Mangiapane Cave
The open-air village-museum between rock carvings and the Living Nativity
The historical-naturalistic heritage of Custonaci is the key to reading the territory more impact and fascinating. In a unique mix of natural beauty and history, discover Custonaci and its identity.
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Nature Welcoming Humanity
The karstic nature of the Custonaci territory has made this corner of Sicily a cradle of ancient civilizations—a landscape where humanity and nature have coexisted in harmony since the dawn of time. Above all, the caves bear witness to the presence of human settlements in the area since prehistoric times, with rock engravings that unveil mysteries of the distant past. Among these rocky cavities in the rock, the Mangiapane Cave shines as a true gem: inhabited until the 19th century, it preserves within its walls a small village that today comes back to life as an open-air museum and with the representation of the Living Nativity, a reenactment of ancient local traditions.
Where land and sea create a masterpiece.
The natural beauty of Custonaci offers unique landscapes where biodiversity thrives between mountains and the Mediterranean. The Mount Cofano Nature Reserve, with its dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, is a paradise of rare flora, wildlife, and serene silence, perfect for immersive nature treks. Further inland, Mount Sparagio stands proudly, dominating the horizon with its imposing presence. Between the two unfolds the countryside, with its characteristic Sicilian “bagli”—historical rural buildings that reflect the deep agricultural heritage of the region and the inseparable bond between humans and nature.
Archaeological Heritage to Discover
The Custonaci region holds unexpected archaeological sites of extraordinary historical value. The most striking among them is Italy’s oldest Islamic granary, a testament to a past rich in economic exchanges and cultural influences. But here, history has even older roots, waiting to be uncovered. The true mystery of Custonaci lies in its imposing monoliths, the Gate of the Sun and the Horse of the Sun. Aligned with the solar cycle, these megaliths suggest an ancient connection to astronomy, making Custonaci a kind of Sicilian Stonehenge, still waiting to be explored and appreciated.
Must-see
Oriented Nature Reserve of Mount Cofano
The perfect biodiversity treasure trove for trekking and nature explorations
Cofano Tonnara Tower (Mount Cofano Reserve)
The star-shaped tower placed in defense of the trap
Custonaci Cliffs
The most beautiful climbing routes for sport climbers
Cerriolo Park (Statue of Regina Pacis)
The green area of Custonaci adorned with flora and works of art
San Giovanni Tower (Mount Cofano Reserve)
The Spanish watchtower placed in defense of Monte Cofano
Islamic Granary
The oldest ever found in Europe
Gate of the Sun and Horse of the Sun
Prehistoric monoliths with astronomical function
