From €450

Feel the art, breathe nature Live Castelbuono!

Code: 130

THE TRIP

An experience to remember

Castelbuono, located 400 meters above sea level in the interior of the island of Sicily, is a medieval-style village with a charming historic centre that will captivate you from the first moment.

It was founded and developed by the powerful Ventimiglia dynasty, lords of the County of Geraci. In 1316, the Ventimiglia changed their main residence from Geraci to Siculo, on the hill of San Pedro, where they built their Castle, which to this day has become the most representative symbol of Castelbuono. The then existing small Byzantine village, Ypsigro, was replaced by a medieval village.
Surrounded by the beautiful and natural Madonie Mountains, Casteluno is also renowned for its panettone cakes, sold all over the world. Visiting the impressive Ventimiglia Castle, walking its charming streets and savoring its delicious gastronomy, pasta, mushrooms, vegetables and local seafood are just some of the reasons you need to visit Castelbueono.
Every August, the most important indie festival in Italy takes place here and also the country’s first boutique festival: Ypsigrock Festival. A small event full of charm for indie-rock lovers. Do you dare to feel the rock?

STEP BY STEP

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival

Arrival and check-in at the accommodation.

Day 2. Castelbuono, history and legends

Manuela, official local guide, will show you the beautiful city of Castelbuono. You will discover its history, you will tour the old town and you will visit the oldest church, the most important of the 14th century of the place: Church of Maria S.S. Assunta – Matrice Vecchia, located in the busy Piazza Margherita. You will taste the amazing sweet pastas of Fiasconaro, the famous producer of panettone and traditional sweets of Castelbuono. You will enjoy a delicious menu of local products, composed of pasta and fresh vegetables. In the afternoon, you will enter the nooks and crannies of the spectacular Ventimiglia Castle. You will be dazzled by an archaeological collection, urban art, contemporary art, sacred art and the amazing palatine chapel dating back to 1686. Time to relax and enjoy the Ypsigrock Festival.

Day 3. Immersion in nature

Laetitia, official guide of nature, will take you to explore the Madonie Park on an excursion to the giant holly trees of Piano Pomo. You will enter a holly forest 20 meters high, unique in the world. A didactic route through nature, in which you will enjoy the rich biodiversity of the road, amazing landscapes and the enormous variety of butterflies that inhabit this magical place. You will stop at Piano Pomo and Cozzo Luminario and enjoy panoramic views over the mountains and the coast that you will never forget. To recover your strength, you will taste some exquisite homemade cookies from Castelbuono. Back in the city, Pepe and Francesca will welcome you at their restaurant to savour a menu of dishes accompanied by mushrooms of the highest quality grown on the Etna volcano. Time to rest and live the Ypsigrock Festival !

Day 4. Manna in Castelbuono

Mario, a local mana producer, will show you the history of this sap extracted from the bark of some Fresno plant species, its qualities, its production and you can even try it! Castelbuono is the only place in Sicily where you can live this experience, because thanks to the efforts of citizens passionate about mana, its production has been maintained here. Are you ready to experience the last day of the Ypsigrock Festival?

Day 5. Farewell

Breakfast and farewell.

MOMENTS FROM THE TRIP

Gallery

USEFUL INFORMATION

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