There is an enchanting valley between Gratteri and Gibilmanna, in the locality of Valle Nasca, above a stone chapel that the people call “tribunedda".
This place has always aroused the curiosity of treasure hunters, among the rugged peaks of the Prace mountain range, in the areas that shepherds call Rocca Dinàru (Rock of Money) and Lavanca Vrilli (the Valley of Beryl).
Rumours among the people tell of shining crystals embedded in the rock, in the upper part of Piano Morto.
Indeed, it is precisely these gems - commonly known as beryls - that have made the small Madonie town of Gratteri famous since ancient times, as already written by Fazello in the 16th century: "Gratterium oppidum Berillo lapide nobile" (Gratteri, a town famous for noble Beryl stone).
In fact, it would rather be a colourless and transparent rock crystal, commonly known as clear quartz, which is found in various forms in nature - rough stones, points, and druses. It was considered by ancient peoples as the stone of the seer, due to its hypnotic and divinatory properties.
Our excursion will start right from that valley, to reach and climb the highest peaks of Mount Prace, all the way to the sinkhole, the Prace abyss, and the Ciacca and Macabbubbo abysses.
After a refreshment break at Piano Prato, in front of a breathtaking panorama, we will descend towards Gratteri. But before that, we will make a stop at Grotta Grattàra to discover the natural beauty and legends of a cave with a crystal-clear spring that, according to tradition, gave its name to the village of Gratteri itself.
For more details about the excursion and the itinerary map, please visit the following link: eventi.visitgratteri.com