Rocca Busambra

1,613 m

Italy

Also known as Рокка-Бузамбра

Рокка-Бузамбра

Elevation: 1,613 m
Prominence: 1,051 m
Difficulty: 3/10; Mountain hike
Best Season: Apr–May
Routes: 0

Overview

The highest summit of western Sicily (1,613 m), a long, isolated limestone ridge rising in sheer walls above the oak woods of the Bosco della Ficuzza south of Palermo. A short but rough, unmarked climb with views from Etna to the Zingaro coast.

Rocca Busambra is a flat-topped limestone ridge about ten kilometres long, running east–west between the territories of Godrano, Monreale and Corleone in the Metropolitan City of Palermo. Its north side drops in vertical cliffs above the oak woods of the Bosco della Ficuzza; the south side is very steep but without overhangs. It is the culmination of the Monti Sicani and of western Sicily, and with about 1,050 m of prominence it is visible across much of the island's interior.

The mountain and forest are protected as the Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco della Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco del Cappelliere e Gorgo del Drago. At its foot stands the village of Ficuzza with the Bourbon royal hunting lodge (Real Casina di Caccia).

Despite its modest height the climb feels more alpine than most walks near Palermo. Paths fade high up, the ridge is stony and trackless, and the last section is steep scree and rock steps. On clear days the summit view takes in the Sicani, the Madonie, Etna, the Zingaro coast to the west and the Agrigento coast to the south.

Climbing Notes

The shortest route from Alpe Cucco on the east side needs about 550–600 m of ascent and roughly 4 hours return, but it is unmarked and graded E/EE: expect trackless stony ground, a few easy hands-on steps and a steep final slope of scree and small stones. Sure-footedness, ankle-supporting boots and good visibility are essential; carry a GPS track. Longer loops from Ficuzza via the Ciacca della Bifarera or Rocca Ramosa (EE, 900–1,000 m, 6–7 hours) are popular with local clubs.

The best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer is hot, with little shade and no water high up, so start early. In winter the ridge can carry substantial snow and the lower paths become very muddy. The summit is almost always windy. Local clubs (CAI Palermo, Club Alpino Siciliano) and guides run regular outings.

History

The Busambra has a dark place in the history of the Mafia around Corleone: the remains of the trade unionist Placido Rizzotto, abducted and killed by the Mafia on 10 March 1948, were discovered on a Rocca Busambra cliff on 7 July 2009.

Season

Best Apr–May

January: Possible
February: Possible
March: Good
April: Best (best window)
May: Best (best window)
June: Good
July: Possible
August: Possible
September: Good
October: Best
November: Good
December: Possible

Jan: Snow possible on the ridge; muddy paths
Feb: Snow possible on the ridge; muddy paths
Mar: Popular month for club outings; cold wind on top
Jun: Getting hot; start early
Jul: Hot and exposed; little shade, no water
Aug: Hot and exposed; fire risk in the reserve
Dec: Short days; snow possible

Access & Permits

Rules

Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco della Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco del Cappelliere e Gorgo del Drago: follow the reserve rules (no fires, no camping outside authorised areas, do not disturb wildlife)

Getting There

Ficuzza (Corleone); Godrano

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO)

Car: from Palermo to Ficuzza, then about 4 km of dirt road (rough for low cars) to the Alpe Cucco agriturismo
The longer loops start in Ficuzza village (683 m)

Hazards

Exposure
Weather
Rockfall