Grotta Mangiapane

The first human traces date back to the Upper Paleolithic, but the cave’s name comes from the Mangiapane family, who lived here until the 1950s. Walking among the stone houses, storerooms and stables carved into the rock means stepping into the daily life of Sicilian rural culture. Today, the cave is an open-air museum capable of narrating the rhythms of a community once devoted to farming, fishing and craftsmanship.

Its powerful scenic presence has made it a setting for television productions such as the famous series Inspector Montalbano, as well as photo shoots and fashion campaigns by brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Zara Home, which chose this rocky backdrop for its raw and timeless beauty.

During the Christmas season, the site comes alive with the renowned Custonaci Living Nativity, one of the most evocative re-enactments in Italy, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Today, Grotta Mangiapane, recognised as one of the Intangible Heritages of Sicily, is open year-round with guided tours and cultural initiatives. In this season, the visit can be combined with nature walks in the nearby Monte Cofano Reserve, panoramic trekking routes to Torre di San Giovanni, landscape photography experiences and quiet moments along the coves of Cornino. The experience can also extend to nearby Erice and the Trapani Salt Pans, for a journey through scenery and memory.

Visiting Grotta Mangiapane means entering a Sicily suspended in time: a place where stone and memory reveal the ancient wonders of the island.