Itinerary: religious
3-4 days
The Way of Saint Felix of Nicosia is a spiritual and naturalistic itinerary that traverses the heart of Sicily, following in the footsteps of the Capuchin saint born in the small mountain village of Nicosia in the 17th century. The route winds through rural landscapes, silent forests, and ancient paths, passing historic villages, hermitages, and convents that still preserve the memory of the saint's passage.
This walk offers a profound experience, where the dimension of pilgrimage intertwines with the rugged and authentic beauty of Sicilian nature. Along the way, a sense of recollection and contemplation reigns, fostered by the tranquility of the places and the encounter with local traditions, often still strongly linked to the figure of Saint Felix. It is a slow journey, inviting us to rediscover the value of simplicity, silence, and faith lived in everyday life, following a path that unites spirituality, history, and landscape.
Link:
https://www.camminosanfelicedanicosia.it
The Castle of Tusa, also known as Capo Tusa Castle, stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and the Aeolian Islands. Likely built during the Norman period (11th–12th century), the castle served a defensive role, guarding the coastline and overseeing maritime and land routes.
Today, remnants of the perimeter walls and towers are still visible, partially enveloped by Mediterranean vegetation, which enhances the charm and mystique of the site. Its strategic position allowed visual contact with other coastal towers and fortifications.
The site can be reached on foot via a short panoramic trail from the town of Tusa or from nearby Marina beach. It is a must-visit for lovers of medieval history and those walking the spiritual and nature-based trails of the area, such as the Cammino di San Felice.
The Castle of Tusa is not merely an ancient ruin—it’s a meeting point of landscape, history, and spirituality, where time seems to linger between sky and sea.
Starting from Tusa, the pilgrimage begins by leaving the sea behind and heading through gentle hills and woodlands towards Pettineo. This first leg, around 14 km, encourages simplicity: open panoramas, quiet rural roads, and small villages. In Pettineo, pilgrims receive warm hospitality at the Capuchin convent, a peaceful stopover
The second leg takes you from Pettineo through Motta d’Affermo to Mistretta, covering approximately 17 km. The route unfolds along mountain trails and rural hamlets, framed by spectacular views of the Nebrodi hills. With its ups and downs, it’s a deeply spiritual, transformative walk, ending in Mistretta where pilgrims rest and prepare for the final stretch
The final and longest stage, about 28 km, begins at dawn from Mistretta and leads to Nicosia, where Saint Felix was born. Along the route, walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views stretching to the Madonie, Nebrodi, and on clear days even the Aeolian Islands. The journey ends in the spiritual heart of Felix, in Nicosia—“the city of the 24 barons”—and at the convent preserving his legacy
The Convent of San Felice, once home to the Capuchin friars in Pettineo, dates back to the 16th–17th centuries and served as a religious residence and pilgrims’ stop along the Way of Saint Felix. The complex includes a church, cloister, and attached garden, blending simplicity with spiritual purpose.
Its architectural charm lies in a modest cloister framed by rustic columns and round arches, opening onto a serene courtyard. Inside, the refectory reflected an austere monastic life, with ochre walls and a plain tiled floor, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and humility.
Over the years, the convent was suppressed and repurposed; parts may now lie in neglect or under restoration. Nonetheless, it retains a spiritual resonance. The silence of the cloister, coupled with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, lends the site a timeless quality—ideal for pilgrims seeking rest, reflection, and connection between faith, history, and landscape.
