Sicily to discover #6: the Floristella-Grottacalda mining park

The natural scenery is wonderful, between the most characteristics and, in some way, surprising of an isle which is always associated to the sun and the sea. And this is the sixth stage of  this journey in the Sicily to discover: the Floristella-Grottacalda mining park.

The mining park

The mining park is an authentic open-air museum. It consists in two sulfur mines of the same name, now in disuse, and represents one of the most important industrial archaeology site in Italy. The visit of the zone is completed by Sperlinga, with its Castle, and Pergusa lake.

How to reach

The mining park is in Valguarnera, in the province of Enna. To be exact, it covers a big zone in the confluence of the two highways that connect Enna, Piazza Armerina, Valguarnera Caropepe and Aidone.

• Starting from Catania. Take the state road 129 to Enna and then follow the road signs to Valguarnera. The trip is about a hour long by car.
• Starting from Palermo. Take the A19 to Messina, once you arrive in Buonfornello take the E932 to Enna and then follow the road signs to Valguarnera. The trip is about two hours and a half long by car.

More information

For further information about the Floristella-Grottacalda mining park (opening hours, ticket price, guided tours) you can visit the official site of Parco Floristella, Enteparcofloristella.it.

Previous stage: Cofano mount | Next stage: La Timpa

Image source: “Grottacalda – Miniera di zolfo – Pozzo Mezzena” di sconosciuto – http://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/fotografie/schede/IMM-3h030-0001009/. Con licenza Pubblico dominio tramite Wikipedia