Are you familiar with the way of Santiago de Compostela? Miles and miles to reach the tumb of the apostle James?
Well, in many places in Sicily today it is possible to enjoy the beauty of nature and the beauty of faith.
How?
San Teoista way
An example would be the “Way of St. Teoista” a Basilian monk who lived in the ninth century AD and patron Saint of the town of Caccamo. The route starts from the small rural village of San Nicola and then onto the Fera Rocca (1050 m) where along the road you can admire beautiful scenery on the way to San Teotista on the plateau of San Calurieddo. Here you can stop and pray at the “stone of the miracle”.
Continuing toward Monte San Calogero, one of the best hiking sites of Palermo, you reach the top and enjoy splendid views like the coast of Cefalu, Cape Gallo, Valle del Torto and backdrops of the Madonie mountains.
Path of peace
Another option is the “Path of Peace” that combines landscapes, nature, culture, art, traditions and spirituality. Starting from Petralia Sottana, crossing Monte Alto until you get into the heart of the mountains of the Madonie where there is a chapel with a small church dating back to 1300. This path, together with other paths, was in the “Summit for Peace” of 16 May 2004 which wanted to celebrate Pope John II. The path is, however, for experienced hikers due to the rising gradients of more than 900 meters through a journey of at least 5 hours. However, an alternative and easier way between the first and the second section looks feasible like a tourist track.
Three ways to Capizzi”
The way starts from the pilgrimage to the patron Saint San Silvestro, a citizen from the town of Troina. The way is carried out in a day during the last week of May
With nearly six hours of walking, tradition requires that the devotes from Capizzi go to Troina to receive a grace heal the poor farmers suffering from hernia. On the 8th of September they move to the Church of the Madonna della Catena (our lady of the chain) during the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary where devotes begin the pilgrimage barefoot along the dirt road walking towards Capizzi for six hour.
The last pilgrimage runs towards St. James of Cerami in Capizzi where in July it is celebrated St. James which is the protector of the glorious town of Capizzi where the pilgrims lie down at the foot of St. James. He seems to bless the people staying by his feet and it is one of the most eccentric festivals of Sicily.
The way of San Nicolo’ the hermit
For those who want to spend three days to cover the pilgrimage of the Hermit Saint Nicolò Politi through natural beauties you can follow the historical places where St. Nicholas spent most of his life.
The way of soul of Monti Peloritani
The way of soul of Monti Peloritani runs on the northeastern side of Sicily from Tindari. Here you can spend 3-4 days starting from Peloritani mountains up to the Sanctuary of Madonna of Tindari on Tyrrhenian coast. This is perfect for all lovers of hiking mountain and fond of nature.