Discover Sant’Angelo Cave in Sant’Angelo Muxaro, a magnificent Sicilian tholos tomb, unique in its history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Embark on a journey through mysteries and karst wonders!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

The entrance to Sant’Angelo Cave opens in the limestone rock with an imposing and raw appearance, framed by the hilly landscape typical of the Sicani Mountains.

Located in the heart of Sicily, in the small town of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, Sant’Angelo Cave is a site of extraordinary archaeological and natural importance. This place captivates with its millennia-old history, unique geological setting, and enchanting legends. Let’s explore why this cave deserves an in-depth visit.

Informational Panel: Sant’Angelo Cave.

Sant’Angelo Cave, also known as the “mausoleum of the prince of the anonymous Sicilian town of Muxaro“, is one of the most monumental tholos tombs in Sicily. Its structure consists of two interconnecting chambers:

• The First Chamber: Circular in shape, it measures 8.10 x 8.55 meters, with a height of 3.05 meters. It is surrounded by a bench carved into the rock, suggesting its use as a vestibule for periodic ceremonies.
• The Inner Chamber: Well-preserved, it measures 6.10 x 5.75 meters and features a central alcove with a domed ceiling. Here lies a funerary bed carved directly from the rock, measuring 1.10 x 2.25 meters, also in excellent condition.

Inscriptions on the left doorpost of the inner chamber, including a trident, a triangle topped by a cross, and zoomorphic figures, testify to the cave’s continued use in later periods. This blend of architecture, symbolism, and exceptional preservation makes Sant’Angelo Cave a unique gem among prehistoric tombs in Sicily.

The first, spacious circular chamber of Sant’Angelo Cave displays a rocky floor with deep crevices and a perimeter characterized by a bench carved into the stone.

Sant’Angelo Cave, situated in Sant’Angelo Muxaro, is a tholos tomb from the Sicilian era, dating from the 13th to the 6th century BCE-a time when Sicily was home to a complex network of indigenous communities. It was archaeologist Paolo Orsi, who conducted excavations in the area between 1931 and 1932, that described this structure as the “mausoleum of the prince of the anonymous Sicilian town of Muxaro,” hypothesizing that it was the tomb of a powerful local prince.

The tholos tomb of Sant’Angelo Cave is unique for its size and grandeur. While other similar tombs exist in eastern and south-central Sicily-such as those in Thapsos, Cozzo di Pantano, Dessueri, Ribera, and Milena-none compare to this one in terms of majesty and complexity.

Sant’Angelo Cave is wrapped in a legend that intertwines history and myth. According to local tradition, in ancient times, the cave was haunted by malevolent spirits that brought misfortune to anyone who approached. One day, a holy man named Angelo arrived from the sea and, invoking a divine earthquake, managed to drive out the spirits, transforming the cave into a place of peace and prayer. After freeing it, Sant’Angelo settled in the cave, using it as a hermitage for his spiritual retreat. This story has helped solidify the veneration of Sant’Angelo as the patron saint of the village, adding a mystical charm to the cave and its surroundings.

In 2000, the “Sant’Angelo Muxaro Cave” Integral Nature Reserve was established to protect the site’s valuable karst system and historical heritage. The reserve spans approximately 21 hectares and includes not only the cave but also an area rich in biodiversity.

Managed by Legambiente Sicilia, the reserve is dedicated to preserving the environmental balance and promoting educational and awareness activities.

The cave and hill of Sant’Angelo Muxaro consist of selenitic gypsum dating back to the Messinian period. This substrate has facilitated the development of unique karst phenomena, including sinkholes, swallow holes, blind valleys, and karren. The reserve also hosts other notable formations, such as Ciavuli Cave and the Infantino Swallow Hole, further enhancing the geological interest of the area.

The reserve is rich in biodiversity. The vegetation is typical of grasslands and rocky areas, with plants of the Sedum genus. The fauna includes amphibians, reptiles, and several species of bats, contributing to the ecological balance of the karst system.

Sant’Angelo Cave is open to visitors, but guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate its historical and natural significance. Experts from the reserve offer tours that delve into both the archaeological and geological aspects of the site. For information and bookings, contact Legambiente Sicilia or the local authorities in Sant’Angelo Muxaro.