Hyblaean Mountains
| Hyblaean Mountains | |
|---|---|
Location of Monti Iblei.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 986 m (3,235 ft) |
| Coordinates | 37°06′58″N 14°49′13″E / 37.11611°N 14.82028°ECoordinates: 37°06′58″N 14°49′13″E / 37.11611°N 14.82028°E |
| Geography | |
| Location | Province of Ragusa, Province of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | mountain walk from the road at Buscemi |
The Hyblaean Mountains (Italian: Monti Iblei)[1] is a mountain range in south-eastern Sicily, Italy. It straddles the provinces of Ragusa, Syracuse and Catania. The highest peak of the range is Monte Lauro, at 986 m.
History[edit]
The name derives from the Siculi king Hyblon, who gave a portion of his territory to Greek colonists to build the town of Megara Hyblaea.
Geology[edit]
The range is composed of white limestone rocks, characterized by Karst topography. Originally a plateau, rivers have eroded the landscape, forming numerous deep canyons. In the coastal area sandstone is also present. In some areas, such as that of Monte Lauro (once part of a submerged volcanic complex), volcanic rocks are also present.
Landscape[edit]
The Hyblaean Mountains are characterized by gentle slopes, interrupted by sharp valleys. In the central area are numerous woods which are intermingled with dry stone walls of typical of south-eastern Sicily. The more populated coastal area is characterised by terraced hills with Mediterranean vegetation, rising up to a plateau cultivated by olive trees, vines, citrus fruit and almonds. Other crops include grain and maize.
Main sights[edit]
Main attractions of the area include the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Palazzolo Acreide, the Necropolis of Pantalica and Cava Ispica.
Peaks[edit]
The main peaks of the Monti Iblei are:
- Monte Lauro 986m
- Monte Casale 910m
- Monte Arcibessi 907m
- Serra Brugio 870m
- Monte Raci 610m
- Monte Racello 530m
- Monti Climiti 410m
Rivers[edit]
The range is drained by several rivers, which flow into either the Mediterranean sea or the Ionian sea.
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References[edit]
- ^ ITALY'S VOLCANOES: THE CRADLE OF VOLCANOLOGY - Monti Iblei , Sicily, Italy
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=15&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=136&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=377&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=5&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=379&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=1413&pagina=0
- ^ http://www.fiumi.com/acque/index.php?id_g=380&pagina=0
- Grandi Montagne - Sicilia. 2007.