  Instituted
in 1989 the park stretches for some 40.000 hectares and
takes in its territory 15 small towns dotted about the mountains:
Caltavuturo,
Castelbuono,
Castellana
Sicula, Cefalù,
Collesano,
Geraci
Siculo, Gratteri,
Isnello,
Petralia
Soprana, Petralia
Sottana, Polizzi
Generosa, Pollina,
San
Mauro Castelverde, Scillato,
Sclafani
Bagni.
The Madonie mountain range, whose peaks are the highest
in Sicily after Mount Etna, rising up over 1900m, are of
calcareous origin and are separated by wide valleys where
the particular geological phenomenon of karstification, 
generated by a rich underground water system, can be observed.
The Madonie Natural Park represents an important area where
several species of animal, many now rare or threatened by
extinction elsewhere, can find a safe refuge. The lush vegetation
in the upland plains and mountains includes plants from
central and northern Europe as well as Asia and Africa,
thus creating, along with the Mediterranean native flora, 
a truly unique landscape. The majestic and dramatic view
of dawns and sunsets enjoyed from the peaks of the mountains
are particularly evocative, as well as the charm offered
by the blossoming of nature, with its whole range of shimmering
colours. Several monuments and a rich artistic and cultural
heritage are to be found throughout the Madonie region.
These, combined with the superb environment and the friendliness
and kindness of Sicilian people establish the base for a
constant tourist development of the area. |