There is an enchanted valley between Gratteri and Gibilmanna, in Valle Nasca, above a stone chapel that people call “tribunedda”. This place has always aroused the curiosity of treasure seekers, among the rugged peaks of the Prace mountain massif, in the districts that shepherds call Rocca Dinàru (Rocca del Denaro) and Lavanca Vrilli (the Berillo Valley).

The legend tells of shiny crystals set in the rock, in the part above Piano Morto. It would be precisely these gems – commonly called beryl – that have made the small Madonite citadel of Gratteri famous since ancient times, as Fazello wrote in the century. XVI: “Gratterium oppidum Berillo lapide nobile“.

As a matter of fact, it is a colorless and transparent rock crystal, commonly known as hyaline quartz, which in nature is found in various forms – rough stones, spikes and druses – considered by ancient peoples the stone of the seer, due to its hypnotic and divinatory virtues.

Our excursion will start right from that valley, and will lead us to climb the highest peaks of Monte della Prace, up to the sinkhole, the Prace, Ciacca and Macabbubbo abyss. After a refreshment in Piano Prato, in front of a breathtaking view, we will descend towards Gratteri, but not before having made a stop at the Grattàra Grotto, to discover the naturalistic beauties and the legends of a cave with a very clear source which, according to tradition, gave its name to the village of Gratteri itself.

Find out more details about excursions and itineraries on Visit gratteri