Description of the attraction
Fikuzza is one of the largest nature reserves in western Sicily in the mountains south of Palermo, where the former royal hunting residence of the same name is located.
The ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Ferdinando I during the years of his reign was twice forced to leave his palace in Naples and settle in Palermo: the first time during the republican revolution in the late 18th century, and then, a couple of years later, during the French occupation of most of southern Italy. Ferdinando loved power, but it seems he loved hunting even more.
The king commissioned the architect Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglier to design two royal residences in the vicinity of Palermo, each of which was to be located on the territory of the hunting grounds. One of these residences was the Chinese Palace, built in the style of the Chinese Renaissance just outside Palermo. But the hunting lodge in Ficuzza was built in a simpler, one might even say, Spartan style, but with elements of the classic Baroque, characteristic of English country estates of that period. The house had a wine cellar and a secret exit, which the king could use in case of need to leave his domain unnoticed. Local stone was used for the construction of Fikuzza. The British, who kept thousands of their military in Sicily, undoubtedly influenced the architectural design of the palace, at least culturally. English officers were extremely fond of hunting in the lands of Fikuzza: wild boars, wolves, hares, rabbits, birds of prey and forest cats became their prey.
Today, this huge protected area is only partially open to the public (fortunately, tourists are allowed access to the palace). Here you can also see an artificial lake fed by the waters of the Frattina River, which is used to supply water to Palermo. Vast forests surround the Rocca Bussambra, a mountain range overlooking the reserve.
Now the territory of Fikuzza is in good hands, although until recently its natural resources were threatened with a serious threat from the destruction of natural ecosystems and deforestation. The palace itself was significantly damaged and plundered by vandals. In addition to local marauders, German troops also left their mark, operating here in 1942 and leaving Fikuzzu in a deplorable state. In recent years, attempts have been made to restore the fauna that flourished in the reserve in the 19th century, primarily the populations of wild boars, hares and birds of prey. Fortunately, these attempts were crowned with success, and today Fikuzza is gradually regaining its former diversity and natural beauty.
