From a tourist point of view, Sicily as an island offers not only enchanting seaside and coastal landscapes but, among others, also a series of exciting naturalistic parks such as the Zuccaleo Natural Park.
Located in the mountainous town of Cerami, in the province of Enna, the only Sicilian province (besides Caltanissetta) that is not actually bathed by the sea but which is still capable of offering a wide 'green' repertoire, that is, made up of very fascinating wooded areas which therefore lend themselves to pleasant naturalistic excursions.
The origins of the Zuccaleo Natural Park
The name 'Zuccaleo' derives from the Arabic 'suk', which means 'tree trunk', and in fact the entire park presents itself as a frame of the inhabited center thanks to its vast and brightly colored patch of vegetation and trees such as centuries-old oaks and other specimens of wild nature.
In reality, the Zuccaleo Natural Park offers numerous naturalistic ideas linked to the land, but not only of a 'vegetal' nature, there are also mountains, see the 'Mount Mersi' which, as in a painting, harmoniously intertwines with the surrounding mountains, and then there is the Cerami river (namesake of the town), which with its valley can offer a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
And what about the smell of fresh vegetation that you can breathe and the equally surprising presence of native fauna that is easily identifiable (it is no coincidence that it is also possible to carry out the agronomy activity of hunting), you can meet, among others, specimens of wild rabbit and hares, as well different species of birds such as the peregrine falcon, the local falcon, but also the partridge and buzzard, the chirping of all these animals is easily audible and is certainly an added value to the charm of this area.
Architecture in the Zuccaleo Natural Park
The surprises of this Natural Park do not end here, in fact there are also some interesting architectural ideas, in fact here you can find, camouflaged among the trees of the grove, ancient buildings such as the one called 'three houses' where it is thought that monks once lived.
And then the numerous other archaeological testimonies such as the huts, cisterns and oil mills dug directly into the rock, they are the demonstration of life lived by men and women in these parts.
As demonstrated by the washhouse area, which is located below the Lavina district, which is located after the sports field and is characterized by the presence of three fountains from which very 'useful' fresh water flows (see after a long walk) , just as it was already in the past when women went there to do laundry which they carried in the baskets above their heads, and equally the flocks refreshed themselves with the water present in the nearby drinker.
An all-round bucolic landscape, not surprisingly even much envied from an aesthetic point of view and not only, given that it is capable of giving an unquestionable moment of relaxation and capacity and admiration to any visitor.
The urban park inside the Zuccaleo Natural Park
As if that wasn't enough, going down the SS120 that divides the two areas, you can reach, crossing various lanes, the urban park, which is a recently created equipped area, where it is possible to find refreshment primarily for adults and their families thanks to the wooden tables and seats that invite you to have pleasant picnics (perhaps enjoying the local specialties found in nearby shops); secondly, even children and young people in general can easily find opportunities for leisure thanks to the playground, the cycling routes, horseback riding, the trekking routes, gym and facilities sports present in the urban park.
Without forgetting, however, the possibility of being able to also take simple and healthy walks, relaxing and engaging from a pictorial and photographic point of view, or other moments of recreational leisure made possible by this place.
In short, in the Zuccaleo Natural Park there are all the useful ingredients to spend one or more days dedicated to contact with nature nature, architecture, history, culture and traditions, and there really is space for everyone, adults and children, all having the opportunity to carry out various relaxing activities for the body and mind, in a true oasis of peace and tranquility, with admiration for the territory in where the park is located and the surrounding area itself which is certainly worthy of at least one visit.
