Choosing the Masseria, Piana degli Albanesi and Ficuzza as a starting point, it is possible to take numerous excursions and walks to admire the splendid Sicilian naturalistic riches.
The Masseria is also a crossroads of three historical paths: Magna Via Francigena, Sentiero Italia and Itinerarium Rosaliae.
You can rent our mountain bikes to experience fantastic excursions in contact with nature starting from the Masseria, or you can reach the destinations that we suggest and go on foot in the natural reserves of Ficuzza, Pizzuta, Mount Leardo or Mount Iato.
Masseria Rossella is located along the Magna Via Francigena and for this reason we welcome pilgrims on their way. The special rates are available for all pilgrims who have the official certification issued on the first day of walking.
“The Magna Via Francigena starts in front of the Palermo Cathedral and following Corso Calatafimi reaches Monreale and its Cathedral, walking side by side with the Itinerarium Rosaliae. From here, crossing the valley, you pass the Conca d’Oro and reach the hills of Santa Cristina Gela and Lake Piana degli Albanesi. The road continues along the expanses of wheat towards the Sanctuary of Tagliavia and towards Corleone, upon reaching which it goes towards Prizzi.
You enter the village of the Sicani after having turned around the artificial lake and from here continue towards the Monte Carcaci Nature Reserve to reach Castronovo di Sicilia, the geographical center of the Magna Via. From here, the route follows the course of the Platani river, passing through Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini, until it cuts through the railway, the state road and climbs towards the fortress of Sutera. Under the bulk of San Paolino the road continues touching the rural villages of Campofranco, Milena and Racalmuto and reaches the center of Grotte, a small town in the Agrigento region.
The last stages take us to overcome the Platani and reach the mining village of Comitini and Aragona to end with the center of Joppolo Giancaxio. The last stretch of the countryside reaches the impressive fortress of Agrigento, its Rupe Atenea and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the Valley of the Temples. ”
On the official website of the Magna Via Francigena you will find all the information you need for your journey: click here.
For all our customers it is possible, upon reservation, to take part in unforgettable horseback rides thanks to the collaboration with the Equiranch riding school.
Located near the Piana degli Albanesi lake, 10 km from the Masseria, the riding school offers the opportunity to spend pleasant moments in the company of sweet animals and in contact with nature.
The horses will accompany you on an adventure across the shores of Lake Piana, discovering suggestive places and breathtaking views.
- One hour horseback ride: € 25.00 per person
- For the little ones: three rounds of the field with pony: € 5.00
Palermo
Still today it preserves intact the wonders of its past and the numerous historical-artistic stratifications that on 3 July 2015 allowed it to become part of the World Heritage Site (Unesco) within the "Arab-Norman Itinerary of Palermo, Cefalù and Monreale ”in particular with the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the Martorana, San Cataldo and the Cathedral, the Zisa castle and the Admiral's Bridge. But Palermo is also Spanish, Renaissance, Baroque and Liberty. A gem to be discovered.
Monreale
The splendid Cathedral of Monreale with its cloister is located 30 km from the Masseria. Magnificent Norman monument, built starting from 1174 at the behest of William II of Altavilla, king of Sicily from 1166 to 1189, still today testifies to the skill of the Arab and Norman workers. It is enriched by the splendor of its Byzantine mosaics and since 3 July 2015 it has been part of the World Heritage Site (Unesco) as part of the "Arab-Norman Itinerary of Palermo, Cefalù and Monreale".
Piana degli Albanesi lake
10 km from the Masseria, you can take a nice walk along the bank of this large artificial basin or rent a canoe. Piana degli Albanesi is an ancient Albanian colony rich in magnificent Catholic churches of the Greek-Orthodox rite and Folklore, which is expressed above all in the sumptuous costumes of the holidays, with precious silver belts and decorated clothes. The rites of "Holy Week" and "Easter" are particularly famous.
Cefalù
Located 94 km away from the Masseria, it represents one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, characterized by its center from the Arab-Norman era, as well as one of the major seaside resorts in the entire province of Palermo. The territory of Cefalù, which rises at the foot of a rocky promontory, offers the possibility of suggestive itineraries in the Madonie Park. Absolutely worth visiting are the Cathedral, Palazzo Maria (in the heart of Piazza Duomo) and the Mandralisca museum.
Corleone
The village of Corleone, 25 km from the Masseria, is located in the scenery of the Ficuzza wood. Also called, the city of the Hundred Churches, it includes among its riches the wonderful Sanctuary of the Madonna del Rosario and the Church of San Martino, the Mother Church of the city. Also not to be missed are the gorges of the Dragon: a natural canyon in the Corleone area formed by the Frattina river, a tributary of the Belice Sinistro.
Wood and Royal Palace of Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra
La Riserva Naturale Orientata del Bosco di Ficuzza si trova ai piedi di Rocca Busambra, una montagna calcarea di 1600 m, il più alto massiccio isolato della Sicilia occidentale. At the end of the eighteenth century Ferdinand of Bourbon made it a large royal hunting reserve of 12,000 hectares entirely covered by a thick forest, where wolves, deer, fallow deer and roe deer lived, favorite prey of the King. Construction of the “Real Casina” entrusted to architects Chenchi and Venanzio Marvuglia. Bird watching enthusiasts will be able to admire the colony of black starlings that lives only in Spain, Sicily and Sardinia and nests on its roofs.