Five thousand rock-cut tombs in the gorges of the Anapo
In the Hyblaean mountains, where the Anapo and Calcinara rivers have carved deep limestone gorges, the necropolis of Pantalica holds about five thousand tombs cut into the cliffs between the thirteenth and seventh centuries BC. From a distance, the walls look like giant honeycombs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Syracuse.
Pantalica was the capital of a powerful Sicel kingdom before the arrival of the Greeks, and on the plateau remain the foundations of the "Anaktoron", the prince's palace. In the Byzantine period some tombs were turned into cave dwellings and small rock churches with frescoes. Paths lead down to the river, where you can swim in natural pools, along the old route of the Siracusa-Vizzini railway, now a footpath and cycle path.
Tip: the site can be reached from Sortino or from Ferla, on two different sides of the gorge; the walk is demanding in summer, so set off early and bring plenty of water.
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