Archeotrekking. Guided hike in the forest of Santa Venera

An unmissable experience in contact with nature and history. An archaeological-naturalistic walk inside the Santa Venera forest (Carini), in the company of AIGAE hiking guides who are experts in the area and archaeologists from ArcheOfficina.

The trail is about 3.5 km long with maximum slopes of 15%. It starts from the entrance to the forested forest area of Santa Venera, where after a few tens of meters there is the indigenous necropolis of “Manico di Quarara.” Among the tall pines planted since 1970, it is possible to visit the cave tombs with short dromos (corridor) dated between the 8th and 3rd centuries B.C. from the nearby Elymian settlement of Monte D’Oro.

Continuing along the path through the ancient necropolis, after about 600 meters you reach Grotta Bianca, a large cave that overlooks the Plain of Partinico and from where it is often possible to spot theBonelli’s Eagle nesting nearby. The trail continues on the edge of the Costa Lavata valley for about 1 km to arrive at the “old house of Santa Venera,” actually a late medieval structure that was originally the small church of Santa Venera mentioned in sources from the early 1300s and was located along the connecting road that led from the ancient Hyccara of contrada San Nicola to ancient Parthenicum (Partinico). Stop at the Santa Venera picnic area, just a few dozen meters away, and then continue along the uphill path through the pine forest back to the starting point. In the pine forest and along the entire proposed path, during the succession of seasons, it is possible to admire wild mushrooms (in autumn), dozens of wild orchids (in spring) and other natural essences, as well as to encounter various wildlife species.

The trek is for the whole family, young and old, with low difficulty. We recommend sporty, layered clothing, hiking shoes or at least shoes with rough soles, trekking poles not essential but useful.

• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Route duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Low
• Meeting: Montagna Longa at the entrance to the Santa Venera forest – SP 40 – municipality of Carini.
• Ticket: full €12 / €6 for under 15 (+ €1 online purchase).