Big Benches
#399 San Cataldo
Italy - Sicily - Caltanissetta
In the heart of Sicily, amidst nature and evocative landscapes, lies one of the most curious and Instagrammable installations in Sicily: the big bench of San Cataldo.
Part of the Big Bench project, this colourful, outsized bench offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sicilian landscape.
570 m
Easy Difficult
In this article we tell you where the giant bench in San Cataldo is, how to get there, what to expect once you arrive and what to see in the surrounding area. A perfect idea for a trip out of town, a relaxing break or a very special souvenir photo.
How to get there
Let’s start right away by telling you that by setting your navigator and putting in the directions to the Big Bench in San Cataldo, it is very likely that the best route indicated will actually turn out to be a rather winding road to take by car.
Set your navigator to follow the route we suggest at THIS link.
Unfortunately, we have found that by setting the Giant Bench as a direct destination, the navigator proposes a route that is not practicable with a car.
Park your car along the road adjacent to the entrance. There are not many parking spaces, but we are confident that with a little luck you will have no problems.
The route
After passing through the entrance gate, a short dirt track starts, also suitable for families with children, which leads directly to the bench in about 10-15 minutes on foot.
The path is well signposted, with signs along the way. The Via dei Frati also passes through here.
The road is mostly flat with very short inclines.
The final stretch is slightly uphill but easily covered with comfortable shoes.
The panorama that opens up once you arrive amply repays the short walk: from the bench you can enjoy a 360° view of the hills and agricultural landscapes typical of the Sicilian hinterland.
Curiosity
The bench is located inside Gabara Park.
An area that has been re-evaluated, but which used to be home to the sulphur mines. Another point in favour of this bench is the presence of numerous signs and points of interest dedicated to the sulphur mines whose remains are still visible.
Even today, you can still see ruins and old mine mouths. Walking in the Gabara Park also means walking through these places of memory, where nature has regained spaces that were once filled with toil and noise.
Taking a walk along these paths is a way to immerse oneself in Sicily’s past.
Tips
Visit the bench during sunset hours to enjoy the spectacular colours and take breathtaking photos.
Bring water, a hat and maybe a snack for a little scenic stop.
Conclusion
We conclude by telling you about the emotions this place gives you.
Maybe it is because we are attached to this land, but the giant bench in San Cataldo gives a sense of peace and well-being that few other places can give.
It is a destination that we define as magical because, depending on the season, the panorama that unfolds before our eyes takes on the colours of green or yellow-gold that uniquely characterises the land of Sicily during the summer season.
Now all you have to do is plan your visit to this bench and experience the emotions we have described a few lines above.
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