Trekking of the Saint. The Etna-Nebrodi Way of Saint Nicholas Politi

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The Trekking of the Saint is the Way of Saint Nicolò Politi, which crosses the territories of the Etna Park and the Nebrodi Park, between the provinces of Catania and Messina.

The Saint’s Trek can be tackled in three or four days, depending on one’s interests and level of fitness, retracing step by step the pilgrimage of the hermit saint, Nicolò Politi. Along the 4 planned stages, the Saint Nicolò Politi Path crosses natural scenery of extraordinary beauty and the historical places where the saint led part of his life.

The starting point of the Trekking of the Saint is the town of Adrano (CT), the birthplace of Nicolò Politi in the year 1117, whose relics are kept among the churches in the historic centre. Trekking enthusiasts can walk to the Saint’s Cave, in the Timpone district.

From here, one continues on to the second stop along the Trekking of the Saint, the town of Bronte (CT). Famous throughout the world for the production of the renowned Bronte Green Pistachio, we find here a series of religious and historical buildings of great importance, such as the Abbey of Santa Maria Maniace (or Maniace Castle). Among the naturalistic areas are the Centorbi Forest and the Balze Sottane Waterfalls.

From Longi to Alcara Li Fusi, the last stage of the Trekking of the Saint, we reach the province of Messina and the Nebrodi Park. From the Calanna Valley, one of the most beautiful naturalistic views, we reach the locality known as “Acqua Santa” and the Hermitage of San Nicolò, to Alcara Li Fusi, with the main square dedicated to the saint and the Mother Church of Maria SS Assunta where his relics are kept.