Belice Valley

An enchanting land wounded by the earthquake

Belice Valley takes its name from the river that runs through it and it occupies an area between the provinces of Palermo, Trapani and Agrigento. It is home to one of the largest archaeological sites in Europe, the Selinunte Archaeological Park, a marvellous testament to classical Greece and the Doric style. Also nearby are the Cave di Cusa, a tuff deposit from which the stones used to build the majestic temples of Selinunte were extracted.

Here you'll find Menfi , with its historic centre full of palaces and towers, and the Belice River Nature Reserve, a protected area extending from the coast to the hinterland, enlivened by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. Then there is the pretty hamlet of Porto Palo, where you can stroll along the palm-lined promenade and admire the series of coves along Solette Beach.

Don't miss the small medieval village of Castelvetrano with its medieval jewels, and the remains of the ancient settlement of Poggioreale, a ghost town that fell victim of the earthquake of 1968. Also visit Burri's Crack, a few kilometres from what remains of Gibellina: a huge contemporary artwork created on the ruins of the town to commemorate its destruction by the earthquake.

Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by a gastronomic tour typical of the Belice Valley, from cassatella, filled with ricotta, chocolate, sugar and cinnamon, eaten freshly baked, to nucatoli, Christmas shortcrust pastries filled with almonds and honey.