The Story Behind Sicily's Incredible Rocky Necropolis Of Pantalica

If you are looking to combine some ancient history and some physical activity, a visit to the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica needs to be on your Sicilian agenda. These prehistoric burial chambers, literally thousands of them, are really something to see.

Pantalica was a flourishing settlement over three thousand years ago and lasted for about 600 years, from about 1250 to 650 BC. Thought by historians to be one of the largest communities in eastern Sicily, it was located in what is now the Anapo river valley in the Iblei mountain range. The location was likely chosen because the rocky hills and terrain there were easier to defend than exposed coastal areas.The Italian archeologist Paolo Orsi led the excavation of the site in the the early 1900s.

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Who lived here?

There are five main areas to visit, with tombs cut into the limestone in square, rectangular and elliptical shapes. One of the most important structures is the Megalithic-era Anaktoron believed to have been built around 1100 BC and most likely a royal palace or a religious temple. The oldest structure is the north west of the necropolis which was built in the 12th and 11th centuries BC. The necropolis of Filiporto has more than 1,000 tombs. The North necropolis is the most visually dramatic with more than a thousand tombs set in a geometric honeycomb like pattern. The South necropolis is the easiest to reach.

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How to visit

You have different points of entry to choose from for your visit Pantalica. Leave from the town of Sortino on one side or from the town of Ferla on the other edge. The path from Ferla is well marked and an easier hike into the canyon. Starting from Sortino you will come across a cool mountain spring, and midway there is an old railway line among a hardwood tree forest. Plan on approximately a four hour hike if you do the entire loop. Sturdy hiking footwear, a flashlight for tunnels, and water are a must.

GPS Coordinates for trailheads

Load these coordinates into your phone and you will easily find your way to each of the Pantalica trails.

North trailhead: 37.14162°N 15.03706°E

South trailhead: 37.13946°N 15.03266°E

East trailhead: 37.14304°N 15.04614°E

West trailhead: 37.10242°N 14.95643°E

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