Overview
Rock architecture in the heart of Sicily
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, the Necropolis of Pantalica is an extraordinary example of rock funerary architecture in Sicily. The necopolis is located in a gorge carved over millennia by the Anapo and Calcinara rivers.
It is the ideal place to combine culture, nature and hiking by exploring the 5,000 cave tombs excavated along the walls of the gorge. The oldest date back to the 12th century BC and the most recent to the 9th-8th century BC.
The most interesting necropolis is that of San Martino, with prehistoric tholos tombs and Byzantine catacombs, such as the Grotta di Sant'Anna and the Hypogeum of Dionysus, with frescoes and inscriptions. On the highest point are the remains of the Anaktoron or Prince's Palace.
In Byzantine times, several villages carved into the rock were established here. Visit San Micidiario with 150 dwellings, a small church and the remains of a moat, and don't miss the frescoed oratory of San Nicolicchio. The Grotto of the Crucifix contains a fresco of St Nicholas and a depiction of the crucifixion.
In the early 20th century, the Siracusa-Vizzini railway line was built along the valley, of which some tunnels remain. It is now a pedestrian and cycle path. Access is from Sortino or Ferla.
