The best MTB trails around Lago Comunelli

The idea of placing a large Cross in Montelungo was born about seven years ago (first procession 30 July 1998) from a group of young people who rediscovered the hill east of Gela as a simple, quiet place, suitable for contemplation and prayer. Thus began the first organized Via Crucis, starting from the Parish of San Giovanni Evangelista in Gela, the Pro Croce Committee was born in Montelungo, while waiting for the project to be realized. Every year on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Mass is celebrated with the participation of the people. On January 19, 2001, the "Holy Cross of Jerusalem" was brought from Rome. From there the Franciscan Father, raising the Cross, blessed the city, the sea and all the surrounding territory. The project was created by the architect. Roberto Loggia and, for the structural calculations, the engineer collaborated. Salvatore Catania. The appropriate authorizations were obtained from the competent authorities and the first stone was laid on Friday 24 April 2001. The three structural walls (about 4 meters high) were built in 2003. Waiting to complete the work with the large metal Cross (approximately 12.50 meters high). A large "sign", the Cross, visible from the whole city and permanently illuminated, will be placed on the top of the mountain which, in its extreme formal purity and absolute respect for the environment, will be able to communicate the spiritual meaning of the Jubilee experienced: it will be the Cross of the Third Millennium! Source: http://www.corrieredigela.it/

Difficult crossing by bike...

It is located in the square where the castle is, climbing the steps offers a beautiful view

Small hamlet rich in history with a characteristic church and a small Arab-Norman castle. Worth a visit!

Welcome to the church of Sant'Agostino in Gela! This fascinating religious building has a rich and fascinating history to tell. The church of Sant'Agostino was built in the 13th century by Augustinian monks, during the Angevin period in Sicily. Its architecture features a Sicilian-Gothic style, with pointed arches, slender columns and sculpted details that blend harmoniously. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several transformations. During the 16th century, under Spanish rule, Renaissance and Baroque elements were added, which enriched the building's appearance. During the 19th century, neoclassical influences were brought in, giving a touch of elegance to the facade and interior. However, the history of St. Augustine's church has not been without its challenges. During the earthquake of 1693, the church suffered serious structural damage. But thanks to major renovations, it has been rebuilt and made even stronger than before. Today, you can admire the majesty of this church and its artistic heritage. Inside, you will find paintings, sculptures and frescoes from various historical periods, which bear witness to the art and spirituality of Gela. The church of Sant'Agostino di Gela is a place of peace and reflection, where you can immerse yourself in the history and cultural heritage of the city. We invite you to visit it slowly, letting yourself be fascinated by the architectural details and works of art that tell of the devotion and faith of the faithful over the centuries.

Built with a single nave in Gela in 1439 together with the adjoining convent and with the neo-classical facade built in 1783, the church preserves various paintings and statues from the 17th century and a splendid marble stoup from 1541 attributed to Antonio Gagini; also noteworthy is the Chapel of the Mugnos, an ancient and noble Terranovese family, from 1613 all in travertine carving with twisted columns and broken pediment. The church of Sant'Agostino is dedicated to the cult of San Giuseppe, whose feast day falls on the 19th of March. Source: comune.gela.cl.it

Also known as the Church of the Holy Father, this religious building, together with the adjoining "Regina Margherita" orphanage, formerly a convent, was built in Gela with a single nave and bell tower in 1738 by the PP. Minims of St. Francis of Paola. The facade of the church is characterized by an elegant portal in the late Baroque style dominated by the coat of arms of the religious order of the saint. Inside there are several statues and some eighteenth-century paintings. Adjacent and communicating with the church is the Regina Margherita di Gela Orphanage, an eighteenth-century building with a large internal courtyard, originally a convent of the Minim Fathers, which in addition to having permanently hosted orphan girls, was also the seat of the nursery and various schools . Source: comune.gela.cl.it

The history of the Manfria Tower dates back to the 16th century, during the period of Spanish domination on the island. It was built as part of a coastal defense system to protect the area from pirate raids and to control shipping traffic along the coast. The tower was part of a series of watchtowers that stretched along the Sicilian coast. Its strategic position on the coast, with a panoramic view of the entire surrounding coast, made it possible to quickly identify any approaching enemy ships or pirates. In case of danger, fires were lit on top of the tower to warn the inhabitants of the surrounding areas of imminent danger. The Tower of Manfria has undergone several modifications over the centuries. It was initially a square shaped structure with a massive base and thick defensive walls. Over time, renovations and expansions were carried out, adding upper floors and a domed roof. After the era of pirate invasions, the Tower of Manfria lost its defensive function and was used for different purposes. It has been used as a home for several families over the centuries, until it became an abandoned and ruined building during the 20th century. In recent years, however, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the Manfria Tower. Today, the tower is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the region. From the top of the tower, you can admire a splendid panorama of the Sicilian coast and the Mediterranean Sea. The Manfria Tower has also become a symbol of identity for the local community, which has recognized the historical and cultural value of the building. Cultural events and exhibitions have been organized inside the tower to promote its importance and raise public awareness of the historical legacy of the region. In summary, the story of the Torre di Manfria is a tale of coastal defence, of changes over the centuries and of efforts to preserve and enhance the historical heritage of the region. The tower continues to dominate the Sicilian coast, offering a fascinating snapshot of the region's history and natural beauty.