If there is a place in Cefalù that, more than all, is able to put together lovers of history, culture, nature and landscape, this is undoubtedly the Rocca di Cefalù. The spectacular Rocca, 268 meters high, which stands behind the city, is in fact a must-see for anyone who chooses to visit Cefalù and immerse themselves in the places where everything originated.
According to some historians, it is this place that gave the name to the city, which was formerly called Kephaloidion. The term in fact comes from kefalis (which means head in Greek) and refers to both the shape of the cliff and its position.
Through a path uphill surrounded by greenery, fenced half-way by high crenellated walls dating back to the medieval period, you can reach the highest point of the Rocca di Cefalù from which to admire the whole city, with a breathtaking view that stretches from Palermo to Capo D’Orlando.
The limestone rock, which is lined with cracks and caves accessible to the public, is a natural habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, mainly local. In the middle of the Mediterranean vegetation, conifers and eucalyptus stand out, while gulls, birds of prey and other birds populate the Rock along with small rodents, hedgehogs and endemic insects.
The Rocca di Cefalù and the greek mith of Daphnis
Not only landscapes and nature, it is also the history that hides behind the Rocca di Cefalù to conquer the hearts of the most romantic. His training, in fact, is linked to the Greek myth of Daphnis, a shepherd demigod considered the inventor of bucolic singing.
According to legend the beautiful Daphnis, at whose feet all the maidens fell, fell in love with the nymph Echemeide, daughter of Juno, so he married her swearing allegiance. The promise was broken when Queen Clifene lost her head for Daphni and, during a party, stunned him with a powerful aphrodisiac, leading him to commit treason.
Blinded by anger, Echemeide’s mother punished him by making him blind and sending him to despair. After wandering through the Sicilian countryside singing sad songs, Daphnis decided to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff. Moved by piety, his father Hermes transformed him into the spectacular cliff, so that his soul would remain forever alive embedded in the rock.
The lead through the Rocca di Cefalù: how to reach it, prices and timetable
The access to the route of the Rocca di Cefalù is located on the west side of the cliff and as you continue towards the top you can admire architectural remains that testify to the first human settlements, including the Temple of Diana (dating back to the 9th century BC) halfway and the Castle of Cefalù (about the 13th century) on top of the cliff, which stand out against the sky as relics of ancient times.
The summit is reached in about two hours of walking, starting from Corso Ruggero which is the heart of the Norman town. From here you just need to take the narrow Via Saraceni to reach the pedestrian path of access to the Rocca. The ticket office is a little higher up.
Most of the route on the Rocca di Cefalù is exposed to the sun, so it is not recommended to travel in the middle of the summer days. On the contrary, it is better to give preference to the spring or autumn months, when the colors of nature and the right light will be able to make a difference in the landscape show that opens before your eyes.
The ticket to climb the Rocca di Cefalù is 5 euros, but there are reduced formulas: 2.50 euros for children from 6 to 14 years, for adults over 65 and for teachers.
The route to the Rocca di Cefalù is accessible all year round every day: the times can vary between summer and winter.
In the summer season (from standard time)
from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
last entry at 5:30 p.m.
In the winter season (from daylight time)
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
last entry at 3 p.m.