Our journey starts from an upward path in the middle of a lush pine and trees forest to a wonderful cave with the purest water spring – the Grattara Cave – which probably is part of the reason behind the name of the town itself.
Later, after a little rest to immortalize the indescribable landscape at the feet of Pizzo di Pilo, we will proceed to the north-west, towards the St. Giorgio Abbey. The site has become today a favourite destination of both Italian and foreign visitors that come to discover what at first sight might seem a ruin like many others, but in reality is a milestone in the Norman Itinerary in Sicily.
The St. Giorgio monastery’s church is in fact a particularly important cultural asset in Sicily from many points of view: historic, artistic, spiritual, anthropological. The monastery, founded by order of the Duke Ruggero II around 1140 in order to seal peace with Pope Innocenzo II, was entrusted to the order of French monks, the Premostratensi, whose only monastery in Sicily was that very one in Gratteri.
Brace yourself to embark on a journey in the distant Middle Ages, to the discovery of the intriguing history of a Norman monument, but also of the local legends, like the one about the existence of a treasure that many strangers looked for throughout the centuries.
Our journey will end at the “passo della Scala” in front of the small church of the Crucifix, where it is possible to glimpse a breathtaking landscape on the Tyrrhenian coast. Overlooking the Carapé, we will tell you the stories of the women’s talismans and of the Souls in Purgatory, of the votive aedicules located now inside of the Church.
Be prepared to enjoy another adventure through a fascinating journey in the heart of the Madonie Park.