🇬🇧 Gino Bonfiglio naturalistic foot-cycle path

The Gino Bonfiglio naturalistic foot-cycle path is located in Leonforte. It is a approximately 2 km long path that runs through the untouched nature of the northwest slopes of the city. The trail can be explored on foot or by bike (MTB, Trekking, and Gravel). You can choose either of the two entrances, one located on Papa Paolo VI street and the other in the “Casino Capra” area at the intersection of Catenanuova street and Trapani street.

This enchanting trail, besides being immersed in nature, offers breathtaking views of the bucolic landscapes of lush valleys and the imposing mountains of the Erei range, with the majestic presence of Mount Altesina and its green nature reserve.

The trail can be traversed linearly from one of the entrances (2 km) or in a circular loop (3 km), continuing through an urban section (safely on the sidewalks of dei Cento Comuni d’Italia street, Don Bosco street, N. Buttafuoco street, and Papa Paolo VI street) that connects the two entrances.

The implementation of the trail was made possible thanks to the valuable collaboration of Dr. Dino Bonfiglio (the creator of the urban trekking trail “Le Vie del Principe”), who not only traced the new route but also, together with the “DB fitness club” association, of which he is the president, installed the vertical signage at the trail entrances.

The municipal administration, through Resolution No. 59 of May 22, 2023, established the trail and named it “Gino Bonfiglio naturalistic foot cycle path”.

Gino Bonfiglio was a “leonfortese” football player who passed away prematurely in 2007. The news described him as “the iron full-back,” an athlete who contributed greatly to the Leonfortese football team in the ’70s. He was admired for his determination and willingness to stop the opponent at all costs.

interactive map

The nature and landscape of the route

Immersed in a pristine environment just outside the urban perimeter of Leonforte, accessible in all seasons of the year, the Gino Bonfiglio Nature Trail is a little gem available to everyone, a precious opportunity for those who wish to walk, run, or cycle freely.

The track is practically a stone’s throw from the town center, so it can be traversed at any time, alone or in company, and it’s easy to encounter people who prefer open spaces.

The route allows you to extend your gaze over much of the districts falling within the territory of the Municipality of Leonforte, all projected to the West.

The extraordinary, boundless profile drawn against the backdrop of the sky begins with the recognizable heights of Enna and Calascibetta.

Following this, on the clearest days, the imposing profile of Monte Cammarata looms in the distance. At the center of the endless panorama rises the Monte Altesina Oriented Nature Reserve with its three peaks, namely Altesinella, Altesina, and della Campana.

Further north, beyond the district of Scavo and Monte la Guardia, from some points, one can even catch a glimpse of Monte Sambughetti, a peak belonging to the important mountain range of the Nebrodi.

Other nearby heights that are worth appreciating include Montagna di Mezzo, il Petrale, Monte Scala, la Pizzuta, Boscorotondo, and the small mountains with the ruins so rich in history of the castles Tavi and Guzzetta.

It is priceless to walk the trail during the early hours of the morning; the crowing of roosters from the farms, the passing of flocks, and, in particular, the chirping of birds make us appreciate to the fullest the perfect acoustic setup that Mother Nature has given us.

Acanthus

The flora, particularly rich and diverse, showcases its best throughout each of the seasonal cycles. The most widespread plant is the prolific, spectacular, majestic disa, or saracchio, a lush shrub found throughout the island, scientifically recognized as Ampelodesmos. But there are also colorful varieties of flowers, wild edible herbs, olive trees, almond trees, cypresses, and leafy oaks.

Not uncommonly, in the dampest and shadiest spots, natural aromatic plants release their fragrant scents, a true sensory delight for the olfactory senses.

Ampelodesmos

Visible on the steep slopes, which rise imposingly along the trail, are the holes drilled by the birds, many of which choose to nest there.

Dry stone walls, which still resist in large quantities clinging high along the trail, bear witness to the hard work of the people who over the centuries have tried to make even the steepest and most inaccessible surfaces productive in this place.

The photos and texts were curated by Filippo Stanzù with the collaboration of Angelo Gervasi (Head of the Cultural Service) at the suggestion of Dino Bonfiglio (creator of the route).

Below are additional photos and (with a link to the encyclopedic description) of some specimens of herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs typical of Mediterranean vegetation.