Time to head for the hills!
Leaving the coast at Cefalu, we pass Relais Santa Anastasia on the way to Castelbuono. Centred around a small 11th century abbey, this once private estate is now a country hotel amid their large estate of vines.
The Abbey
Castelbuono is one of the towns of the Madonie Mountains. It was once an important county capital and there are many medieval churches and residences along the main street.
The old water fountain
The shop signs are an interesting contrast.
Fiasconaro are famous as makers of panettones.
Don’t miss their tasting table of fabulously light panettones and jams, marmalades and pastes. Try the pistachio creme with the panettone. Delicious.
Piazza Margherita is the main square, overlooked by the 14th century Matrice Vecchia with it’s Renaissance portico and two doorways, one in Gothic style.
All roads lead to the piazza.
Busy Piazza Margherita.
Men gather in large groups ouside their specific circolo(club) headquarters
The Catholic men’s group.
Friends of the Carabinieri
When the men of the Circola Amici della Musica, the local musical group, started playing we were invited to listen.
Dinner is at the well known Nangalarruni Restaurant.
The area is well know for the Basilischi mushrooms which are very similar to large oyster mushrooms
A selection of meats and cheeses from the area and a salad of the basilischi mushrooms
Ricotta and mushroom mousse
Homemade pasta with ragu of black pig, forest mushrooms and artichokes
Eat
Nangalarruni Restaurant
Via delle Confraternite,10
Castelbuono
Tel: +39 0925 671228
http://www.hostarianangalarunni.it
Nangalarruni Restaurant
Stay
Relais Santa Anastasia
Contrada Santa Anastasia
90013. Castelbuono
Tel: +39 0921 672233
http://www.santa-anastasia-relais.it
Relais Santa Anastasia
A Taste of Travel 