Page 182 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

By car From Castelbuono, drive 9km west to Munciarrati (also known as Mongerati),
between Collesano and Isnello, where there’s a turn-off up into the mountains. Piano
Zucchi is 17km from the junction, with Piano Battaglia 7km further on again. From
Piano Battaglia, it’s another 20km, or half-hour drive, over the tops and down to the
Petralia towns.

Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana

The southern edge of the Madonie range is marked by the twin towns of Petralia,
which lie on opposite sides of a hill. There are some wonderful views, as you might
imagine, from the upper town of PETRALIA SOPRANA, which sits at an altitude of
nearly 1150m. This was the birthplace of the craftsman Fra Ùmile da Petralia (1580–
1639), whose wooden crosses are found in churches all over southern Italy. From the

edge of the village you get a long view over the Madonie and Nébrodi mountains, as
well as an occasional sight of Etna.

However, it’s the lower town, 3km away, PETRALIA SOTTANA, that acts as the
mountain base for the region. Clinging to the hillside, it’s an evocative place with one
long main street, Corso Paolo Agliata, lined with weathered medieval churches, small
piazzas and shuttered houses, culminating in the usual castle ruins.

Parco Avventura
April–June, Sept & Oct Sat & Sun 10am–6pm; July & Aug daily 10am–8pm • Picnic area €2, adventure course €17
adults, €8 children • 091 748 7186, parcoavventuramadonie.it

For a fabulous day out in the trees above town you can drive to the Parco Avventura,
3km beyond Petralia Sottana on the Piano Battaglia road, where as well as picnic
areas and marked trails there’s a thrilling high-rope adventure course through the
pines – booking is a good idea in summer and at weekends (especially Sundays).

INFORMATION: PETRALIA SOPRANA AND PETRALIA
SOTTANA

Tourist information The tourist office is at Corso Paolo Agliata 100 (daily 8.30am–
2pm & 3–8pm; 0921 641 811, petraliasottana.net). The Ente Parco delle Madonie
office, at Corso Paolo Agliata 16 (daily 8am–2pm; 0921 684 011,
parcodellemadonie.it), should be able to tell you something about hiking, skiing and
escorted excursions.

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING

La Locanda di Cadì A Fuoco Lento Borgo Cipampini, Petralia Soprana 338 289
0100, lalocandadicadi.it. Run with passion and incredible attention to detail, this
authentic country inn is really quite a special place, located in a minuscule medieval