Discover Sortino

Sortino can be explored through specific cultural and historical themes: the necropolis of Pantalica, collections devoted to the puppet tradition, archaeological finds and traditional crafts, as well as a distinctive townscape. There is also the Feast of Saint Sofia and local specialties. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Sortino, these highlights can help with your planning: consider whether you are most interested in discovering archaeological remains, museums, local history or local specialties.

Archaeological remains of Pantalica

The necropolis of Pantalica is located within the territory of Sortino and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 5,000 tombs were carved into the rock, most of them dating from the 13th to the 7th century BC. The site also preserves remains from the Byzantine period, including the foundations of the Anaktoron, the so-called Prince’s Palace. Pantalica thus brings together evidence from widely separated periods: viewed chronologically, the rock-cut tombs are followed by the Byzantine building remains.

Museums, puppets and traditional crafts

The Museo civico dell’opera dei pupi is housed in the former Franciscan monastery and preserves the puppet collection of Don Ignazio Puglisi. It displays more than 30 puppets in various scenes, as well as a characteristic puppet theatre.

The Antiquarium del medioevo is housed in the former Carmelite monastery. Its chronological tour ranges from 63 prehistoric finds from Pantalica to objects recovered during the clearing of old Sortino after it was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The ethnographic collection includes objects from agro-pastoral culture, as well as tools and machinery for working stone, wood and iron. In the garden of the former Carmelite monastery, where the Antiquarium is located, visitors can take part in educational workshops on stoneworking. If you plan to attend one of these workshops, check the dates in advance.

The Casa dei Nonni recreates a traditional beekeeping workshop from Sortino with historical and anthropological accuracy. It is designed as a permanent exhibition on traditional beekeeping. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check current access arrangements in advance.

Townscape and orientation

Sortino lies 424 metres above sea level on a rocky terrace in the eastern part of the Hyblaean Mountains plateau. The town was completely rebuilt further uphill on Cugno del Rizzo hill and given a grid of right-angled streets. Today, Corso Umberto I and Via Libertà form the main perpendicular axes. They intersect at the octagonal Piazza Quattro Canti, which remains the town centre.

Local specialties: Pizzolo and honey

Pizzolo Sortinese is a savory local focaccia. The top is seasoned with oil and oregano, then the focaccia is sliced open through the middle and filled with various ingredients as desired. Honey is also traditionally produced in the Sortino area.

The Feast of Saint Sofia

The Feast of Saint Sofia is celebrated every year on September 10. Its most striking moment is the “Sciuta,” when the procession float and the relic of Saint Sofia are carried out of the Sanctuary of Santa Sofia. If the feast is important for your travel dates, check the event details for the relevant date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cassibile, Ferla, Rosolini, Testa Dell'acqua, Marzamemi, Buccheri, Floridia, Fontane Bianche

For the broader travel overview: Syracuse.