Discover Pentidattilo: Rocks, Culture and Hiking Trails

Rocks, Churches and Historical Traces

The historic centre of Pentedattilo is built against a rock whose geological form resembles a hand stretched towards the sky. This distinctive character of the village combines landscape and history in an unusual way.

At the entrance to the castle stands the Chiesa dittereale di San Pietro. Its pointed roof is clad in majolica tiles and creates a distinctive architectural accent. The Chiesa Santa Maria della Candelora has Byzantine origins and dates back to the 16th century. This church houses a Renaissance sculpture of the Madonna della Candelora made of white Carrara marble, dated 1564.

Smaller historic sites are also part of Pentedattilo’s character. Fontana e Lavatoio comprises Pentedattilo’s communal fountain, built in 1955, as well as two basins that were formerly used for washing clothes and watering animals, respectively. The Canonica was built in 1890 on the site of Pentedattilo’s former cemetery. Today, it houses the Stanza di San Gaetano Catanoso, an exhibition of old altar stones and contemporary sacred art, as well as a cultural space containing sacred objects.

Another trace in the village’s historic landscape is the Affresco di San Cristoforo. It is located in a niche at the foot of an inclined rocky outcrop along the paths between the ruined houses in the lower part of Pentedattilo. The fresco was probably created in the 18th century by an unknown artist. The combination of rocks, paths and buildings makes the walk varied and engaging.

Hiking Trails with Different Stages

The Anello di Pentedattilo is an unpaved and uneven mule track. It connects the village of Pentedattilo with the small hamlet of Sant’Antonio behind the rock. Another hiking trail to the Rocche di Prastarà starts in the village of Pentedattilo and leads through the valley of the Fiumara di Sant’Elia. The Rocche di Prastarà consist of Miocene sedimentary rocks; there are fissures and caves between their blocks.

A trail also leads around Pentedattilo’s characteristic rock and, after approximately two and a half hours of walking, reaches the Rocche di Santa Lena. This time indication is only an approximate guide. From the car park, an easy walk leads into the centre of Pentedattilo.

The Sentiero dell’Inglese begins in Pentedattilo and leads as far as Staiti. The hike is considered a seven-day slow-tourism experience.

Panoramas, Bergamot and Short Film Festival

La Panchina dei Baci offers a panoramic viewpoint from which Mount Etna and the Strait of Messina can be seen. The Casa del Bergamotto produces bergamot essence from the products of the family’s bergamot grove. The Pentidattilo Film Festival was founded nearly two decades ago and is dedicated to international short films. These three places and themes complement the hiking and cultural experiences with scenic views, local production and international film culture.

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More destinations in this selection: Riace Marina, Pozzi, Seminara, Gambarie, Bagnara Calabra, Gallico, Condofuri Marina, Bocale

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