Via Francigena Normanna
2 minutes
The Norman Via Francigena is a 370-kilometer, 20-stage route that crosses northern Sicily, connecting Palermo to Messina through the Madonie, Nebrodi, and Peloritani mountain ranges. It is one of the main arteries of the Sicilian Magna Via Francigena, traveled since the Middle Ages by Norman knights and historical figures such as Roger II, Henry VI, and Charles V. Today, the route offers an extraordinary opportunity for slow tourism, inviting travelers to discover castles, hermitages, medieval villages, local traditions, and natural parks.
From Norman Palermo to the villages of the Madonie
The Norman Route begins in Palermo, part of the UNESCO circuit “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale,” and continues toward Bagheria, a city of art and cinema. The path then crosses Montemaggiore Belsito, Caltavuturo, and the Madonie Park, passing through villages such as Polizzi Generosa, Petralia Sottana, and Gangi listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy reaching as far as Nicosia, in the province of Enna. Amid mountain landscapes, Baroque churches, castles, and Byzantine fortresses, this journey leads through a secret and surprising Sicily. This first stretch tells the story of Norman heritage and the deep soul of Sicilian rural culture.
Through the Nebrodi and Peloritani: nature, faith, and timeless villages
From the heart of the Nebrodi Mountains, the path continues through Capizzi, Troina, Cesarò, and Randazzo, reaching Floresta and Montalbano Elicona both ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Along the way, travelers encounter unspoiled landscapes, nature reserves, and signs of Saint James’s passage. The route then passes through Novara di Sicilia, Castroreale, and Santa Lucia del Mela, hilltop towns preserving castles, palaces, and ancient churches. Rometta surprises with its necropolises and ghost villages. In Villafranca Tirrena, the Castle of Bauso marks the approach to Messina, the final stop a city of art, spirituality, and panoramic views over the Strait.
A historical path through spirituality, culture, and nature
The Norman Via Francigena is much more than a hiking route, it's an immersive cultural and spiritual experience. Its 20 stages allow for a safe journey, thanks to clear signage, expanding accommodations, and support services. Along the way, travelers encounter small towns that tell stories of pilgrims, saints, knights, and kings. From Norman architecture to popular devotion, from natural parks to local products, each stretch offers a genuine connection to the land. It's a new and meaningful way to discover Sicily on foot, step by step, between past and present.
