Monte Altesina, Mountain summit in Sicily, Italy

Monte Altesina is the highest peak of the Erei mountain range in central Sicily, reaching 1,192 meters. Its slopes are covered with holm oaks, oaks and ivy, and the summit is visible from far across the surrounding plateau.

The Arab geographer al-Idrisi located Monte Altesina in 1154, the same year Sicily was divided into three valleys: Val di Mazara, Val Demone and Val di Noto. The peak is considered the point where these three valleys meet. From the Bronze Age the area was inhabited by pastoral communities, and around 1100 hermit monks founded the monastery of San Girolamo di Lartisina.

Around 1100, hermit monks founded the monastery of San Girolamo di Lartisina on Monte Altesina, and the mountain's name survives in the Sicilian form monti Artisina. The peak is also held to be the point where Sicily's three historic valleys meet, a division set down by the Arab geographer al-Idrisi in 1154.

Several hiking trails lead to the summit from different directions, some steeper than others, so choosing a route that matches your fitness level is a good idea. Start early in the day and bring layers, since the weather at this height can shift quickly.

Al-Idrisi placed Monte Altesina on his 1154 map of Sicily, and the same geographer divided the island into three valleys that year. Local tradition holds that the summit marks the point where Val di Mazara, Val di Demone and Val di Noto meet, a claim repeated by islanders but not confirmed by the sources.