Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Syracuse Province, Italy
Cavagrande del Cassibile is a nature reserve in Syracuse Province in southeastern Sicily that extends across 2,700 hectares (about 6,600 acres) and encompasses deep gorges, dense Mediterranean vegetation, and clear watercourses. The reserve runs along the Cassibile River, which forms pools carved into the rock and plateaus covered with wild shrubs, oleander, and ancient holm oaks.
The gorge was shaped over thousands of years by the continuous erosion of the Cassibile River, which cut through the limestone plateau and formed the rock walls and pools seen today. The area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, as shown by the Necropolis of Cassibile, an ancient burial site with rock-cut tombs that predate the Greek colonization of Sicily.
The natural basins of the reserve are often called "laghetti di Avola" by locals, meaning small lakes of Avola, a name that shows how closely surrounding communities have been tied to these waters for generations. On hot summer days, families from nearby towns come here to cool off in the pools and enjoy traditional picnics under the trees along the river.
The reserve has several access points, with the Prisa-Carrubella trail being the most commonly used and leading down to the emerald pools at the valley floor. The descent is steep and requires sturdy footwear, as the steps are uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain or near the wet sections.
The gorge is home to one of the largest colonies of wild bees in Sicily, which nest in the crevices of the rock walls and pollinate the flowering shrubs along the river in spring. On quiet days, you can hear their humming from a distance, especially in the morning hours when they are most active.
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