La rocca di Cefalù
La rocca di Cefalù is the beautiful mountain in Cefalù. Evidence of human activity in Cefalù dates back to prehistoric times. In the 5th or 4th century BC, the sacred megalithic building known as the Temple of Diana was built over an existing Cistern associated with the worship of the waters.
After the fall of the roman Empire, the people moved up on the mountain because it gave them better protection from the pirates (first the Vandals, then the Saracens). During the Bysantine period (7th-8th century AD) fortification walls and several buildings were built (near Church of St Anna). In 857, however, Cefalù fell to the Saracens.
Temple of Diana
The Temple of Diana (5th-4th century BC).
Church of St. Anna
Chiesa di S Anna (9th-10th century AD).
Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily
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Cefalù certainly was a beautiful city even in the mid 1800's. Here a detail of a painting hanging in the Museo Mandralisca in Cefalù. It was painted by Francesco Tenuta Bevelacqua (1814-1858).
Goat family living on the south side of La Rocca di Cefalù.
La rocca di Cefalù seen from the cemetery.
Girls relaxing. La rocca di Cefalù in the background behind the pittoresque fishermen’s houses.
Cefalù with the Norman Cathedral seen from La rocca di Cefalù.
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La Rocca di Cefalù: The mountain forms a dramatic and spectacular backdrop to Cefalù.
Looking down on the Norman Cathedral from the top of the mountain called la rocca di Cefalù.
Seagull at the port of Cefalù (east of the city). In the background you see la Rocca.
Deserted building (no information available) on the south side of the mountain. Photo taken from Villa Caterina.
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The distance between Cefalù and some other cities in Sicily
Cefalù-Palermo 69 km
Cefalù-Siracusa 249 km
Cefalù-Agrigento 134 km
Cefalù-Noto 275 km
Cefalù-Taormina 207 km
Cefalù-Catania 199 km
Cefalù-Trapani 169 km
Cefalù-Corleone 104 km
