Hyblaean Mountains

The Hyblaean Mountains (Italian: Monti Iblei)[1] is a mountain range in south-eastern Sicily, Italy. It straddles the provinces of Ragusa, Syracuse and Catania. The highest peak of the range is Monte Lauro, at 986 m.

Hyblaean Mountains
Location of Monti Iblei.
Highest point
Elevation986 m (3,235 ft)
Listing
Coordinates37°06′58″N 14°49′13″E 
Geography
Hyblaean Mountains
Italy
LocationProvince of Ragusa, Province of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Climbing
Easiest routemountain walk from the road at Buscemi

History

The name derives from the Siculi king Hyblon, who gave a portion of his territory to Greek colonists to build the town of Megara Hyblaea.

Geology

The range is composed of white limestone rocks, characterized by Karst topography. Originally a plateau, rivers have eroded the landscape, forming numerous deep canyons. In the coastal area sandstone is also present. In some areas, such as that of Monte Lauro (once part of a submerged volcanic complex), volcanic rocks are also present. The hyblaean area is characterized by a high seismic risk.[2]

Landscape

The Hyblaean Mountains are characterized by gentle slopes, interrupted by sharp valleys. In the central area are numerous woods which are intermingled with dry stone walls of typical of south-eastern Sicily. The more populated coastal area is characterised by terraced hills with Mediterranean vegetation, rising up to a plateau cultivated by olive trees, vines, citrus fruit and almonds. Other crops include grain and maize.

Hyblaean Mountains host the archaeological remains of the medieval castles of Ferla, Buscemi and Cassaro. Their discovery is relatively recent and mainly due to the archaeological campaign held in the area from 2011 to 2013.[2]

Main sights

Main attractions of the area include the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Palazzolo Acreide, the Necropolis of Pantalica and Cava Ispica.

Peaks

The main peaks of the Monti Iblei are:

Rivers
Panorama of the Hyblaean Mountains.

The range is drained by several rivers, which flow into either the Mediterranean Sea or the Ionian sea.

 
River Length Province
Anapo[3] 59 km Syracuse
Irminio[4] 55 km Ragusa
Dirillo 54 km Ragusa - Catania
Helorus (river)[5] 45 km Ragusa - Syracuse
Cassibile (river)[6] 30 km Syracuse
  
River Length Province
Ippari[7] 28 km Ragusa
Asinaro 22 km Syracuse
Modica (stream)[8] 22 km Ragusa
Tellesimo (stream)[9] 14 km Ragusa - Syracuse
Ciane 08 km Syracuse

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-07-23.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Santino Alessandro Cugno (2015). "Esperienze di archeologia pubblica nella Sicilia sud-orientale. Il progetto Lungo le tracce di Paolo Orsi per lo studio e la valorizzazione dei castelli medievali dell'altopiano ibleo (SR)" [Public archaeology experiences in south-eastern Sicily. The project “Lungo le tracce di Paolo Orsi” (On Paolo Orsi’s trail), for the study and enhancement of medieval castles in the hyblean area (SR)] (PDF). Il Capitale Culturale: Studies on the Value of Cultural Heritage (in Italian) (11): 251–274. doi:10.13138/2039-2362/1026. ISSN 2039-2362. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016 – via [https://archive.is/wip/PzZns DOAJ.
  3. "Fiume Anapo". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  4. "Fiume Irminio". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  5. "Fiume Tellaro". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  6. "Fiume Cassibile Cava Grande". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  7. "Fiume Ippari". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  8. "Torrente Modica". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  9. "Torrente Tellesimo". Fiumi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.

Bibliography
  • Grandi Montagne - Sicilia. 2007.
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