Attractions and Places To See around Sclafani Bagni - Top 18

The Padella di Polizzi Generosa is a large karst depression, similar to a frying pan, located in the heart of the Madonie, in the territory of Polizzi Generosa. It is a place of particular natural beauty Description: Karst depression: The Padella is a depression of karst origin, that is, caused by the action of water that has carved the limestone rocks over the millennia. It can be reached by a footpath, which starts from the Piano Noce forest nursery and climbs up the southern slope of Monte Cervi. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Padella is a place of particular natural beauty, with a magical and evocative atmosphere. It is a very popular tourist attraction, which allows you to immerse yourself in the nature of the Madonie. It is an example of how nature can shape the territory and create unique and evocative shapes.

"Mary is truly our sister, as Saint Ambrose says. She lived a life very similar to ours. It is, of course, beautiful to venerate Mary as the Virgin and Mother of God, as the one conceived immaculately of original sin and assumed into heaven; but she is also the Madonna of plates, brooms, and cooking pots..." With the motif of the broom, Albino Luciani (Pope John Paul I) may be echoing a sentiment of his predecessor in the office of Bishop of Rome, Giuseppe Roncalli (Pope John XXIII), who is said to have said: "One can become holy with a pastoral crook in one's hand, but just as one can become holy with a broom."

"The Sanctuary of Castel Bilìci is located in what was one of the most important fiefdoms containing high concentrations of wheat. Belonging to the Ventimiglia family, the local castle served as a perfect operational base for agricultural exploitation and today only a few remains of its ancient foundations are visible, scattered around the surrounding area. These testimonies can be viewed among the more modern buildings, since they have been incorporated into the growth of the small fiefdom. The history of the ecclesiastical structure dates back a long way, since the first traces date back to the 17th century. In that period, the Franciscans of the nearby convent settled near the ancient castle, also assisting the local farmers. Therefore, the building was abandoned until 1918, when six citizens of the town of Marianopoli purchased it to spread the cult of the Holy Crucifix. Over the decades, interest in the Sanctuary has also grown thanks to the increase in the number of owners. The crucifix and other works of art of the Crucifix Sanctuary of Castel Bilìci The Sanctuary owes its name to the wooden crucifix that the Petralia family donated to Duchess Maria Fernanda Alvarez, at that time ruler of the fiefdom of Castel Bilìci. The polychrome crucifix was considered a precious gift, of fine workmanship and available in life-size. It was forged by very expert hands, which made it a spectacle for those who looked at it".

One of the capitals of the Madonie park, Collesano is home to the museum dedicated to the Targa Florio car competition, suppressed in the seventies, of which it was one of the main passages. Of particular interest are also St. Peter's Basilica, the archaeological and environmental site of Monte d'Oro and the medieval castle. Mountain biking is very popular here, thanks to the local team "ASD Madonie Bike".

The village is located at the foot of the Madonie mountain range, also called the Switzerland of Sicily.

Because next to the sanctuary there is a well-kept garden that frames the sanctuary itself

After the short detour to the ghost town you ride back past the railway station and continue towards the small village of Alia where you’ll find indications for the Gurfa caves, but in case you don’t see any, just ask for “Gurfa” and the locals will show you where to go. It is necessary to book a visit to the Gurfa caves at the tourist office, please refer to the information below. Gioacchino is one of the knowledgeable volunteers at the tourist office, make sure you call in advance. More details on www.sicilycycling.com/bike-tour-gurfa-caves

The Caves of the Gurfa are hypogea dug in very ancient times and used by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and by all the peoples who inhabited Sicily in the ages. It is said that it was the ancient tomb of Minos.