A leap back in time just a few minutes from San Vito Lo Capo
A gap in the rock face and behind it the Dolomite peaks of Monte Cofano , the Mangiapane cave suddenly appears, 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 inside every year, this magnificent natural cavity, 70 metres high and 50 metres deep, is located next to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, a few minutes from Custonaci.
The Mangiapane family, from which the largest cave takes its name, built small dwellings there and lived there from 1819 to the early 1900s.
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The landscape surrounding 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, cave paintings, obsidian and worked flints are today 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 locations for various film and television productions, including the episode The Snack Thief of Inspector Montalbano 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. Thanks to the dedication of the small community, this project was recognized and included, in 2006, in the Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily . In this place, ancient crafts are revived, some now unknown, a true tuff in the past.
But the cave and the small houses can be visited all year round.
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 located in the center of the town.
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