San Cipirello between Monte Jato and ancient paths

San Cipirello between Monte Jato and ancient paths

San Cipirello combines the Area Archeologica del Monte Iato, the Antiquarium del Monte Iato di San Cipirello and two trails with different levels of difficulty. Ancient architecture and archaeological finds are accompanied by clearly defined terrain routes: the Sentiero Scala di Ferro is easy, while the Sentiero Santuario San Cosmo is considerably more challenging.

The Greek Theater of Monte Jato

The Theater of Monte Jato was built in the 4th century BC and could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The archaeological site of Monte Jato lies at 852 meters above sea level, dominates the Jato Valley and is located near the present-day towns of San Cipirello and San Giuseppe Jato. The Greek theater of the Area Archeologica del Monte Iato blends into the landscape and offers a wide view over the surrounding countryside. Its construction history, size, elevation and unobstructed view together shape the character of this ancient site.

Archaeological Finds in San Cipirello

Archaeological finds from Iaitas are preserved in the Antiquarium del Monte Jato di San Cipirello. This creates a transition between the landscape impression of the archaeological site and the preserved artifacts. The Antiquarium and the theater offer different cultural perspectives: one preserves tangible finds, while the other stands as an ancient theater complex in the landscape of Monte Jato.

Two Trails with Different Characteristics

The Sentiero Scala di Ferro is an easy trail with a short steep section and runs along a forest path as well as an old medieval mule track. Beside the parking area for the Sentiero Scala di Ferro there is an equipped rest area with tables and benches. The equipped rest area beside the parking area is a specific reference point when a break is planned into the route. The trail’s easy character does not rule out the short steep section; it remains an individual feature of the route that should be taken into account.

The Sentiero Santuario San Cosmo is considerably more challenging. It begins in San Cipirello and runs along the southern slope of Monte Jato on an old, partly damaged mule track. Along the way, it passes the Grotta del Tauro, crosses several ravines and reaches a large livestock watering trough that is now partly filled in. The trail leads to the Santuario di San Cosmo, which was finally abandoned in the 1950s and is now a ruin. Its higher level of difficulty and the partly damaged mule track require different day planning from the easy Scala trail.

Ruin, Fresco and Spring at the Santuario

In the dilapidated Santuario di San Cosmo, an altar and the remains of a fresco have been preserved. Behind the Santuario there is a narrow space with a small spring from which water drips down.

Further destinations: Polizzi Generosa, Godrano, Gangi, Paterna, Caculla, Bisacquino, Villabate, Malpasso

To the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.