Between Gratteri and Gibilmanna, protected by the shaggy peaks of the Prace mountain massif, lies a fascinating valley that has always aroused the curiosity of treasure seekers: the Valle del Berillo.

It is said that the rock of this valley holds shining crystals, beryl gems that, since ancient times, have made the small Madonite citadel of Gratteri famous, as Fazello wrote in the 16th century: ‘Gratterium oppidum Berillo lapide nobile’.

In reality, it would rather be a transparent, colourless rock crystal, commonly known as hyaline quartz, found in nature in various forms – rough stones, points and druses – considered by ancient peoples to be the stone of the clairvoyant, for its hypnotic and divinatory virtues.

If the mysteries of Sicilian villages fascinate you, the Beryl Valley, near Gratteri, could be the ideal destination for a journey into the nature and history of a landscape that offers breathtaking views, from Grotta Grattàra to the village of Gratteri itself.