Pietrarossa Castle–Sabucina Itinerary

Pietrarossa Castle–Sabucina Itinerary

Experience: Archaeology, Castles, Churches

Route: outdoor, out-and-back

Km: 10,6 (one way only)

Duration: 2-3 h (one way only)

Difficulty: challenging

Terrain: asphalt

Route suitable: by bicycle

Ascent / Elevation gain: 596

Descent / Elevation loss: 441

2 Minutes of reading

This true cycle tour takes you along the eastern side of Caltanissetta.

The itinerary begins with a visit to Pietrarossa Castle and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Santa Maria la Vetere). From the parking area of the Monumental Cemetery of the Angels, reach the Church of San Giovanni: take Via Angeli, turn left onto Via Speciale, left again onto Via Campofranco, and finally left once more onto Via Acquaviva. From here, continue to Via Marcenò and turn right onto Via San Domenico, where you can admire the church of the same name. Turn left onto Via Medaglie d’Oro and, turning left again at the roundabout onto Via P. Emiliani Giudici, you will find on your right the Church of Maria SS. delle Grazie (Collegio di Maria). Continue and turn right onto Via Pugliese Giannone to enter Piazza Garibaldi with its famous Triton Fountain. Here you’ll find the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova and the San Sebastiano Rectory. Taking Corso Vittorio Emanuele to return to the roundabout, the Church of Santa Croce will appear in front of you.

From here go straight along Via Vespri Siciliani. At its end, before taking Via Xiboli, on the left you’ll see the façade of the former Church of Santa Maria della Stella, now a dance school, and further on the Chapel of the Madonna del Soccorso. At the roundabout, continue on Via Xiboli, take the first right and continue for about 3.5 km to the village of Santa Barbara. On the right along the road you can (with a guide) enter the Maccalube Geosite—truly distinctive and unique mud volcanoes without magma that will leave you amazed! Continue onto the scenic SS Agrigentina for about 2.5 km to the junction, then turn left for the Sabucina Archaeological Park. The arrival point is just 2 km further on a gentle uphill.

The stages of the itinerary

 
Archaeological Park of Sabucina
Archaeological Park of Sabucina
Located about eight kilometers northeast of Caltanissetta, the Archaeological Park of Sabucina stretches across the 720 meters of the mountain of the same name, a natural balcony overlooking the valley of the southern Imera.
Maccalube Terrapelata
Maccalube Terrapelata
Southeast of Caltanissetta, on the edge of the Monte Capodarso Reserve, the barren hill of Terrapelata comes alive with dozens of small mud volcanoes: these are the maccalube.
Fountain of the Triton
Fountain of the Triton
In the heart of Piazza Garibaldi, the urban and symbolic center of Caltanissetta, the Fountain of the Triton rises like a small mythological stage.
Castle of Pietrarossa
Castle of Pietrarossa
On the eastern edge of Caltanissetta’s historic center, the reddish ruins of the Castle of Pietrarossa rise like a shipwrecked hull above the valley of the Imera.
Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary in Sabucina
Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary in Sabucina
The Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary stands on the southern slope of Mount Sabucina, a few steps from an important 4th-century BC archaeological site, offering visitors a fascinating combination of faith, art, and ancient history.
Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Santa Maria la Vetere)
Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Santa Maria la Vetere)
The parish church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, also known as Santa Maria la Vetere, has borne this name since the 17th century to distinguish it from the Mother Church, Santa Maria la Nova.
Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova
Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova
In the heart of Piazza Garibaldi, the hub of city life, the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova rises with a façade of two bell towers in golden calcarenite, which at sunset glows with reflections like a theatrical backdrop.
 

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