Mangiapane Cave

This cave, approximately 70 metres high, 13 metres wide, and 50 metres deep, is an ancient prehistoric settlement where traces of human presence dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic were discovered as early as the 1800s and 1900s, including flint tools. Archaeological excavations conducted in 2004 later revealed the presence of prehistoric pottery from the Early and Middle Neolithic. Due to the presence of graffiti and cave paintings on its walls, Mangiapane Cave is also known as the “Cave of the Uffizi” and continued to serve as a shelter for human communities until a few decades ago. In fact, the cave was inhabited until the 1950s, most recently by the Mangiapane family, local shepherds, from whom the cave takes its name.

Visiting the cave means stepping into a true village: stone and wooden houses rise within the depths of the cavern and just outside it. Thanks to restoration efforts by the Mangiapane heirs and local associations, the cave now exists as an open-air museum. Within the houses of the village, rooms and settings have been recreated to reflect the rural life of ancient Sicily. Agricultural tools, furniture, household items, and farm animals bring the rustic atmosphere of forgotten eras to life. Mangiapane Cave represents a remarkable fusion of nature, history, and tradition, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to immerse themselves in a distant past and discover the cultural roots of western Sicily. Due to its uniqueness, the captivating location of Mangiapane Cave has been chosen as a set for numerous television and film productions depicting Sicily’s past. Among the most popular portrayals of the cave on the small screen are episodes from the TV series “Il Commissario Montalbano” and “Makari”.

In addition to television filming, one of the most enchanting and beloved events in the region takes place annually at Mangiapane Cave: “The Living Nativity of Custonaci – The Nativity and Traditional Crafts”, which has been held during the Christmas season since 1983. For this occasion, the Village-Museum comes to life with performers, guiding visitors through scenes of daily life towards the depths of the cave, where the Nativity of Jesus is staged.

This living nativity scene involves about 160 participants and revives the agricultural and artisan traditions of the territory, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience.

In 2006, the event was officially recognised in the Registry of Intangible Heritage of Sicily for the meticulousness and complexity of its staging.