Bosco della Baronia in Vita

Between Palermo and Marsala, in the hinterland of north-western Sicily, the Barony Forest it is one of the most fascinating natural spectacles that tourists can discover in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Trapani.

This wonderful forest which offers its visitors unique glimpses, grew massively in the fifties of the last century, when the pines that still make up a large part of the scrub were planted in the area; however, walking through the fascinating paths of the Mount Baronia, you can still admire older species today, which populated the mountain and the surrounding area and which were planted by the forestry to enrich the mountain's habitat.

The conformation of the Bosco della Baronia and what to admire

The Bosco della Baronia is located at approximately 630 meters above sea level and can be reached by driving up Mount Baronia, parking at refreshment point and continuing on foot to the top of the mountain.

The forest extends for approximately 67 hectares. From here you can observe the Mount Polizzo to the South West, Big Mountain e Life, small village about 6 km away; from the north-western side it is possible to admire the Garibaldi monument in Pianto Romano and Temple of Segesta.

In the Bosco della Baronia there are many plant species like oaks e cedars, but also Rosehip, hawthorn, small laurel of the woods.
In some places it is also possible to encounter native species, which were part of the ancient Roverella forest.

Among the many attractions of the Bosco della Baronia, there is also theancient Neviera, once used for collecting snow and ice and now become an artificial lake.

What is possible to do in the Bosco della Baronia and the surrounding areas

The Bosco della Baronia is a perfect destination for those who want to spend a few hours of pleasant relaxation, immersed in nature: scenic routes, excursions adventurous, but safe, birdwatching e observation of the local flora, are the main activities that can be done in the woods, but once you reach the top of Mount Baronia, you will also find a refreshment point equipped with barbecue, wooden tables and benches for a tasty picnic in the refreshing atmosphere of the woods. Speaking of food, in these parts you can taste the originals Busiate Al Pesto Trapanese , eggplant caponata, while in the local farms you can buy typical products such as cheeses and cold cuts.

If you will spend a few days in the small municipality of Vita (TP) you will also discover all the beauties of this old village, built in the sixteenth century around a medieval farmhouse. Here you can visit many churches, such as the Church of San Francesco and the Convent, the Church of the Purgatory where interesting exhibitions are often hosted ruins of the Mother Church; in the village there is no lack of civil architecture, such as the Palazzo Daidone Leone, but also i ruins of the old historical centre, destroyed by the earthquake of 1968.

From Monte della Baronia, you can reach larger cities, such as Marsala about 60 km or Palermo, just under 90 km.
In these wonderful cities, you can walk in the center: you will meet incredible attractions such as the Palazzo VII Aprile in Marsala or the Palazzo Chiaramonte in Palermo, just to name a few of the city's beauties. Heading towards the coast, however, you can stop at beaches among the most beautiful in the world, such as those of Island of Women (PA) or of Egadi Islands.

How is it possible to get to Bosco della Baronia

The Bosco della Baronia is located in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Trapani, at the top of Monte Baronia, less than 10 km from the municipality of Vita. The town can be easily reached by car or train.

Who travels by car, can take the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo and take the exit for Segesta (about 8 km from the town) then continuing on the SS 113 and SS 118; on the train, the closest station is Castelvetrano, where you will find buses and shuttles that will take you to the center (about 30 km).
Monte Baronia is 6,4 km from Vita and can be reached by car.

Images of Lorenzo Cassirà, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons