Practically over 14.000 hectares of the 25.000 that compose the territory of Bronte are integral and very important part of the Sicilian parks. The territorial surface extends mostly mostly along the line north-south, with a maximum expansion (Etna comprised) of about 33 Km and a difference in height from the lower point (380 meters) to that highest (3.350, the Etna) of 2.970 meters. This explains the elevated degree of biological diversity, the quality of the things represented in the territory and the number of possible economic solutions both for agriculture and husbandry. The territory that extends with ample green valleys from the top of the central crater (3.350 m.), up to that of Mount Soro (1847 m.), on the Nebrodi, is distinguished by centenary forests, orchards that produce fruits of elevated quality, extensive cultivations of pistachio, cereals and citrus fruit, vineyards, olive groves, chestnut groves and plants of prickly pears that live together with arid volcanic ground, large extension of lava and verdant pasture land. The environmental characteristics of the bronte's territory, the beauty and uniqueness of the places, the multiple plant elements that follow one another at the various altitudes offer everything needed for those who want to get closer to nature and the woods in particular. The Scottish poet William Sharp (Paysley, 1855 - Maniace 1905) described the journey from Maniace to Bronte in "Through the Duchy Nelson": «The road to Bronte climbs up to a group of wild, strange-looking rocks - a sign for many miles in all directions - where Greek and Sicilian remains have been found, and whose rugged ravines are, for the Bronte and the "Malettari ”, still a source of supernatural terrors today. I travel through a mountainous region, with a superb backdrop of hills to the north-west - from where you can see the isolated Troina, the highest city in Sicily (3650 feet); Centuripe usually (in the area always) called Centòrbi; the tortuous Dittaino (the ancient Chrysas) in its wide Agira valley (which the people of the hill prefer to call San Filippo d'Argiro), the ancient Argyrium, (...); and again, when the sky is clear, "the navel of Sicily" the ancient Enna, homeland of Demeter and Persephone. To give an account of the picturesque hills, the swelling mountain ridges, the broad shady valleys, the clustered towns and villages visible from several points along the route to Bronte, would be to provide but a useless inventory: suffice it to say that the scenery is, of its kind, unsurpassed.» Besides the shelters, the forest authority and the park administrators have placed in the most beautiful and striking spots, many "equipped receptive areas" where, in a natural environment are provided green spaces for amusement. In the small oasis, base points for possible excursions, you can get a respected rustic recreation, being able to find ample green spaces, barbecue, fountains, tables and benches and may other useful services. You can enter in bicycle or on foot and, for particular forest and park needs, with due permission by the authorities, even in motor vehicles. Striking and interesting the excursion to the Nelson Obelisk, erected on the highest and most northern part of the Duchy territory in district Sierra Mergo over the Nebrodi (1553 meters a.s.l.).
|