.png "Magna Via Francigena")
Itinerary: religious
9 days
The Magna Via Francigena is an ancient route that crosses Sicily from north to south, connecting Palermo to Agrigento for approximately 180 kilometers. It winds along ancient Roman roads, dirt tracks, and rural paths, passing through breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of mountains, hills, historic villages, and cultivated countryside. The route leads the traveler through the heart of the island, allowing for an authentic immersion in Sicilian culture, history, and traditions.
Each stage offers the opportunity to discover small, welcoming towns rich in heritage, where local hospitality and the flavors of traditional cuisine intertwine. Along the way, you'll encounter churches, monasteries, Norman castles, and traces of the civilizations that have inhabited the island over the centuries. The route is accessible to all, with moderate elevation changes, and is designed to be completed on foot in about ten days, following the well-maintained signage.
The Magna Via Francigena is more than just a hiking trail, but an experiential journey that invites slowness, reflection, and the rediscovery of the connection between humanity and the land. A journey of spirituality, nature, and encounter, in the heart of authentic Sicily.
Link:
http://www.viefrancigenedisicilia.it/
This stage begins in Arab‑Norman Palermo, weaving past Punic walls and medieval landmarks before entering the tranquil hills of Piana degli Albanesi. Leaving behind the city’s bustle, you walk through olive groves and forests until reaching the charming Albanian village of Santa Cristina Gela, where religious hospitality and alpine spirituality welcome weary travelers.
From Santa Cristina Gela you follow historic rural tracks across the Sant’Agata pass and up the rocky "scala" carved into the hillside. Approaching Corleone, the "city of a hundred churches", you are greeted by agricultural panoramas and a medieval town alive with history and character.
Leaving behind Corleone’s many churches, you climb to Malopasso and continue on dirt tracks through oak and woodland until reaching Prizzi, perched high on a mountain. This Sican settlement calmly overlooks surrounding valleys.
From Prizzi the route leads into the Monti Sicani Nature Reserve, winding through woods and mountain views. You arrive at Castronovo di Sicilia, a postcard-perfect village perched on a rocky spur—where silence, ancient stone, and calm embrace the pilgrim.
Leaving the village, the path descends toward the Capelvenere caves and Punic necropolis. You walk through sunlit farmland to reach San Giovanni Gemini or Cammarata, Norman crossroads surrounded by nature, history, and rural life.
This stage crosses hills and valleys, through forests, vineyards, and Sican hamlets. You arrive at Sutera, perched on a height and offering panoramic views and an intimate atmosphere—perfect for contemplative rest in an authentic village.
From Sutera you follow scenic dirt roads descending into the valley. The stage ends at Racalmuto or Grotte, where farmlands meet town: liberty-style villas, charming squares, and traditions reflecting the soul of inland Sicily.
Proceeding southwest, farmland alternates with small inhabited clusters. On reaching Joppolo Giancaxio, you’re greeted by a compact village near archaeological traces of the ancient Roman Aurelia. A peaceful place for rest and reflection.
The final stage leads toward Agrigento, crossing varied farmland to the city famed for its mosaics and the Valley of the Temples. Arriving in Agrigento, majestic beside the Mediterranean, marks the pilgrim’s end in a city of timeless beauty and ancient memory.
