Riserva naturale orientata Monte Altesina, Regional nature reserve in Leonforte and Nicosia, Italy.
The Riserva naturale orientata Monte Altesina spreads across forested hillsides and mountain terrain in central Sicily at roughly 1,192 meters elevation. The protected area features several walking paths through these landscapes and supports different types of vegetation.
Ancient peoples left archaeological traces at the summit, while later monks established communities on the slopes for spiritual purposes. Different cultures shaped the mountain and its surroundings across many centuries.
The mountain slopes hold the remains of an ancient convent that served as a spiritual refuge for monks seeking solitude. These religious structures shaped how people used this remote landscape for centuries.
The best paths run through forest areas and require sturdy footwear, as the mountain is steep and uneven. A good starting point is near the old farmhouse where visitor facilities are being developed.
An old Arab inscription from the 10th century remains carved into the rock face, bearing witness to the Islamic period of the island. This rare inscription is a direct record of the different peoples who passed through this region.
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