Monte S. Calogero Nature Reserve (Kronio)
Description

Monte S. Calogero Nature Reserve (Kronio)

nature-reserve-oriented-monte-s-caloggero-kronio

Site type
INR = Integral Natural Reserve

  • Former Provinces concerned:AG
  • Municipalities concerned: Sciacca
  • Extension: 50 Ha of which 29,79 in zone A and 20,21 in zone B
  • Establishment decree: DA 366/44 26/07/2000
  • Managing Body: Regional Department of State Forests Company

Description and tourist information:

Monte Kronio is known for the complex architecture of its hypogeum in which air and vapors related to thermal phenomena circulate. The temperature, stabilized on average around 38 ° C, at certain times becomes so high as to prevent the complete exploration of the site. In the intricate development of the cavities there are five main caves: the Stufe di San Calogero; the Cave of the Leper; the Grotta di Mastro, the Grotta del Gallo and the Grotta di Cucchiara. The latter is a real aspiring labyrinth. Therefore, those who love caving will find extremely interesting points of observation. Thermalism seems to derive its origins from secondary volcanism phenomena, which arose in historically datable eras, which would make the vapors saturated with sulphurous salts, to which therapeutic effects are attributable. The hydromineral heritage of Monte Kronio, which is not fully exploited, is among the richest and most complete in the world. A popular name is given to the different types of water (ranging from sulphurous to salsobromoiodic, from medium-mineral to bicarbonate-alkaline): the one called Holy Water, of bicarbonate-alkaline nature, disappeared in 1968 following the earthquake in the Belice Valley, now, however, it is thought that it will be possible to find it again. The limestone mountain is colonized by basically rocky vegetation, while a pine forest has settled on the top near the Sanctuary. Flora and fauna are still being studied. Landscape emergencies Foce del Belice: a few km towards Trapani, nearby is the archaeological area of ​​Selinunte. Foce del Platani: a few km towards Agrigento, near the archaeological area of ​​Eraclea Minoa. Not far from the city of Sciacca, on the Agrigento coast, stands Monte San Calogero or Kronion for the ancients: an isolated limestone-chalky elevation, which slopes down towards the sea. From its summit you can enjoy a vast and pleasant panorama: from Capo Lilibeo to Capo Bianco, from the Island of Pantelleria to the Cresta di Caltabellotta. The famous thermal baths of Sciacca are located in the cavities of this mountain and have been a strong attraction since ancient times, due to the therapeutic effects of the sulphurous vapors that treat respiratory and rheumatic diseases. Monte San Calogero rises a short distance from other nature reserves, halfway between the mouths of the Belice and Platani and from sites of archaeological interest such as Selinunte and Eraclea Minoa. The latter is linked by a legendary "thread": it seems, in fact, that Minos, king of Crete, landed in Eraclea ("Minoa" from Minos) chased on these coasts Daedalus, the architect of the labyrinths who, according to the Greeks , was the architect of the arrangement of these caves that from homes became sweat workers. The visitor who arrives in this area will be able to enjoy the magnificent coast and the clear sea, indulge his archaeological and naturalistic interests, devoting himself to birdwatching, or make healthy sessions at the spa.
Source: Regional Department of State Forests Company
 
Related Protected Natural Areas
 
WDPA / EUAP Codes:  178923  EUAP ??
 

Former Provinces concernedAgrigento

Municipalities concerned: Sciacca

Related Natura 2000 sites
 

Documents and Links

Site of the Regional Department of State Forestry Company: Reserves Map
 

Footnotes

In the Regional Reserve Plan, it was envisaged as an "oriented nature reserve". The institution decree, on the other hand, typologically identifies it as an "integral natural reserve".
 
 

Card insertion: Ignatius Caloggero

Photo: web

Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Web 

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