Necropolis of Pantalica

The Necropolis of Pantalica is an extensive rock‑cut burial complex in southeastern Sicily composed of thousands of tombs hewn into steep gorges. The site is recognised for its concentration of funerary chambers and its setting along the Anapo and Calcinara rivers.

Hikers use marked trails that run along the gorges and past clustered cemeteries and small archaeological clearings; later-period ruins and small churches are also present within the valley. The necropolis is valued for its archaeological importance rather than for large built monuments.

The site dates mainly from the Late Bronze Age into the Early Iron Age (roughly the 13th to 7th centuries BCE) and was associated with settlement and burial practices in prehistoric Sicily. Over subsequent centuries the valley saw continued use and the addition of medieval and Byzantine period structures in places.

Pantalica lies in the Anapo valley near the town of Sortino in southeastern Sicily and is administered as an archaeological and protected area accessible from nearby road links and local centres.

• Tomb count and dates: The necropolis contains thousands of rock‑cut chamber tombs carved into the valley sides, dating principally to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
• Visitor access: Trails and viewpoints follow the Anapo valley and allow visitors to see tomb groups and later-period churches without entering private land.

What to See #

• Anapo Gorge: A steep river gorge in which the tombs are cut into the limestone cliffs and where most of the accessible necropolis areas are found.
• Rock‑cut tombs: Groups of rock‑cut chamber tombs carved into tufa and limestone on valley sides; the site includes both larger clustered cemeteries and scattered individual tombs.