Sortino (SR) – Necropolis of Pantalica
Not far from Syracuse, located near open quarries is the site of Pantalica. The site of Pantalica has a great environmental and archaeological value.
A Pantalica settlement situated on a plateau of the Iblei Mountains, found shelter the inhabitants of the coastal strip forced to flee to the arrival of the Sicilians and Italian populations in the first half of the thirteenth century BC. On the acropolis of Pantalica is located, in one of the highest points of the area, in a position to admire the views of the quarries, the “Prince’s Palace” Anaktoron.
The Strabone historian identifies the site with Hybla, famous for its honey.
Pantalica is the most important protostorical site in south-eastern Sicily, represents the place where the passage between the Bronze Age and Iron Age of the area is best seen, and precious elements of synchronism for the dating of other cultures in the rest of Sicily. Most likely, the site was also inhabited earlier as evidenced by archaeological evidence, based on lithic finds.
The numerous necropolis, about 5000 rich in kits, have been explored by the archaeologist Paolo Orsi.
In 2005 the site became, together with the city of Siracusa, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its high historical, archaeological, speleological and landscaping profile.