and then transport it to the city.

SANT’ELIA RIVER IN PIOPPO

The Sant’Elia river, the largest tributary of the Oreto river, was once not only an important water resource for irrigation of neighbouring land, but was also used as a water source for the “old mill”, which functioned both as a “public washhouse” and as a bathing place during summer using the “nache”, natural pools located along the river. The locals had a deep connection with the river. Unfortunately for a long period of time the Sant’Elia river has been neglected, ending up completely covered with brushwood and waste. Only in recent times associations of volunteers have mobilized to make the river usable again, allowing the citizens to obtain the river again. The river is currently among the places of the heart of the FAI.

How to arrive

Once you arrive in Pioppo, we recommend to leave your car behind the Carabineers’ Station. Walk through the SS186 (the main street crossing Pioppo) to get to Saint Joseph Street, nearby the Church of Saint Joseph. On the left of the church’s facade on Via Chiesa Nuova (then Via Molino), go down the road until you get to a bridge in cement and a murales. From there follow the indications, the “small naca” is located around 150 meters from the small bridge.

The route

The Saint Elias river is surrounded by a road leading to the Spring water. On the road you will find all the indications. It’s possible to arrive in less than an hour. We recommend to walk slowly in order to admire what surrounds you.

Suggestions

Respect the environment! Bring a bag in order to not leave waste and take away yours and those left by impolite people who have been there before you.

Wear comfortable shoes for the walk and bring a repellent against mosquitoes.

Be amazed by the nature and respect it!

(Roberta Trentacoste)