Santa Barbara–Sabucina Itinerary

Santa Barbara–Sabucina Itinerary

Experience: Churches, Nature, History

Route: outdoor, out-and-back

Km: 5 (one way only)

Duration: 2-3 h (one way only)

Difficulty: easy

Terrain: asphalt

Route suitable: on foot

Ascent / Elevation gain: 351

Descent / Elevation loss: 361

1 Minute of reading

This highly scenic route starts from the parking area of the Terrapelata Maccalube Geosite.

These extremely peculiar geological formations are internationally rare. They are true mud volcanoes without magma or hydrothermal sources—indeed, they are cold—yet minor paroxysmal phenomena with small mud eruptions can still occur; visits are only possible with a guide. Crossing the road to the left, you reach the village of Santa Barbara, patron saint of firefighters, miners, explosives experts, and many other professions at risk of sudden death, such as from fire or explosions. In lands enriched by metallurgical and extractive activities, this place reflects the community’s superstitious side and exorcizes the fears and hardships of the dark life in the mines. The route continues along the beautiful, panoramic SS Agrigentina to the left-hand junction signposted for the Sabucina Archaeological Park; turn there and go uphill. Take the second right and you will find a barrier with white-and-red stripes. After passing it, you will arrive at the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario in Sabucina.

The stages of the itinerary

 
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.
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 Saint Barbara
Church of Saint Barbara
In the heart of the mining village of Santa Barbara, a few kilometers from Caltanissetta, the church dedicated to the patron saint of miners rises in a setting where maccalube mud volcanoes and old rural tracks (trazzere) tell the harsh story of Sicilian sulphur.
 

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