Description of the attraction
The natural reserve "Pizzo Cané, Pizzo Trinha and Grotta Mazzamuto", covering an area of 4643 hectares, is located in the province of Palermo, Sicily. This mountain range, once the bottom of an ancient sea, consists not only of limestone rocks formed in the Mesozoic era from deposits of shells and animal skeletons, but also of siliceous rocks that form small parallel plateaus. In addition, in the strata of Pizzo Cané, along with limestone, intrusions (intrusions) of volcanic rocks can be found.
The vast forests are represented by relict thickets of holly, cork oak and hardwoods mixed with white ash, field maple and the rarer Monpellian maple. The typical Mediterranean undergrowth consists of the characteristic evergreen shrubs of maquis, almond trees and bracts. Here you can also see hawthorn, incense and broom.
The reserved rocks are a real kingdom of peregrine falcons - huge birds of prey, as well as golden eagles. It was once inhabited by vultures, small, predatory migratory birds that were also called "pasqualino" because they usually flew to Sicily at Easter. Among the animals there are martens, porcupines and forest cats.
This protected area, one of the most interesting in the province of Palermo, borders on an area of great geomorphological and natural value, where it is clearly seen that people have lived here since ancient times.
On one of the boundaries of the reserve is the Skete of San Felice, which can be considered the main gateway to the kingdom of nature. Along with the castle on Mount San Onofrio, this hermitage is one of the oldest buildings in the area. A few hours' walk from here is the so-called Skittles Grotto with numerous refreshing springs. Also next to the hermitage rises the Pizzo Sannita peak with the remains of an ancient settlement, unfortunately looted by marauders.
