CYCLE ROUTES AND ITINERARIES
Cycle tourism
recommended routes
A list of the most suggestive locations for your excursion
San Martino delle Scale
San Martino delle Scale is a place of great historical and cultural interest located in the hills of the Sicilian hinterland, a few kilometers from Palermo. This ancient medieval village takes its name from the presence of a Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11th century.
The monastery of San Martino delle Scale is one of the oldest and most important in Sicily, and was the center of a cultural and artistic flowering during the medieval period. Inside you can admire works of art of great value, including frescoes and mosaics.
Besides the monastery, San Martino delle Scale offers many other attractions for visitors. The village is characterized by narrow paved streets, ancient churches and noble palaces. Among the main attractions is the Church of San Giuseppe, dating back to the 16th century, which houses a collection of nativity scenes of great artistic value.
San Martino delle Scale is also famous for its wine production, thanks to the vines grown in the surrounding land. The area is particularly suitable for growing grapes, thanks to the cool climate of the hills and the presence of clayey soils. Visitors can sample local wines at the many wineries in the area, and purchase bottles of wine to take home as souvenirs.
For nature lovers, San Martino delle Scale also offers the possibility of going for walks in the surrounding woods, between the hills and the panoramic paths. The view of the surrounding valley is spectacular, offering a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy nature.
In general, San Martino delle Scale is a place of great historical, cultural and naturalistic interest, which offers many opportunities for visitors to discover the beauty of the Sicilian hinterland.
Monreale
Monreale is a municipality located in the province of Palermo, in Sicily. The city is famous throughout the world for the Cathedral of Monreale, a masterpiece of Norman art and one of the greatest examples of sacred architecture in medieval Europe.
The Cathedral of Monreale, dedicated to Santa Maria Nuova, was built in the 12th century at the behest of William II, King of Sicily. Its construction took almost 10 years and involved the best artists and craftsmen of the time, coming from all over Europe and the Near East.
The interior of the cathedral is characterized by a coffered ceiling, decorated with mosaics representing biblical scenes and the life of Christ. The side walls are covered in polychrome marble and are decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures representing angels and saints.
Inside the cathedral, it is also possible to admire the Cloister of the Benedictines, a work of art of great beauty. The cloister is characterized by round arches and white and pink marble columns. At the center of the cloister is a garden, where lemon and orange trees grow.
But Monreale is not only its cathedral. The city is also famous for its historic centre, with its characteristic narrow streets and alleys, where it is possible to admire ancient churches and noble palaces. Among the places of interest in the historic centre, we point out the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Church of San Cataldo and the Castle of Monreale.
Furthermore, Monreale is surrounded by a hilly landscape of great beauty, where it is possible to go for walks and excursions to discover ancient villages and breathtaking views. Among the recommended excursions, we highlight the one that leads to the village of San Martino delle Scale, an ancient medieval village located a few kilometers from Monreale.
Monreale is a city rich in history and art, which deserves to be visited for the beauty of its cathedral and its historic centre, but also for its hilly landscape and its excursions.
La Cattedrale di Palermo e il Palazzo dei Normanni
The Cathedral of Palermo and the Palazzo dei Normanni are two of the most important monuments of the city of Palermo and represent the history and culture of the city.
The Cathedral of Palermo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the main attractions of the city. Built in 1185, the cathedral is an example of Norman and Gothic architecture, with a white stone facade and a large bronze rose at the entrance. Inside, the cathedral houses a great variety of works of art, including a 12th-century painted panel, considered one of the masterpieces of Norman art.
The Palazzo dei Normanni, also known as the Royal Palace, is another important monument of the city. Built in the 9th century, the palace was the seat of Norman kings and then of Sicilian monarchs. The palace is famous for its architecture and artistic treasures, including the Palatine Chapel, an example of Arab-Norman art with mosaics and decorative stuccos.
Both monuments are located in the historic center of Palermo and can be easily reached on foot or by car. The Cathedral of Palermo and the Palazzo dei Normanni are a must for those who want to discover the history and culture of Palermo and Sicily.
The Cathedral of Palermo and the Palazzo dei Normanni represent the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Palermo, and are a symbol of a rich and fascinating past. Both monuments offer a unique experience for lovers of history, architecture and art, and are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Parco della Favorita
The Parco della Favorita is a green area of great importance for the city of Palermo. The park is located a few kilometers from the city center and can be easily reached by car or bicycle.
It offers a range of activities for visitors including walks, picnics and cycle rides. The park is ideal for those who want to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the chaos of the city. Inside the park, you can admire different species of fauna and flora, including ancient trees, flowers and wild animals.
It is also renowned for its artificial lakes, where it is possible to practice water sports such as rowing and sailing. Furthermore, the park also offers an area equipped for playing and having fun for children, such as water games and a playground.
Parco della Favorita is also famous for its architecture, in particular for the Royal Palace, built in the 19th century, which houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions and the Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum.
It is one of the main attractions of the city of Palermo, and is an ideal place to enjoy nature, sport, culture and entertainment. The park is open every day and offers a wide range of activities for all ages.
La città di Segesta
The city of Segesta, located about 50 km west of Palermo, is one of the main places of interest in western Sicily. The city is famous for its Greek ruins, including the Theater and the Temple, which are considered to be among the finest and best preserved in Sicily.
The Theater of Segesta, built in the 3rd century BC, is one of the main places of interest in the city. The theater was built in a panoramic position and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The theater seats up to 5000 spectators and is still used today for open-air shows and concerts.
The Temple of Segesta, located on top of a hill, is another important place of interest in the city. The temple was built in the 5th century BC. and is notable for its Doric architecture. The temple was built in a panoramic position and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
The city of Segesta is also famous for its geographical position, situated between the sea and the mountains, offering a great variety of natural landscapes including pristine beaches, hills and mountains. Nature lovers can enjoy walks around the city, where you can admire the local flora and fauna.
It also offers a unique culinary experience with its local products such as olive oil, cheeses, wines and traditional sweets. Visitors can taste the local products in the restaurants and shops in the city centre.
The city of Segesta is an important place for lovers of history, architecture and nature. The Greek ruins of Theater and Temple, together with the beauty of the natural landscapes and the typical cuisine, make Segesta an unmissable destination for anyone visiting western Sicily.