Imposing and emotionally impactful. This is how the Rocca of Cefalù on that north side of the coast Sicilian. With his gaze constantly turned to the sea, he watches and protects. Check that everything is quiet there, that there are no dangers. Or at least that's what it did for several years of past history. Then, he shifts his attention to the town below, wrapping it in an embrace that is as austere as it is apprehensive.
An old story
Like all rocky massifs also the Rocca of Cefalù, thanks to its characteristics, it fulfilled a specific role. There he could be compared to a kind of guardian of the sea and the land. As well as a safe haven. The one towards which the men of the underlying community flocked in case of risk. We could picture the confused swarming of those people, the quick steps, the voices inciting to flee. And then she, immovable. Good but tenacious, ready to stretch out her welcoming arms offering the help sought. Currently, only the memory, or rather, the imagination of us moderns remains of that glorious past. Free from the growing tension that had to be felt at the sight of a band of invaders.
So what does the Rocca di Cefalù represent today? The historical scenario has completely changed. In complete tranquility we can enjoy the mighty boulder. Appreciate the aesthetic qualities that contrast with the gentleness of the surrounding landscape. On the one hand, the blue of the sea embellished by the glint of the sun. On the other, the muscular and athletic massive. As if he were an old gentleman, one of the stern ones whose rigid armor appears barren. To predominate in its shape are the shades of gray, it is the leathery stones. Yet, here and there, trees and shrubs shyly peep out. They give a touch of color, light brushstrokes of green that enliven the scenery. Here the enchantment of nature begins.
Rocca of Cefalù: routes
Tourist destination, for meditation and mental relaxation. To reach the rock giant you have to start from a small path. The one located at the western foot of the Rocca. The profile in question is easily identifiable. Here, in fact, there are a series of mills that once collected the waters coming from the west side. On the other hand, the north-east front hosts the historic town of Cefalù. But let's go back to the path. Walking along it we reach the Rocca in a fusion between nature and the historical past. Along the way there is a precious testimony, the temple of Diana. A small building of which some remains remain.
The ascent continues guided by the perimeter walls. Embattled ramparts that help to convey that sense of impregnability of which the place was the residence. So you get toancient castle, of which clear structural traces remain today. Dated between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, it is the peak from which to admire the surrounding panorama. Particular also the Metal cross erected in the elevation facing north of the walls. At night, the cruciferous symbol lights up, increasing its emblematic value. Thus, from a privileged position, the gaze is free to travel towards multiple horizons. The infinity of the sea that fades into the sky, the ancient town at the foot of the Rocca where the Norman cathedral, the profiles of the coast.
