A gash in the rock face and behind it the Dolomite peaks of Monte Cofano , suddenly appears the Mangiapane cave, the largest of the nine caves dating back to the Upper Paleolithic, which take the name of Scurati Caves.
Famous for hosting an evocative Living Nativity scene every year, this magnificent natural cavity, 70 meters high and 50 meters deep, is located next to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve just a few minutes from Custonaci .
The Mangiapane family, from whom the largest cave takes its name, built small homes there and lived there from 1819 to the early 1900s.
The landscape that surrounds them transmits tranquility, a Mediterranean vegetation of olive trees, carob trees and prickly pears protected the modest homes from the winter wind and sheltered them from the summer heat.
A true jewel brought back to life from the past, thanks to the studies of passionate archaeologists such as Guido Dalla Rosa, Raymond Vaufrey and Sebastiano Tusa.
Some findings: animal bones, rock paintings, obsidian and worked flints are today found in the Pepoli Museum in Trapani and in the Ethno-Anthropological Museum in Paris.
The Caves overlook the beautiful gulf of Cofano and are so full of charm and beauty that they have been chosen several times as a location for various film and television productions, including the episode Inspector Montalbano's Snack Thief and the RaiUno fiction Màkari
Since 1983, the most interesting religious event in Sicily has been held here during the Christmas period: the Living Nativity Scene of Custonaci. T hanks to the dedication of the small community, this project was recognized and included, in 2006, in the Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily . But the cave and the small houses can be visited all year round.
Ancient crafts, some now unknown, come back to life in this place, a true tuff in the past.
Custonaci is located just 20 minutes from San Vito Lo Capo. We recommend that you reach the cave by car and also visit the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna which is located in the center of the town.
The Monte Cofano Reserve , with its splendid Dolomite scenery overlooking the sea, is currently only partially accessible.
After visiting the Mangiapane cave you can enter the coastal path of the Reserve or you can enjoy the Cornino beach.
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