ガッジの洞窟・トップ5

Famous for the Castle that seems to protect the Alcantara Valley.

It is a very fascinating ruin. https://www.icastelli.it/it/sicilia/messina/francavilla-di-sicilia/castello-di-francavilla-di-sicilia I left my bike on the panoramic terrace at an altitude of 390 m.

Known as "the quastallum" by the Arabs, Castiglione di Sicilia stands on a hill between the Alcantara valley and the Etna park, offering breathtaking landscapes with orchards and lava flows. It has a history dominated by the Arabs and subsequently by the Normans and Swabians. The village is known for its honors and its beauty, recognized with a regional decree in 1994. The castle of Lauria, which dominates the town, was born as a defensive fortress for the city; well built as it was, on the sandstone rock, and surrounded by powerful defensive walls, it constituted a perfect military defense both inland and throughout the rest of the Alcantara valley. From the start of your visit to Castiglione di Sicilia, it will not be difficult for you to notice how this village is closely linked to the medieval period, both for the narrow streets that characterize it and for the presence of a castle on top of a hill ' of stronghold.

Calatabiano Castle boasts 2300 years of history as well as a phenomenal view of Taormina and Mount Etna. To visit it, it is better to take the funicular leaving the bicycle in the valley station.

I recommend arriving in Calatabiano, taking the road that crosses the hamlet of Mitogio. This route has little traffic from motor vehicles and is immersed in the vegetation that runs along the Alcantara river.

It is a characteristic medieval center located between Etna and Alcantara.

A must visit when you are in Taormina.

Surefootedness is required at the castle. Small children should not climb the last five meters but wait at the foot of the remains of the ruins. However, the entire ascent is worthwhile, as you are rewarded with a wonderful view of Mount Etna through the remains of the ruins