Agrigento is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Sicily. Its territory preserves enchanting places, characterized by a priceless cultural heritage and completely uncontaminated areas.
Among these stands out the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve, an extraordinary natural landscape famous for a spur of white rock that plunges into an amazing crystal clear sea.
The Punta Bianca Nature Reserve is also known for its beautiful beach that, every year, attracts visitors from all over the world wishing to spend a few days in a real paradise on earth.
Here, in fact, you can immerse yourself completely in nature, enjoy moments of pure relaxation and engage in sports activities such as hiking and hiking.
What to see and do in Punta Bianca di Agrigento
The Punta Bianca Nature Reserve is not far from the center of Agrigento and is the ideal destination for those who want to take walks in the open air and make trekking and hiking; the paths are really many and suitable for anyone, even to those who prefer to sunbathe in uncrowded areas.
The beach of Punta Bianca is, in fact, unspoiled and reserved, with golden sand and waters that oscillate from turquoise to emerald green. After a day in nature, between a run and an excursion, it is the ideal place to rest, relax and sunbathe.
From the top of the spur, then, you can admire unique views of the coast of Agrigento, as well as one of the most exciting sunsets in Sicily. Despite being a place less known than the most famous Scala dei Turchi, Punta Bianca is nothing short of fascinating and suggestive, which is enough to push anyone to visit it at least once in their life.
The Reserve also houses a military guard tower, located on a hill in front of the cliff, which consists of an artifact dating back to the Second World War, when it was used to keep under control the surrounding area. Before becoming a reserve, in fact, Punta Bianca has long been the site of military exercises, which ceased permanently in 2022 thanks to the establishment of the protected area by the Sicilian Region.
Beyond the military tower, the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve also houses the House of Customs, the former barracks of the Guardia di Finanza. This ancient structure, used to combat maritime smuggling, is a true testimony of the past that, over the years, has managed to integrate perfectly with the surrounding environment.
These structures need care and restoration before nature takes control of them completely and makes them collapse.
Many think that the building should be demolished, as it disfigures the white cliff, but many others believe that it is one of the symbols of the extreme Punta Bianca of Agrigento. In any case, the House of Customs is still present and you can visit it to discover the history of the place and its most hidden features.
Foto : 101 Zone
Palma di Montechiaro and the Chiaramontano Castle
The Punta Bianca Nature Reserve extends between Agrigento and Palma di Montechiaro, founded in 1637 and known as the “city of the Leopard” because it corresponds to the fictional fief of Donna Fugata in the famous novel by Giuseppe Tomasi of Lampedusa.
Among the most beautiful things to see in Palma di Montechiaro are the Chiaramontani castles, among the most beautiful in all of Sicily, including the Castle of Palma di Montechiaro, the only one built on a rocky ridge overlooking the sea.
Built in 1353, the location of the Castle of Palma di Montechiaro initially had a strategic intent, because it allowed residents to fight the invasions of pirates. After the death of the owner, Andrea Chiaramonte, the castle passed into the hands of the Moncada family who changed its name to Montechiaro, with the aim of deleting any connection with the previous lords.
After various vicissitudes, in the seventeenth century the castle became the property of the Tomasi family. Left in a state of neglect for some time, it has received restoration works only recently. Currently, you can visit it, walk through its corridors and inside its rooms and admire a statue of the Madonna kept inside the chapel.
In addition to the Chiaramontano Castle, in Palma di Montechiaro there are two other attractions not to be missed:
- The Church of Santa Maria della Luce, a monumental complex that fully reflects the religious aspect of the Tomasi family. Commissioned by Giulio Tomasi to revive the Way of the Cross of Jesus in Palma, it included a path that extended from the city center to the hill, characterized by fourteen stations. In practice, Palma was identified with Jerusalem and pilgrims who came there could see a copy of the Holy Shroud given to Carlo Tomasi by Maria di Savoia and currently kept in the Church of the College of Mary;
- The Tower of San Carlo, isolated and protective, built in 1639 at the behest of Carlo Tomasi for defensive purposes, to avoid the continuous sieges by Saracen pirates. The fortress was constantly stocked with weapons, war instruments and soldiers. Initially, next to the tower there was also a small church, with the title of the Holy Rosary, no longer existing.
Visiting the Punta Bianca Nature Reserve and going to Palma di Montechiaro is a cure-all for body and spirit. Don’t miss it!
Copertina: 101 Zone
