Sortino immersed in valleys and limpid waterways represents a well-known tourist resort, this strip of Sicilian land is enough to evoke 40 centuries of memories and bring us back to the dawn of Sicilian origins with the vision of the Necropolis of Pantalica , its caves and burial cells which constitute one of the oldest examples of an urban community.

Sortino is a town rich in history, and can be seen from the archaeological remains of which the territory is full. The town before the 1693 earthquake stood on the coast above the Guccione River, currently there are many medieval paths that connect today’s Sortino to the “Diruta” medieval city, where you can still visit: oil mills and rock millstones, tanneries, houses troglodytes, rock churches, all carved out of the waterproof Iblea limestone. The reconstruction took place on the hill above and enriched the town with valuable Art Nouveau buildings and wonderful Baroque churches: the Basilica of S. Sofia, the Mother Church, a national monument and the Church of the Monastery of Montevergini.

Among the most authentic traditions, the production of honey and pizzolo a durum wheat focaccia stuffed with vegetables or meats, a true gastronomic delicacy appreciated throughout the region. The centuries-old history and socio-cultural evolution as well as the traditions of the people are documented by the visit to the valuable museums which, with careful and prudent conservation work, retrace the path of man in this bright town. There are four museums that illustrate its history: The Antiquarium of the Middle Ages is located in the former Convent of the Carmine, and offers inside a chronological path that goes from the prehistoric Pantalica, with 63 pieces from archaeological excavations of the largest Sicilian Necropolis in Europe, to the medieval finds of the Sortino ruined by the earthquake of 1693. The exhibition is completed by the rich ethno-anthropological collection of the Bruno family.

Among the most authentic traditions, the production of honey whose nostalgic vision can be savored in the “House Museum of traditional beekeeping” ‘a Casa ro Fascitraru’ “, an authentic shop where you can admire beehives, pot-bellied jars and honey press for honey extraction. Another typical tradition is that linked to the Sicilian puppets, with a visit to the “Civic Museum of the Puppet Opera” made up of the collection of the last Prince of the puppets, Don Ignazio Puglisi.

Finally, a visit to the permanent exhibition of the Rio Family cart, which pays tribute to the production of master carters with the setting up of a prestigious collection of authentic Sicilian carts. Of great value are the two carts of the Sorcerer Lorenzo Sardo, the last carter (carritteri) of Sortino. The visit of Sortino is completed with the tasting of the “pizzolo”, that is a durum wheat focaccia stuffed with vegetables or meats, a true gastronomic delicacy appreciated throughout the region.

PROGRAM ** :

9.30 – visit of the historic center

11.30 am – visit of a museum of your choice (Medieval Antiquarium – Exhibition of the Sicilian cart Rio – Museo dell’Opera dei pupi – Casa Museo dell’apicoltura)

1.30 pm – tasting of typical products

** The program may be subject to changes due to weather changes or special unforeseen needs.