Pistachio, considered the “green gold” of Sicily, is one of the noblest ingredients of the island’s traditional cuisine, particularly as regards desserts. It is the undisputed capital Bronte: this is where the variety recognized with DOP certificate and Slow Food Presidium is grown, and which is famous throughout the world. The town, resting at the foot of Etna, offers a scenic view of the volcano, and various hiking opportunities: there is a lot to see and do in this location, including the historic churches, Nelson Castle and nature trails. Pistachios certainly give you the appetite you need to leave, and who are we to say no?
Motorcycle itinerary for Bronte at the foot of Etna
Map
Path
The itinerary for Bronte at the foot of Etna allows us to take a complete tour of the volcano: reach Catania through the A18 Messina Catania (alternatively there is the coastal road SS114). Exit the highway at the exit Misterbianco and take the SS121 state road to Paternal. Continue straight on the SS284 which goes directly up to Bronte. After the visit, continue forward and turn right onto the Strada Provinciale Etna Settentrionale O Quota Mille, which crosses the Etna Park up to Linguaglossa. The SS120 state road then leads back to the A18 motorway at the toll booth Fiumefreddo.
Bronte, not just pistachio: all the attractions not to be missed
Nelson Castle in Bronte.
Located in the territory of the metropolitan city of Catania, on the border of the province of Enna, Bronte is located at 760 m above sea level, an altitude which makes snowfalls possible in some winters. It’s part of the Etna park he was born in Nebrodi parkon the western slopes of the volcano.
Nelson Castle in Bronte
One of the symbolic buildings of Bronte is the so-called Nelson Castle, also known as the Abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace, or the Duchy of Nelson. It is located in Viale Santa Maria di Maniace. The construction dates back to the 12th century, in honor of Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine commander. Why is it named after “Nelson”? Because in 1799 King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies donated the abbey and its lands to the English admiral Horatio Nelson, as thanks for having saved the kingdom during the repression of the Neapolitan Republic. Today it is a museum open to the public (entrance €5).
The Railway Museum
Bronte has a train station through which the Circumetnea railway. Since 2016, in the locomotive depot, there is a small museum with locomotives and trains which recalls the history of this railway, witness to a piece of history of the Etna area. To visit, you need to ask the station master for availability.
The Bronte station of the Circumetnea railway.
Towards Etna: hiking at the foot of the volcano
Bronte offers various hiking opportunities. Starting from Viale JF Kennedy you can go up to Piano dei Grilli refuge (1167 m above sea level) on the plateau of the same name that rises above the town, which in turn is the starting point for the various hiking trails that branch out around Etna.
Where to find the “green gold” of Bronte
Finally, we cannot leave the town of Etna without having tasted its typical delights. Where to eat Bronte pistachios? There are several restaurants where you can find pistachio-based specialties (including Pepe Rosa in Corso Umberto 226, Protosteria in Via de Luca Professor Placido 22, Gennarino’s Bistrò in Corso Umberto 229/231). You cannot miss the pastry shops with exquisite desserts (including Dolci Delizie in Via Saitta 12, L’Angolo dei Sapori in Via Duca degli Abruzzi, Caffé Galaxy in Via Duca d’Aosta 28). And after tasting the best pistachio in the world, then yes, the visit is complete and you can continue with a new itinerary in Sicily!
Pistachio di Bronte DOP, the “green gold” of Sicily.
