If you are ready to embark on a journey back to the distant Middle Ages and have an exciting experience, you cannot miss visiting the ruins of a unique Norman abbey nestled in the woods of Gratteri.
This is one of the oldest historical monuments in the Madonie village, located about a half-hour walk from the town centre, crossing through an unspoiled natural landscape.
The meeting point is at the "passo della Scala" - under the little church of the Crucifix - where a trail begins that, for several decades, has been renamed the Via dei Premostratensi (Way of the Premonstratensians).
And you will arrive at a solitary place, imbued with stories and legends, where an otherworldly peace reigns. However, at the time of the foundation of the monastery, it must have been a strategic intersection point between two highly frequented Roman roads by travellers and pilgrims.
Today, the site is a favourite destination for numerous visitors, both Italian and foreign, who venture to discover what may seem, at first glance, like just another ruin. However, it is a milestone along the Norman Path in Sicily.
The church of the San Giorgio monastery is indeed a cultural treasure of singular importance in the Sicilian landscape, from a historical, artistic, spiritual, and anthropological perspective.
Its origins date back to the 12th century, a period of medieval history that was both complex and intriguing.
It was a priory founded by the Normans and entrusted to a French order, the Premonstratensian monks, which is a unique example in Sicily. Later, in the 14th century, it was inherited by the Hospitallers of Jerusalem, better known as the Knights of Malta, who held it for several centuries as a commandery.
We will tell you a fascinating story about a Norman monument where real events and unique legends come together in a highly evocative setting. The site in Gratteri is a historical testament to the Norman period, ready to be included among the UNESCO sites in Sicily.
For more details about the excursion and the itinerary map, please visit the following link: eventi.visitgratteri.com