Elevation 1,200 m | ||
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Argimusco il mistero delle pietre
The Argimusco is a high plateau situated just North of Mount Etna in Sicily, between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. It lies within the boundaries of the communes of Montalbano Elicona, Tripi (which is built on the site of the ancient Abacaenum) and Roccella Valdemone. From the site it's possible to admire the wonderful panorama of the volcano Etna, the Aeolian Islands, the curious mountains Rocca Salvatesta and Montagna di Vernà, cape Tindari, cape Calavà and cape Milazzo.
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Numerous megaliths, which local tradition attributes to a prehistoric population, are found in this area, as are ancient menhirs and almost unrecognisable dolmens. It is generally considered that these are, in fact, completely natural, being produced by wind erosion.
Amongst the most noteworthy megaliths, around Portella Cerasa, stand two majestic, solemn and rather menacing large elongated boulders, which recall the symbols of virility and femininity, whilst another megalith, not far way, has the appearance of an eagle and is incised with a symbol of the Sun that was worshiped as a god. Further west, at Portella Zilla, a rustic building enclosed the remains of a dolmen with a huge boulder in front, which may be the remains of a fallen menhir.
No signs of prehistoric man’s presence, such as pottery, tools or bones, are found around the presumed monuments.
Argimusco the mirror of the stars
