Fikutstsa - is one of the biggest nature reserves in the western part of Sicily in the hills south of Palermo, which is located on the territory of the former royal hunting lodge, which bears the same name.

The ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Ferdinand I in the years of their rule was twice forced to leave his palace in Naples and settle in Palermo for the first time during the Republican Revolution in the late 18th century, and then, a few years later, during the French occupation of much of southern Italy. Ferdinando loved the power, but it seems that he liked to hunt more.

The king commissioned the architect Giuseppe Venanzio Marvule design two royal residences in the neighborhood of Palermo, all of which had to be located in the territory of the hunting grounds .  One of these residences was the Chinese Palace, built in the style of a Chinese revival just outside Palermo .  But hunting lodge Fikutstse was built in a simpler, one might even say Spartan style, but with elements of classical baroque, typical of the English country estates of the period .  In the house were provided wine cellar and a secret exit which the king could be used, if necessary, leave their possessions unnoticed .  For the construction Fikutstsy was used local stone .  The British, who were kept on Sicily thousands of its military, of course, influenced the architectural design of the palace, at least in cultural terms .  British officers are extremely loved to hunt in lands Fikutstsy: their prey became wild boars, wolves, hares, rabbits, birds of prey and wild cats . 

Today, this huge protected area open to the public only in part (fortunately, access to the palace tour allowed). Here you can see the artificial lake, fed by the waters of the river Frattina, which is used for water supply of Palermo. Vast forests surround Rocca Bussambra - a ridge facing the reserve.

Now Fikutstsy area is in good hands, although recently its natural resources at serious risk from the destruction of natural ecosystems and deforestation. The palace itself was significantly damaged and looted by vandals. In addition to local looters have left their mark, and German troops to farm here in 1942 and left a Fikutstsu in a deplorable state. In recent years, attempts were made to restore the fauna flourish in the reserve in the 19th century, first of all - the population of wild boars, hares and birds of prey. Fortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful, and today Fikutstsa gradually regains its former diversity and natural beauty.