The urban center of Petralia Sottana borders the Central massif of Madonie and is the site of the Madonie’s Park government.
Its vast territory extends from the province of Caltanissetta to the heart of Madonie (once it used to be wider, because it included also the territory of Castellana Sicula) and has an infinite variety of landscapes: from the boundless cereal fields in the territories of the fief of Tudia (from Arabic Tutia: mulberry), which includes the revered shrine of Lord of Belice, to the mountainous landscape of Piano Battaglia, second ski resort of Sicily.
Not very far from the urban centre it is possible to immerse in a landscape unique for its geological peculiarities, vegetation, fauna and human settlement in the area.
Near the town there is the Rock of Balate with the archaeological site of the Cave of Vecchiuzzo. It is set in the area of the ancient gypsum quarries where, in the middle of the thick vegetation, the traces of kilns and stone basins still can be seen.
Going up the River Imera we arrive in the area called Gisa, that has always been famous for the cultivation of vineyards and once was rich of traditional millstones of which there are some remains. Proceeding towards the Madonna dell’Alto Mount, that overlooks the valley with its shrine dedicated to the Virgin, we cross the area called A Cedda, traditional site of grazing and marcati (a typical unrefined Sicilian ranch that was used only in some seasons). Following the river in the area called Alastri, we bump into the hydroelectric power station of Catarratti (which takes its name from the springs of the same name). It was operative from 1907 to 1976, and now it is an interesting site of industrial archeology.y.
In the past, along all the torrents that flow into the river Imera, it was a common occurrence to bump into several mills, of which still persist some specimens. Always in the area Alastri there is also the Stone Bridge, fascinating in its structure, which uses the particular rock conformation as support.
In the district of San Brancato there is the evocative namesake Roman bridge, of early medieval period. It crosses the torrent Mandarini mirroring in the basin of water traditionally called Gorga, which gives a picturesque character to the landscape. Along these two districts, near the bridges, it is still possible to see the pavement of the trazzere regie (ancient main roads) -born on the routes marked out by Romans.
Not far from the San Brancato bridge, and clearly visible from the district of the same name, stands out the rocky spur called Vazu Santu Tieru (Rock of Eleutherius), a characteristic tooth shaped stone of great geological interest, from which have been extracted the monolithic columns of the Mother Church, and where it is still possible to see traces of columns accidentally broken in the act of removing them from the rock.
In the district of St Miceli there are medieval human settlement remains of significant archeological interest.
Moving away more and more from the town, the space is dominated by natural environment. In the district Gorgo Nero, we find one of the most characteristic humid territories, where the pond (gorga) is the habitat of several bird species, while the fountain called Mannarini is a meeting and refreshment place for the passersby.
Among the many geological phenomena, the most peculiar are: the short waterfall Scopalacqua in the namesake valley and the deep canyon Pizzo Canna in the area Pomieri, in front of which there is a characteristic cattle marcato called Casa La Pazza.
Going forward, the territory is more and more enchanting, so it is no easy to describe all the peculiarities of its vastness, but it is possible to remember the most important: Piano Battaglia with his vast karst depression at the foot of the Mufara Mount; Piano Battaglietta with the sinkhole of the same name.
Going forward, the territory is more and more enchanting, so it is no easy to describe all the peculiarities of its vastness, but it is possible to remember the most important: Piano Battaglia with his vast karst depression at the foot of the Mufara Mount; Piano Battaglietta with the sinkhole of the same name.
Petralia Sottana is not just the city center, but a vast and rich territory to discover in all its aspects.
View and download the Map of old Town Centre
View and download the Map of Madonie’s Park
