Riserva naturale orientata Rossomanno-Grottascura-Bellia, Regional nature reserve in Enna Province, Sicily, Italy.
Riserva naturale orientata Rossomanno-Grottascura-Bellia is a regional nature reserve spanning 2,011 hectares with mountainous terrain and sandstone plateaus. The area features distinctive rock formations and archaeological remains from different periods.
The reserve's territory was inhabited since the ancient centre of Rossomanno, later destroyed in the 14th century. A medieval settlement of Swabian origin between Serra delle Casazze and Monte Rossomanno was razed in 1394. The park also holds a Sicel centre at Serra delle Casazze with acropolis and fortifications, and the Rocca Crovacchio necropolis with enchytrismos burials.
The name links three hills: Rossomanno, Grottascura and Bellia. The reserve's best-known feature is the Pietre incantate, or pupi ballerini in Sicilian: vaguely human-shaped stones carved by wind erosion, which draw curious visitors. Elderberry, characteristic of the Enna area, is the base of the local guastella col sambuco.
The reserve is accessible via the A19 Catania-Palermo highway with an exit at Enna, followed by the SS 561 route toward Pergusa. Bring sturdy footwear and water for exploration, as the terrain is uneven and can be exposed to sun.
The reserve contains unusual sandstone rock formations shaped by wind erosion into human-like figures known locally as Dancing Puppets. These naturally sculpted shapes developed over millennia of weathering and represent a rare geological occurrence.
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