The Argimusco is an upland located in Sicily in the province of Messina, at about 1240 m above sea level, between the Peloritani and the Nebrodi mountains. This area is characterized by about nine quartz sandstones molded into curious and charming forms, known as the Argimusco Megaliths. Some believe that the shapes of the megaliths represent human and animal figures and their arrangement is completely natural, produced by wind erosion; while others believe that some rocks represent menhirs and almost unrecognisable dolmen, which local tradition attributes to Neolithic population.
The site was compared by some scholars to the great megalithic structures of northern Europe, and for this reason it is frequently called “the Sicilian Stonehenge”.
Most probably the megaliths and the whole landscape were chosen to practice astronomy, to analyze the movements of the stars, to finally discover the seasons and set up the foundations of a practical and useful calendar. The Argimusco upland might have had functions similar to those of the great stone calendars of northern Europe and thus conceal the ancient history and the unknown. It is a place where the earth joins the sky forming a sacred landscape, this is the reason why it is believed that in ancient times particular rituals were celebrated. Walking on the dirt road of the Argimusco plateau give you the possibility to admire the North Eastern Sicily in all its glory: the volcano Etna, the Aeolian Islands, Montalbano Elicona town, the Rocca Salvatesta mountain, cape Tindari, cape Calavà and cape Milazzo.
You can combine this guided tour with a visit to the City Centre of Montalbano Elicona, and/or the excursion to the Bosco di Malabotta (Malabotta forrest).
Length: 3 Km
Journey time: 2/3 hours
Difficulty level: easy
Day and time of departure: to be agreed.
Meeting Place: in the area in front of the Montalbano Tourist Office (see the map)
Price: differ according to participant number
Necessary equipment: Comfortable shoes, hat, and a small bottle of water are recommended.
Booking takes place no later than 48 hours prior departure.
For any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us either by email escursioni@associazionepfm.it or phone: +39 3313457538.
