14 June 2009 - The City of Naro (AG) - Sicily - Italy

[charlyno]

ALL PICS HERE

Used motorcycles: BMW R 1200 GS-1050 Triumph Tiger

Milestones: Palermo-Caccamo-Roccapalumba-Alia-Vallelunga-Pratameno Marianopoli-San-Cataldo Naro-Caltanissetta-Palermo

Nations visited: Italy

Regions visited: Sicily

Km covered: 350

Duration: 1 day

When all agree to spend a beautiful day such as today, passing much of the time aligned in traffic and the rest of the day on the beaches turned into "Carnaio" we opt for something more interesting and above all quiet. At 09.00 we are already on to Messina. A short distance to Termini Imerese and finally let the long machine Serpentona direct to the sea. Just off the SS285 to Caccamo suddenly everything changes. We leave behind the sea and the chaotic traffic to immerse in the tranquility and silence of the countryside. The traffic is completely absent in the short Caccamo where we reach the ridge of rock the old castle overlooking the valley below and the magnificent lake. We continue to Roccapalumba where we stop for a coffee. Through the SS121, we continue our journey through Vallelunga Pratameno and Marianopoli. The landscape is enchanting. The green grass has given way to the colors of summer. In the eye could see fields and land already burnt by the sun and plowed by the work of creating an exciting game of colors. From time to time, a green oasis stands out among the barren of vegetation, contrasting sharply with the surrounding landscape. The thermometer marks +33. On the road we find a column of motorcyclists in the opposite direction and the first row of exhibits in a big bow "as somewhat bizarre but very funny greeting followed by flashes and fingers av from across the column. In San Cataldo, I expect Joseph Catania motorcyclist to join the trip. I made the mistake on the time needed to travel from and arrive with great disappointment with the appointment an hour late. Despite all the welcome is warm and friendly, it can happen on the road. The appointment is at Airpub San Cataldo, a bizarre pub built inside a real airliner transported for the occasion in the middle of the campaign! After a refreshing drink and a chat with his friend Joseph known during the "tour Coppola" a group of motorcyclists of "continent" to start Naro just 32 km. http://www.comune.naro.ag.it/ The journey is short and soon after we are under the majestic and imposing Chiaramonti castle built in the twelfth century. on a pre-existing Arab fortress. With great surprise in the exhibition is "The genius of Michelangelo", which reconstructs the incredible instruments made by Michelangelo. Parked motorcycles and paid for the ticket to visit the exhibition and the interiors of the castle. From the tower a magnificent view over the lake and throughout the surrounding area. Inside the castle is also a permanent exhibition of vintage clothes from the first century, very interesting. Left the castle we go a few hundred meters to visit what remains of the Norman cathedral built by Ruggero D'Altavilla in 1089. Although it is being restored, astounding in size and majesty. The sun beats and belly rumbling so we decide to make a break for lunch then spend the rest of the day to visit the city. We show the typical trattoria "La Lanterna - Via Diaz 7 tel. 0922959501. The choice could not be better. Local cuisine, genuine and truly affordable prices. After the lunch and coffee after the inevitable re-tour of the city by the Golden Gate, the only remaining access to when the town in medieval times was surrounded by walls. Continuing along the Via Dante, preserving a good part of the historical buildings of the city. To name a few, the Church of St. Savior and St. Nicholas of Bari, the Mother Church and the Jesuit College. Favara we reach the square where it shows the beautiful Church of St. Augustine. Shame that are closed and therefore you must satisfy only one exterior. Shooting the bikes we go to the Church of San Francesco with the next adjoining the Town Hall, where some kind alert us to visit the municipal hall of the palace under restoration. We would like to visit the catacombs used Paleochristian between IV and VI century AD but tell us we are closed and that we must have a guide in order to make a visit this reason to return once again in this wonderful city. A final coffee and start to Caltanissetta not be stopped before at the Church of San Calogero, the only open at that time. After visiting we head towards Caltanissetta onto the highway for the return. A 6 km you stop for a cold drink and greet with his friend Joseph, whom I thank for the company and have "forgiven" the delay to the appointment. The road runs into the house quickly and in short we are once again in the chaotic traffic of the return, but we do not respect us in motion and with the head still in the quiet and tranquility of the town of Naro. In the next
For those wishing to participate in our excursions fracharly2001@yahoo.it or call 3286183426. We do not accept "Hacker"
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Francesco