Floresta: Churches, Mountain Landscape and Trails in the Nebrodi

Floresta is located in the Parco dei Nebrodi. Several trails lead through the mountain landscape, connecting the town with special viewpoints and other destinations. At the same time, the village preserves a distinctive historic character. If you would like to combine nature, architecture and regional features on your journey, Floresta offers various ways to do so.

Churches and Historic Village Structure

The Chiesa Madre di Sant'Anna dates from the mid-18th century. In the 19th century, it was rededicated to Saint Anne. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova, by contrast, has its origins in the 17th century, while its present structure dates from the early years of the 20th century. Both churches make different historical periods visible in Floresta's townscape.

The village also preserves a typical feudal structure, with stone houses grouped beneath the bell towers of two churches. Embroidery was once a widespread craft practised in the homes of Floresta. Today, the Mostra del Ricamo Artigianale in Via Umberto I is well known.

Religious traditions also shape the town. The triptych of Saint Anne, Mary and the Christ Child is traditionally carried on the shoulders by worshippers in a procession. The Festa di Sant'Anna attracts visitors from nearby communities as well as tourists.

Trails Through the Nebrodi Area

Stage 23 of the Sentiero Italia SI-C V23-A begins in the centre of Floresta and ends in the centre of Montalbano Elicona. The SI-C V23-A trail is signposted with continuous white-and-red markings, directional signs and thematic information boards. This makes it possible to clearly follow a longer connection between the two town centres.

A trail located in the Parco dei Nebrodi connects Floresta with Randazzo and passes through the area of the Alcantara River. Along this trail, a viewpoint over the Tortorici Valley offers a view of Mount Etna. Migratory birds and several species of mammals can also be observed from the trail to the viewpoint.

Another trail in Floresta's network leads to Lago Pisciotto. The Portella Femmina Morta–Portella Dagara stage of the Dorsale dei Nebrodi ends at Portella Dagara in Floresta. For those interested in horse riding, the Floresta–Favoscuro route is approximately 6.5 km long and takes about two and a half hours at mixed gaits.

Landscape and Regional Features

Portella Favo Scuro marks the eastern boundary of the Parco dei Nebrodi. At the same time, it is a road junction on State Road 116 in the area of Floresta and Santa Domenica di Vittoria. Seven kilometres from the built-up town centre lies Contrada Giuffrè, with its centuries-old oak and maple forests.

In Costa del Salice in Floresta, the white willow, botanically Salix alba subsp. alba L., grows among the riverside vegetation of Protection Zone D of the Parco dei Nebrodi. Provola dei Nebrodi is part of the region's culinary culture: a traditional Sicilian caciocavallo made by cheesemakers using artisanal methods in the Nebrodi Mountains. Ottobrando also takes place in Floresta, with events devoted to apples, chestnuts, mushrooms and honey.

Other Destinations

Other places: Messina, Fiumedinisi, Motta Camastra, Cesarò, Alì Terme, Mongiove, Rodi Milici, Acquacalda

To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.