Discover San Mauro Castelverde

San Mauro Castelverde connects the heights between the Madonie and Nebrodi with an unusually diverse landscape. The town lies at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, offers panoramic views as well as access to the sea, making it an interesting choice for travellers who want to combine nature, history and special excursions. Particularly distinctive are the extensive network of trails, the Gole di Tiberio and the traces of different eras visible in the townscape.

Hiking between high-altitude and historic trails

The network of trails around San Mauro comprises 16 routes with a total length of approximately 180 kilometres. One route begins at the former Capuchin monastery, passes through the historic centre and runs through the forest behind the municipal cemetery towards Colle Calandra. In this way, it combines local history and landscape along a single trail.

Another notable route leads from Portella Ciambra to Timpa del Grillo. It climbs to 1,345 metres; Timpa del Grillo is the highest point in the San Mauro Castelverde area. For families with children, the route from Piano San Mauro is described as very easy. It can be travelled on foot, by mountain bike or e-bike, and with a Joelette. Those planning a longer hike can consider the Sentiero dei briganti siciliani: it begins in San Mauro Castelverde in the Parco delle Madonie, passes through Gangi and ends after approximately 100 kilometres in five days, with four overnight stays, in Cesarò in the Parco dei Nebrodi.

Gole di Tiberio: Gorge, River and Geology

The Gole di Tiberio are a fluvial karst gorge carved by the Pollina River into limestone. The limestone rocks formed in the Late Triassic more than 200 million years ago; the uplift and formation of the gorge began approximately 23 million years ago during the Miocene. The area lies between San Mauro Castelverde and Castelbuono in the Parco delle Madonie and is a UNESCO-recognised geopark area.

The Gole di Tiberio can be reached from the Castelbuono or Tusa exits of the A20 via the SP 52 and SP 60. A stairway with around 400 steps then leads to the gorge. During excursions organised in spring and summer, activities include crossing the gorge in an inflatable boat and taking a walk along the Pollina River. Depending on the season, excursions to small gorges or upstream to bathing pools may follow. Zipline Sicilia also offers people with motor disabilities a seated start using a harness.

Churches, Castle and Craft Traditions

In the town, the Church of San Mauro Abate reflects several construction phases: it was built in 1620 over three older churches and has a polychrome majolica spire on the bell tower, with spheres arranged partly one above another. The Church of San Giorgio Martire preserves an Arab-Norman portal and an Arab-Norman-style bell tower. During restoration work in 2014, further Arab-Norman columns were uncovered there.

Under Norman rule, in 1082, the Castello di San Mauro Castelverde was assigned to the Diocese of Troina as a donation by Count Roger. It is described as an ancient fortified centre in Val Demone at an altitude of around 1,100 metres; it probably originated in the Byzantine period, while place names point to a presence during the Arab era. In 1196, the Countess of Geraci, Guerrera Creon, commissioned work on the Castello. The two associated towers on the hills of Colle Maddalena and Colle San Marco may possibly be attributed to her.

The old windmill is also one of the area's notable historical landmarks. It is one of the few remaining examples of this type of architecture in Sicily and dates back to the 17th or 18th century. The Museo Etnoantropologico complements the tour with rooms dedicated to agriculture, shoemaking, woodworking, blacksmithing, weaving, grape harvesting and rural life. The interactive map Antiche Botteghe leads through the historic streets to old craft shops and conveys stories about local professions, knowledge and people.

Olive Oil and Regional Discoveries

The Banca dell’Olio delle Madonie is located in renovated underground rooms of the former Badia and houses a permanent exhibition about extra virgin olive oil. The visitor route is designed as a multisensory experience and combines technical explanations with guided tastings of oils from local producers. The exhibition thus complements hiking and cultural experiences with an insight into an important regional product.

Further Destinations for Your Sicily Trip

If you would like to discover other destinations in addition to San Mauro Castelverde, you can find Mezzojuso, Bisacquino, Cefalù, Termini Imerese, Gangi, Villagrazia, Godrano and Altofonte here.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Palermo.