Trees and plants are guardians of traditions and symbols of life, which have now become milestones of the ancient route passing through Sicily.
Trees are essential living beings, universal symbols of life, of individual and collective memory that is able to seal the bond between nature and men. In every sphere and time, trees have been metaphorically representing the milestone of traditions, religions and culture (from the garden of Eden described in the biblical Genesis to Newton’s apple tree and its legendary role in the discovery of law of gravity). And then there are trees that treasure memories and trees that have become a “signage”. For this reason – and for many other good reasons – they should be saved, protected and adopted.
Such task was taken on by the hikers of the “Antica Trasversale Sicula” the international route passing through Sicily, which was brought to light in 2017 and in the running to become a UNESCO world heritage site. A reticle of trazzere (ancient paths) dating back to the Greek period, which used to connect Kamarina to the main Greek, indigenous and Punic cities situated in Eastern and Western Sicily. During the second International Walk (ended on November 16th) featuring 44 days and 650 km, pilgrims left a mark of their passing by along the path. In fact, they planted dwarf palms, holly oaks, oaks, pomegranates and other native plants.
Thanks to the contribution of Moak, signs have been placed in front of the adopted trees. Besides recalling their vital significance, over time those signs will accompany the growth of the path with their sap.
“A unique experience – explains Peppe De Caro (top right on the picture), researcher and promoter of the project – achieved thanks to the contribution of Caffè Moak. The company wanted to share our message: remember that a tree is life, hope, strength and breath of life towards the future. Therefore, we as pilgrims experience the sacredness of nature day by day, under a tree, under which we can rest or protect ourselves from the rain.” In any wind and weather, the Trasversale hikers go on with their project to reveal the unknown beauties of Sicily. Some kind of experimental tourism, which is able to create a link between environmental-naturalistic heritage and historical-archaeological heritage. If you love all this, get more info here.
About the story and the path
The ancient “Antica Trasversale Sicula” route was found by archaeologists Biagio Pace and Giovanni Uggeri. The route was studied and traced between 2016 and 2017 by a group of archaeologists and hiking enthusiasts who have travelled through the entire path again, in order to map and geo-reference it, pinpointing the main points of interest for tourists. It may be one of the few routes worldwide that connects such a high number of sites boasting inestimable value: Camarina, Pantalica, Akrai, Palikè, Morgantina, Lake Pergusa and the Fortress of Ceres, Entella, Hippana, Mokarta, Segesta and Mozia. Furthermore, the Trasversale revealed the pioneers, who travelled through the route again, its complex landscapes and manifold dialects, languages and cultural as well as productive traditions. The latter were magnificently expressed in the variety and quality of products and local cuisine.
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