Partanna

From the hilltop on which this village stands, between the Modione and Belice valleys, the view extends as far as the coast, across the rolling hills of this unique landscape. It’s here that the Castello della Pietra Reserve is located – an important natural area with steep cliffs lapped at their foot by a bend in the Belice River, where nature and archaeology meet.

The town of Partanna has medieval origins, although it still bears signs of damage sustained in the earthquake of 1968, which affected the appearance of its historic monuments. This monumentality is perfectly expressed by the 17th-century main church, a Baroque church built by the baron Baldassarre Grifeo. Its baroque interior features an altar dedicated to the patron saint San Vito Martire, which is a riot of stucco; its facade, however,  was severely damaged by the earthquake.

The castle, which overlooks the Piana della Fontana is the clearest expression of the town’s importance.