The Old city of Himera and Gratteri - Sicily - Italy

[charlyno]

Sorry for my english !!!

PHOTOS & VIDEO

Moto used: BMW GS 1200

Milestones: Palermo-Casteldaccia-San Nicola Arena-Termini Imerese-Buonfornello-Gratteri-Palermo

Nations visit: Italy

Regions visited: Sicily

Km covered: 155
Duration: half day


Finally after the torrid heat of recent days, the temperature took a leap down by several degrees, making it particularly pleasant to travel by motorbike. Put a beautiful sunny day, the desire to detach from the "world" for half a day and you're done! At 14.45 are already in motion, a quick move by highway to Casteldaccia to take the 113 towards Messina. With just a few kilometers to leave behind the chaos of the city and begin to enjoy the fresh air and sparkling from the sea. Along the way I make a small deviation immediately after Altavilla Sporting to the Lido for the coast road along the sea. A calm sea of deep blue along the beach and a few tourists who still enjoy the mild climate of Sicily in the most absolute stillness. It would make me feel like a dip and join them! Torre Normanna step, so you can admire a wonderful panorama and make a brief stop in the San Nicola Arena, a small village, where I stopped for a coffee. Allotment in the direction of Termini Imerese. Just at the entrance to the country is beautiful exhibition of whether the bridge built in 1723 by Arch. DAIDONE on the Board of Emperor Charles VI of Austria and King of the two Sicilies, where once flowed a river now dry. Step quickly that "monster" impact abientale that is the industrial center to reach just 400 meters before Buonfornello entrance to the Temple of Victory. Is a Doric temple built around 480 BC and they say that it was built on land where the battle took place against the Carthaginians and this was said Victory. Brought to light in 1929, little remains of the structure but enough to get an idea of the splendor and magnificence of the ancient city of Himera. At 100 meters from the temple stands the Antiquarium, which collects countless artefacts from the city of Himera and surrounding areas. Large panels illustrating the history and the history of this ancient city and the events that led to its complete destruction. The ticket costs EUR 2 includes the all'Antiquarium visit, the Temple of Victory and the archaeological area above the temple where you can clearly see the remains of the ancient city and get an idea of its structure. Again, useful illustrative panels that make it particularly interesting to visit (for more info http://www.comune.termini-imerese.pa.it/himera1.htm). After a long chat with the custodians of the Temple, let Buonfornello to direct the Joint Gratteri. Already 18.00 but there is still about an hour and a half of light. Entrance to the SP 28 for Gratteri, a real pleasure, both for fresh and for the countless curves and breathtaking views over the coast. In short the country in June, to visit the cave Grattara (info http://www.gratteri.org/). Motorcycle parked just below Pizzo of Pilo, the mountain that overlooks Gratteri, I towards the cave through a path surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. Strong fragrance issued from these trees. In absolute quiet, I enjoy this wonderful walk and after about 20 minutes come to the Grotto. In the mountains two huge holes, not visible from below, create an extraordinary effect. It seems to suggest setting the surrounding landscape. He entered the cave through the appropriate steps, immediate action is the abrupt temperature change. The sun is at sunset and from inside the cave you can admire a part of the city and the surrounding landscape that lights up orange. An ancient fable tells us that the cave is the place where "a former Strina" namely the Epiphany alive and that the last night of the year, down from the chimneys of houses of gratteresi to fill stockings for gifts! I go back on the path not before they climbed on top, where just after a hovel of forest, a dyed red sun at sunset now gives me a fantastic sunset on the coast. I would have more time and still remain somewhat 'to admire this extraordinary spectacle but it is time to return. Risk path to the parking lot, where can I take the bike path to home. Because you are my beautiful Sicily. To the next.

For those wishing to participate in our trips outside the city fracharly2001@yahoo.it or call the number 3286183426. We do not accept "freak
Lamps Siculi
Francesco