Petrosino: springs trails, beech forest and historical traces

Petrosino can be explored through springs trails, woodland landscapes and historical traces. The Sentiero delle Sorgenti is the central feature, leading to notable points, crossing the beech forest and returning close to Contrada Petrosino.

Springs trail and history

The Sentiero delle Sorgenti reaches the Obelisco di Nelson in the hamlet of Serra del Mergo at an altitude of about 1,553 metres. The obelisk was erected in 1905 by the Duke of Nelson to mark the boundary of the Ducea. In this way, the trail connects a mountain landscape with a clear historical context.

Rest stops and old trail traces

The Sentiero delle Sorgenti passes close to the Rifugio Donnavida, where hikers can take an initial break. It also follows the old Trazzera Regia, which was used by herders to move livestock. While hiking here, you will therefore encounter both natural traces and traditional signs of how the landscape was used.

Forest and springs

The trail runs along the Foresta Vecchia area and crosses a dense, impressive beech forest. You encounter the Sorgente Farina as early as the first gently uphill section. In the final section, the Sentiero delle Sorgenti first reaches the Sorgente Valle dell'Uomo Morto at an altitude of 1,360 metres and then returns close to Contrada Petrosino, the starting point.

Views of the Nebrodi

The site of the Obelisco di Nelson offers impressive views of the Nebrodi. For planning purposes, the forest, springs, high points and viewpoint can therefore be regarded as different stages within the landscape.

Cycling and hiking variants

An alternative version of the Sentiero delle Sorgenti starting from Segheria above Porticelle Soprane can be cycled by mountain bike. Ippovia 6 passes through the Bosco Petrosino to Petrosino at an altitude of 840 metres, where a rest stop is possible. Along this route, the Bosco Petrosino is also one of the points where water is available.

Orientation in the surrounding area

After just under 4 km from Castello di Nelson, the Trekking del Santo route reaches the entrance to Petrosino. On the right, it is marked by the Chiesetta di San Gabriele. For spatial orientation, the main road C.so Margherito leads to the hamlet of Petrosino.

Historical traces around Petrosino

In the immediate vicinity of Petrosino, Castello di Nelson is identified with the former Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace. The municipality of Bronte acquired Castello di Nelson in 1981. The site thus combines an earlier religious use with a later municipal acquisition.

Faith and local culture

During the S. Maria delle Grazie celebration, a procession carrying the statue began on Sunday, 23 August, at the S. Gabriele church in Contrada Petrosino and ended at the new San Sebastiano parish church in Contrada Fondaco, where the statue remained for a week for veneration. The municipality of Maniace also announced the organisation of the traditional Sagra della ricotta e della provola dei Nebrodi for 1, 2 and 3 May 2026.

More destinations

San Cono, Randazzo, Mascalucia, Mirabella Imbaccari, Carlentini, San Giovanni Montebello, Misterbianco, Motta Sant'anastasia

To the overarching travel overview: Catania.