The best traffic-free bike rides around Montevago

The largest work of art in Europe and the memory of an earthquake that indelibly changed the history of the province. An almost mystical and extraordinarily evocative place.

A village uninhabited for decades, ever since the entire population was relocated en masse to a brand-new town. Three thousand people, the exodus of survivors of the 1968 earthquake that destroyed entire towns in the provinces of Trapani and Agrigento. Today, only façades remain, baroque railings, old majolica tiles, a tangle of houses leaning against the bell tower of the main church, and stairways that look like they were cut out with scissors on a sheet of paper. Before the earthquake, Poggioreale was a delightful baroque village, with noble palaces, the square with the club, the inn, and everything else. The ruins bear witness to a tragedy from 40 years ago: fear, escape, separation. A place that, due to its beauty and the evocative atmosphere it evokes, has been the setting for numerous famous films: it is here that Tornatore filmed some scenes from Malena and The Star Man. An island out of time, with the hands of the clock stopped on the terrible night of January 15, 1968.

Beautiful, you have to see it.

The Selinunte Archaeological Park houses the ruins of the Doric temples of the ancient Greek city. Founded in the 7th century BC, Selinunte was an important commercial center before being destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. Today the park offers a fascinating immersion in history with temples, sanctuaries and the acropolis overlooking the sea.

As of 01.25 the cycle path is OK up to Menfi, but then further east it is more of an S0 single track. Overgrown, in places there is more sheep droppings than asphalt. Rideable but smells nice.

The Cretto di Burri in Gibellina, also known as “Il Grande Cretto”, is a unique work of art that honors the destroyed town of Gibellina after the devastating earthquake of 1968. Italian artist Alberto Burri created this monumental work between 1985 and 1989 and it was completed in 2015. With its huge white concrete blocks that look like giant cracks in the ground, the work symbolizes the lasting pain and memory of the past, but at the same time, renewal and reconstruction. Walking through the Cretto almost feels like walking through the past, as if you are re-entering the streets and alleys of the old town. The approximately 80,000 square meter area is made up of concrete structures that trace the original city layout. What is particularly impressive is the fact that the blocks are made from the rubble of the old town itself. When you stand on the Cretto and take in the simple but powerful aesthetic, you can literally feel the connection between art, history and human resilience. It is not only a reminder of what was lost, but also a symbol of hope and rebirth. It is especially beautiful if you do the hike in clear weather - the view into the distance underlines the silence and grandeur of this unique place.

goosebumps place, if you stop to read the sign "the tears of Christ" I assure you that your pedaling will change! another area devastated by the earthquake of 68...

07/2024 everything is cordoned off, impossible to access (shame)