PARCO DELLA ROCCA

The Rocca, a 268 m high limestone cliff overlooking the town, has always been a strategic defence point for Cefalù. The remains that can be found there show how important it may have been. The oldest traces of life that have been found are in two caves on the eastern slope (9th century BC). But there are also an enclosure, water cisterns, a series of ovens and the remains of small chapels (including that of Santa Anna), all of which are reminiscent of the different periods of habitation of the site. The most important and best preserved building is the Temple of Diana, a monolithic monument built between the end of the^5th and the beginning of the 4th century BC, with an older-style cistern inside linked to the cult of water. To reach the top of the Rocca, you can start from the vicolo Saraceni, from Corso Ruggero. It takes about an hour for the excursion on the rock. From the top, you can admire the magnificent panorama, in particular of the Kalura district, with its watchtower built around 1500. Once part of the climb has been completed, a path leads off to the left and back down to the wall overlooking the city, the Temple of Diana and the Greco-Roman ruins. You have to retrace your steps to take the main path that goes to the top, in the ruins of the castle. You might come across some goats and an old goatherd chatting with the tourists who are taking their time. Don't forget to come back down on time for the closing of the gate.