Sikaniyskie mountain - a mountain range in central and southern Sicily, stretching between Palermo and Agrigento. The same name - Monti Sikani - has several settlements located in the territory.

Sikaniyskie mountains are made of clay and sandstone, which for many hundreds of years used as pastures and directly mountainous areas, towering 900 meters above sea level, are the limestone rocks that were formed in the Mesozoic era. The highest peaks of Sican - Bussambra Rocca (1613 meters) and Monte Cammarata (over 1,500 meters).

Someone might say that some of the mountains and the mountain ranges of Sicily is much more picturesque than the others. For example, Mount Etna - the highest peak of the island, and the largest active volcano in Europe. You may recall acute and forested peaks of the Nebrodi, jagged peaks of Madonna and Peloritanskie Mountains, which stretch from Messina to Catania, between Etna and the Ionian Sea. Sikaniyskie the mountains, along with Ibleyskimi usually stay away from the attention of tourists. However, these mythical peaks deserve closer examination - according to ancient tradition, it is here unfolded legend of Icarus and Daedalus.

Restricted Fikutstsey in the north, in the east of Caltanissetta, in the west of Salemi and Agrigento in the south, the mountains Sikaniyskie closely linked to the ancient people sikanov, the first inhabitants of Sicily. Once on the island were the Phoenicians and the Greeks, Sica already inhabit this small territory in its southern part.

The highest peaks of Sican, as mentioned above, - Rocca Bussambra and Monte Cammarata. The latter seems to be slightly higher because of the surrounding valleys. Both peaks until the end of February may be snow. The territory of the mountain range runs several water streams, the most famous of which is the Platani - the ancient Greeks called it Gallikos. In those days it was navigable and not dried out, even in the hottest summer months.

Except for the slopes of the highest peaks and a few protected areas can not be called Sica woodland, although in the era of ancient Greece are vast forests grow. The process of deforestation took a record short time, perhaps only a few dozen years. In the 19th century it was one of the main areas for the extraction of sulfur in Sicily. The miners drilled limestone rock to extract the precious metal, and in some places this has led to the complete destruction of the landscape and the destruction of natural ecosystems.

Most Sikaniyskih Mountains have long been cultivated by man for agricultural purposes. When the Romans called the granary of Sicily his expanding empire, they talked primarily about territory Sican. The first permanent city was founded here during the rule of the Arabs: from the ports of Agrigento and Sciacca is easy to get to Tunisia, the outlines of which can be seen in good weather from the highest coastal hills. In the 13th century the territory Sikaniyskih mountains began to spread feudalism, mercilessly exploited local people. Industry mining sulfur mines which slave labor conditions on very young boys - the clearest manifestation of this process.

It is widely believed that the famous Mafia first appeared in this part of Sicily, but not in response to feudal oppression, but because the rich landowners who lived on their estates, entrusted the management of their vast possessions hated "gabelloti" cruel and corrupt overseers, prone to theft and murder. Until 1812 land Sikanah buyers could get the honorary title - so many gabelloti steel barons in just two decades. Nowhere else these upstarts are not despised as much as in Sikanah.

Between 1890 and 1925 overcrowded cities Sikaniyskih Mountains have become the main "supplier" of immigrants. Today, the province of Agrigento and Caltanissetta are considered to be the poorest in Italy. And yet, this region has a special charm and maintains its traditions.