Serre di Ciminna Oriented Nature Reserve

Le Greenhouses of Ciminna I am a territory of Municipality of Ciminna characterized by chalk rock walls and big crystals which were formed during the Upper Mioceneabout six million years ago.
Significant is the presence of sinkhole e caves forming part of a predominantly agricultural landscape. Given the anthropic nature, this does not have forests but prairies dominated by a vegetation mainly made up of Mediterranean scrub.
Even if there are no accommodation facilities yet, the Reserve is open and can be visited all year round.

History of the Serre di Ciminna Oriented Nature Reserve

The history of the Serre di Ciminna appears to be quite recent since it dates back to 1997 when the Regional Territory and Environment Department established the Oriented nature reserve entrusting its management to the Province of Palermo. Currently it is a Free Consortium of Municipalities who have the commitment to preserve and protect the present nature which is manifested by the karst phenomena that are present.

The reserve is part of the Natura 2000 sites of European Community which has decided to enhance it with the aim of promoting it as a Site of Community Importance since its area is particularly relevant from a geological point of view.
Naturally as a protected area, it is appreciated not only for the flora but also for the rich birdlife that lives within this territory.

What to see in the Serre di Ciminna Nature Reserve

We mentioned that the vegetation landscape at the Serre di Ciminna is mainly made up of areas of prairie and Mediterranean scrub. The tourist will be able to explore, in the north-eastern part, the prairie which presents a flora dominated by various species such as the Mediterranean poodle, the sea squill, the sea squill, the ferula, the sulla, the asphodel and the asphodeline. The best time to visit is certainly spring as it is the period in which various species of wild orchids bloom.
It is interesting to note that the vegetation that makes up the territory where the maquis is present is formed by the wild olive tree, the spiny broom, the Sicilian sumac, the shrubby wormwood and the fragrant broom, while the vegetation found in the rocky areas is dominated by pillows of tree euphorbia and red stonecrop.

The part of the territory below the rocks that characterize the Serre di Ciminna is inhabited by foxes, porcupines, hares, hedgehogs, weasels, rabbits and even wild cats while the rocky ridges are chosen by birds of prey such as the kestrel, the lanner falcon and the buzzard. There are also numerous specimens of Sicilian rock partridges.

What you can do around the Serre di Ciminna Nature Reserve

For a tourist who still has time available after visiting the Serre di Ciminna but who wishes to continue exploring the area, we suggest reaching the nearby Villafrati to admire the beautiful Palazzo Filangeri, baronial seat of the Filangeri family in the eighteenth century. To appreciate the iron door, on which the initials of Count S. Marco triumph.

You can also reach Trabia to visit the castle of the same name built on the seashore and characterized by its cylindrical tower and crenellated walls. The panorama that can be enjoyed from its terraces is excellent.

How it is possible to get to the Serre di Ciminna nature reserve

By car: from Palermo you must take the State Road 121 Palermo-Agrigento, exiting at the junction for Ciminna.