Last Updated on 30 May 2024
Introduction
Before we find out what to see in Montalbano Elicona, let’s start with a brief introduction. The village is located in the Peloritani Mountains, a mountain range in northern Sicily whose highest peak touches 1374 meters. It is a magical place, immersed in the silence of nature.
Here, hidden in the mountains, we find a small treasure shrouded in mystery, the Argimusco. It is a plateau with huge rocks, many of which have wonderful anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms (The oracle, the warrior, the mammoth, the Sicilian, the eagle and many others). They are also located in a magnificent place, on a plateau in the middle of nature, with a splendid 360 degree panorama that sweeps between Etna and the Aeolian Islands.
Tip from Topsecretsicily: If you wish, you can book a 2-hour guided trek among these mysterious megaliths. Included in the tour is a visit to the castle of Montalbano Elicona and a tasting of typical products.
What to see in Montalbano Elicona
The rocks of Argimusco
The origins and shape of the rocks
Studies carried out seem to show that it was wind and rain that gave these original shapes to the rocks. It must be said, however, that no in-depth studies or archaeological excavations have been carried out yet, although this is the most likely theory. However, this seems to have been a sacred place and place of worship since the Neolithic period, as scholar Andrea Orlando recounts in this fine video.
Evidence of human presence
Evidence of human presence in this sacred place is manifold. In the Water Cliff, where a prayerful (a praying human figure) seems to take shape, A rectangular-shaped basin was excavated, (probably to collect water) and a cave tomb and a rock palmento with a hexagonal basin (probably used to make wine), also dug into the rock, was found in the area.
Next to the Cliff of Water is the Cliff of Fire. Here is the Seven Steps Rock, probably used as an observation point. It is made up of 7 steps carved on it, which lead to the top of the rock itself with a beautiful view to the west. Taking into consideration the lack of archaeological excavations, it is not yet possible to define the dating of all these finds.
Curiosity
As mentioned the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic shapes of the rocks are most likely the result of nature’s action, there is, however, a curious fact. The eagle-shaped rock (the resemblance is very strong indeed) indicates the direction in which a cave tomb, discovered a short distance away, is located. As chance would have it, for the ancients the eagle had the task of accompanying the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
The forest of Malabotta
A few hundred meters away is also the centuries-old forest of Malabotta, with oaks as old as 600 years. These are what remains of the ancient forests that once covered much of Sicily. You can get there in 5 minutes by car starting from the Argimusco parking lot, proceed slowly though, because the road is full of potholes. Once you arrive at the entrance, leave your car and proceed on foot along the path that goes into the woods, keeping to the right. In order not to get lost, since information is lacking anyway, it is best to follow the main trail and then go straight ahead. After about 30 minutes of dense forest, the first nice viewpoint opens up.
The village of Montalbano Elicona and the castle
In addition to the woods and Agrimusco it is also recommended to visit the medieval village of Montalbano Elicona, which belongs to the list of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. Here you can visit the beautiful Norman castle, the various charming churches and chapels and get lost in its medieval alleys. From the castle you can admire the surrounding wooded hills, the medieval village from above, the sea and the Aeolian islands. Inside are displayed fascinating ancient weapons and the clothes of the king, queen and sons.
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Ticket 3 Euro, opening hours: Tue-Sun: 09: 30-13: 30; 15: 00-19: 00. Times and fares may change.
Where to eat in Montalbano Elicona
If you want to try good typical food without spending a lot, you can go to the Taberna di Arnaldo, really nice and well furnished.
Interactive map – Points of interest in purple
To locate you click on the zoom symbol on the map at the top right.
What to see around Montalbano Elicona
Montalbano Elicona is located in the province of Messina. Here you will find listed the places to visit in Messina and surroundings .
Typical products of Montalbano Elicona
The typical products of Montalbano Elicona are linked to the agricultural and pastoral world. So let’s talk about homemade macaroni with pork sauce, fresh salted and baked ricotta, salami, olive oil and much more.
The town is located in the province of Messina. Here you will find tips on what to eat in Messina and surroundings , here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes.