THE CAVE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE.
The Platani River, located between the towns of Ribera and Cattolica Eraclea, has always attracted those who love nature and also love to take long walks.
It is an interesting and engaging environment, and not only from a naturalistic point of view. In fact, there are those who claim that that place contains much more … For example, in reference to one of the caves located in the rock that looms over the river in height: the Grotta dei Briganti, but it would be more correct, to date that the brigands are no longer there, to call it the Grotta del Tesoro.
A lost treasure? Well that may be, but surely, if anyone got hold of it, according to legend, they did it in a rather questionable way. In fact, it is said that over time, the cave has been inhabited by several brigands, who in addition to finding refuge inside it, accumulated a great booty: a treasure obtained from various looting against the nobles of the cities. But there’s more: it would seem that a curse hangs over this treasure, following the disappearance of the brigands…
To take possession of it, it was in fact necessary to sacrifice another man. Otherwise, anyone who tried to take it would be the sacrificial victim himself. A cursed treasure, that the brigands wanted to protect him? Who wanted to ensure continuity for the “kind of delinquents” who are nothing else? It is probable, perhaps the thought that even a small part of that treasure had ended up in a good hand and would have served to right some wrong, just did not go down.
The truth is unknown to most, but there are those who believe that the soul of those old brigands still lingers among the currents of the River Platani …
The trekking tour on the Platani river is aimed at all lovers of nature, history, archeology, rural peace and photography. The itinerary winds along the river banks immersed in an environment rich in vegetation, where the Platani flows among the pines of the “Monte Cavallo” forest where it will be possible to stop in panoramic areas to admire the meandering path of the river from above.
Guests are welcomed and the departure begins from the naturalistic meeting place, an ancient rural farmhouse restored in respect of the peasant spirit, to reach the destination through a trekking tour on the Platani river.
The area is the story of a healthy and simple lifestyle, of the countryside and its people, of landscapes and naturalistic beauties to discover.
The Platani, cradle of the indigenous Sican civilization, navigable since the first human settlements, has represented since the appearance of man in Sicily an element of great importance in the process of spreading the human presence.
Its brackish waters, hence the name Halykos (salty), denote the presence of rock salt. We will continue south towards Monte Cavallo and among the spots of the rich flora that dominates the landscape, here we could visit the “Grotta del Freddo” from the outside.
The experience will end with a typical lunch full of 0 km delicacies.