Necropolis of Pantalica
Necropoli di Pantalica
About 5,000 prehistoric rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs of the Anapo River gorge. Listed as a World Heritage Site along with Syracuse, the valley can be explored on foot.
Pantalica lies in the gorges of the Anapo and Calcinara rivers, about 40 km northwest of Syracuse. Its cliffs are dotted with some 5,000 rock-cut tomb chambers dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC, which look like a honeycomb from a distance. On the plateau are megalithic ruins known as the 'Palace' (Anaktoron). In 2005 it was listed as a World Heritage Site together with Syracuse. You can enter from either Sortino or Ferla, but there is no road connecting the two sides. The former railway line on the valley floor has been converted into a walking trail, and you can wade in the river. Admission is free. A car is needed, and bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Palazzolo Acreide
- Euryalus Fortress
- Cavagrande del Cassibile
- Noto
- Ciane River Papyrus
- Fontane Bianche
- Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Catacombs of San Giovanni