ATG trips: Sicily: Centre to Coast (Original Journeys and Footloose)

Background: An important part of Sicily’s heritage is a network of roads dating back over 3,000 years. Built by successive colonisers of the island, notably the Greeks, Romans and Arabs, many of these ancient ways survived until the last century as drove roads for sheep, goats and cattle, as well as for travel on horseback.

Problem: No longer used, these ancient routes, some with stone paving and bridges still intact, are deteriorating alarmingly. Overgrowth by impenetrable thorn and bramble thickets, blocked drainage systems causing water erosion and mud slides, and crumbling bridges are causing their rapid disappearance.

Project: The conservation of 3.5kms of ancient route between Gangi and Geraci Siculo, including a fine Roman bridge. Clearing extensive overgrowth and restoring (dangerously) eroded sections.

Sustainability: The conservation of these routes represents not just the preservation of local heritage, but a vital artery to bring tourists into this otherwise remote area, and stimulate the as-yet fragile tourism services.

Project in progress