Ginestra: Cultural History and Trails

At the Memorial, cultural and historical significance and a distinctive design take center stage. The trails differ in length, destination, and route. This allows you to decide which interests are most important for your trip.

The Memoriale di Portella della Ginestra

The Memoriale di Portella della Ginestra is located in the village of Portella Ginestra, within the municipality of Monreale. Since September 15, 2010, the site of Portella della Ginestra has been listed in the Register of Sicily’s Intangible Cultural Heritage under number 132. In September 2023, the Regione Siciliana recognized the Memorial as a site of cultural interest due to its historical significance; at the same time, it described it as a unique testament to the collective identity and history of the institutions.

The design also gives the Memorial its own artistic character: it is considered Italy’s first land art project. Large rock blocks reminiscent of menhirs are arranged around the Sasso di Barbato. The cultural classification and the monument’s form emphasize different aspects: the listing and recognition relate to its significance, while the arrangement of the rock blocks describes its physical design.

There are no set visiting hours for the Memorial; visiting arrangements may change without notice. Therefore, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Trails and nature on the Pizzuta massif

The 4 km Sentiero della Pizzuta starts at Portella della Ginestra and leads into the southern slope of the Serra della Pizzuta nature reserve. Its length, starting point, and direction provide clear reference points for this route.

The Sentiero delle Neviere leads to the village of Strasatto-Ginestra. Along the way, you can park near the Targia watering trough and follow the Sentiero Italia markers through the northern valley of the massif. The two trail descriptions answer different planning questions: for the Sentiero della Pizzuta, the route length and direction are given; for the Sentiero delle Neviere, the destination and markers help with navigation.

Nearby, in the Serre della Pizzuta nature reserve, the Pizzuta summit reaches an elevation of 1,333 meters. Karst processes have formed the Zubbione and Garrone caves there, with deposits and sinter formations, two small lakes, and an important bat colony. In addition to the trails, geological formations, lakes, and bats are also natural features of interest.

A specific accommodation option

Agriturismo Portella della Ginestra is located in the Serra della Pizzuta nature reserve in a former 18th-century farmhouse. It has been operating since 2005 and is run by the Placido Rizzotto – Libera Terra cooperative. Its kitchen uses organic products from Libera Terra and wines from Centopassi.

Another cultural point of reference is the Ecostruttura at the Centro Ippico Giuseppe Di Matteo. In 2013, it was planned as an open space for cultural promotion and educational activities focused on legality in Alto Belice Corleonese and beyond, in Contrada Ginestra on the SP 34 at kilometer 4.2. This historical point of reference adds a different theme to the history of the Memorial: cultural and educational work.

Discover more destinations: Parrini, Alimena, Palazzo Adriano, Ustica, Gratteri, Godrano, Casteldaccia, San Mauro Castelverde.

For the broader travel overview: Palermo.