Adranon, Sambuca di Sicilia, Italy

Monte Adranone is a mountain rising 899 metres above sea level in the north of the comune of Sambuca di Sicilia. At the summit of the mountain are the remains of the ancient city of Adranon, one of the more important archaeological sites in Sicily.

Adranon was settled at the beginning of the 5th century BC, destroyed during the 3rd century BC, according to data from archaeological excavations. The city is distinct from the city of the same name in eastern Sicily and is possibly mentioned by Diodorus Siculus in his account of the First Punic War. The city, reburied after the archaeological excavations, extended over rough, undulating terrain which becomes a terrace towards the southwest. In the area around the entrance to the archaeological area, is the necropolis, containing the monumental Tomba della Regina. Further towards the summit of Monte Adranone, there are the walls of the fortified part of the city, the artisans' quarter and a sanctuary surrounded by a temenos (sacred area), with a sacellum in front of it, where votive offerings were deposited. At the very top of the mountain is the acropolis.

Numerous votive offerings have been recovered from the city of Adranon, as well as amphorae, terracottas, busts of divinities, Attic pottery and bronze items. Many of these discoveries are on display in the Palazzo Panitteri Archaeological Museum, located in the historic centre of Sambuca di Sicilia.

References:

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User Reviews

Dario Grasso (12 months ago)
In Sicily we have fantastic places from a naturalistic point of view and a lot of archaeological past that deserves more knowledge, protection and enhancement. Monte Adranone and is one of them.

federico floresta (13 months ago)
To be seen!

Galya Cherdak (14 months ago)
I put 1 star not for the archaeological site (we didn't get there) but for the street. The last piece of the road is steep and narrow without any protection with ravines on both sides. We lived a nightmare 10 minutes without knowing whether to continue or go back down. In the end we made the maneuver to return with our hearts in our mouths because we risked falling into one of the ravines. Never, never would I have imagined such a road. No warning at the start of the climb. We were with two small girls. It was a truly terrifying experience.

J&C Engrissei (20 months ago)
The last section of road is concrete, steep and narrow. On our trip there a tractor was coming down as we went up. Luckily there was enough room for us to get far enough to the right that the tractor, although far towards the steep hillside was able to get past. Be sure to get your admission tickets in Sambuca at the municipal office before you head up! They will want to show you their little museum when you purchase your tickets. Be ready to do some serious hill walking.

John Langford (2 years ago)
Do not be discouraged by tricky road access. Press on. A major Greek-Punic city barely touched by archaeologists. Location spectacular like a Sicilian Machu Pichu. Many finds still in situ. Any keen archaeologist will be in geek heaven interpreting what’s there. Warden friendly and has info sheets in English. Site and access looking a bit unloved. But it’s archaeology not a theme park. Walk all the way to top of mountain. Sandals OK, shoes better.

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