Sant'Angelo Muxaro: Archaeology and Caves

Sant'Angelo Muxaro is situated on a hilltop above the Platani River valley. The town combines an exceptional density of archaeological sites with cave landscapes, protected natural areas, churches, modern art and regional culinary experiences.

Caves and Landscapes around Sant'Angelo Muxaro

The 21-hectare Grotta di Sant'Angelo Muxaro Integral Nature Reserve is located in Sant'Angelo Muxaro and managed by Legambiente Sicilia. It protects two caves at the foot of the southern slopes of the gypsum-bearing hill of Sant'Angelo Muxaro, on which the town of the same name is situated. Grotta Ciavuli has two branches with entrances one above the other and a total length of 1,760 metres. The Ciavuli Cave also has an active branch: a stream flowing in from outside runs through it, forming small waterfalls and clear pools, before re-emerging after an underground course of approximately 1 kilometre.

Prehistoric Tombs and a Long History

The Tomba del Principe (Grotta del Principe) is considered Sicily's largest and particularly impressive prehistoric tomb. It consists of two interconnected, roughly circular chambers. The larger chamber has a diameter of 8.8 metres and a height of 3.5 metres. Monte M'pisu is home to a Chalcolithic shaft-tomb necropolis dating from the 4th millennium BC; vessels and skeletal remains were found there. Monte Castello features an uninterrupted archaeological sequence of layers that begins in the 5th millennium BC and extends through the Greek, Roman and medieval periods.

The necropolis of Colle Sant'Angelo is also one of the area's defining historic sites. It lies on the southern slope of the hill and comprises tombs carved into the gypsum rock. The burial chambers of the Necropoli Protostorica di Colle Sant'Angelo were used continuously for at least 600 years, from the period between the 13th and 11th centuries BC until the 6th century BC. The Necropoli Grotticelle is part of the archaeological area of Sant'Angelo Muxaro and comprises burials carved into the rock dating from between the 13th and 6th centuries BC.

Museum, Churches and Art in the Town

The MuSAM archaeological museum is housed in the 19th-century Palazzo Arnone on Piazza Umberto I. It presents the geological formation, gypsum and salt, the first prehistoric communities and the major excavations of Paolo Orsi. The Chiesa Madre Sant'Angelo Martire is a late Baroque church dating from the mid-18th century; the year of construction, 1764, is inscribed above its main portal. The Chiesa del Carmelo dates in its current form from 1725, while the bell tower was completed in 1726.

A modern addition to the historic architecture is the Via dei Murales. Distributed throughout the built-up centre of Sant'Angelo Muxaro, this art trail includes murals, sculptures and installations of modern and contemporary art. The works are connected with local history, archaeology and traditions.

Hiking, Caves and Regional Experiences

Caving excursions in the Vallone del Ponte can be booked through the Sant'Angelo Muxaro section of Legambiente Sicilia. The route in the Vallone del Ponte runs mainly along the watercourse and passes through several hydrogeological passages known as the Grotte d'Acqua. The programme of protected-area events for the third edition of the Sagra dell'Asparago selvatico Sicano in Sant'Angelo Muxaro included an educational hike. The festival also featured tastings, show cooking, conferences, excursions and live music.

Olive Oil, Wine and Sicilian Cuisine

The AperiExperience by Tenute l'Oro del Lago combines a walk through an olive grove with a tasting of extra virgin olive oil and presents olive growing as a sustainable local tradition. The Village Experience - Val di Kam includes tastings along the way of pani cunzatu, local cheeses, almond biscuits, honey, olive oil and wines from the region. It also offers the opportunity to prepare pizza together with a local family using regional flours and ingredients.

More Destinations to Choose From

Santa Margherita Di Belice, Raffadali, Casteltermini, Joppolo Giancaxio, Siculiana, Ribera, Realmonte, Palma Di Montechiaro

To the higher-level travel overview: Agrigento.