Pizzo Carbonara, Mountain summit in Province of Palermo, Italy
Pizzo Carbonara is the highest peak of the Madonie Mountains in northern Sicily, rising to 1979 meters from a limestone massif. The mountain features a broad plateau with numerous natural caves and narrow valleys carved into the rock.
The Madonie region became a protected nature reserve in 1989, encompassing 40,000 hectares including this mountain. This designation has preserved the high-altitude landscape and its plant life from development and intensive use.
Local communities in the nearby villages practice sheep herding and grain cultivation on the slopes using methods passed down through families. Visitors often see grazing flocks and stone terraces that reflect the long relationship between people and this mountain landscape.
The hike starts from Piano Battaglia at 1605 meters elevation, with the trail covering about five kilometers to the summit. The path is generally well-marked but exposed, so sturdy footwear and water are essential, especially in warmer months.
The plateau contains an interconnected cave system where rainwater filters underground and reappears at the base of Cefalù castle kilometers away. This hidden water network links the high mountain to coastal areas below.
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