The Stonehenge of Sicily: a journey between the megaliths of the Argimusco’s upland

Its nickname says it all: the Stonehenge of Sicily. A name that transmits fascination, suggestion and a bit of mystery that let the excursion be more special. And not so far there’s Etna, one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. This is where the Argimusco’s upland is.

Between history and legend

According to geologists and archeologists, the formations of the Argimusco’s upland have a natural origin and their curious form hails from the casual consequences of atmospheric agents. But the popular culture says that these sandstone rocks are ancient menhirs and almost unrecognizable dolmens created by some undefined prehistoric populations.

After all, a lot of prehistoric evidences were find near these presumed megaliths, like ceramics, utensils and human bones. The two most important megaliths refer, respectively, to the symbols of virility and femininity: you can see them in the left side of the photo.

Whatever is their origin, the atmosphere you feel on Argimusco, especially during the sunset, is magic.

How to reach

Argimusco’s upland with its menhirs is not so far from the north of Etna, between Nebrodi’s and Peloritani’s mounts. From an administrative point of view, it’s divided between the municipalities of Elicona, Tripi and Roccella Valdemone.

To reach it from Catania (the trip lasts about a hour and a half by car):

• Take the A18 to Messina until Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
• Take the state road 120 to Passopisciaro
• Take the provincial road 7 to Mojo Alcantara
• Take the provincial road 2 until the turn that leads into the provincial road 115
• From here follow the road signs to the Argimusco’s upland

To reach it from Messina ( the trip lasts about a hour and 20 minutes by car):

• Take the A20 to Palermo until Falcone
• Take the provincial road 112 until Toscano
• Take the provincial road 110 until Montalbano Elicona and follow the road signs to the upland

In both cases, you have to walk a bit before reaching the zone where the megaliths are.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/alessandrogrussu