Hyblaean Mountains

Hyblaean Mountains
Location of Monti Iblei.
Highest point
Elevation	986 m (3,235 ft)
Coordinates	37°06′58″N 14°49′13″E / 37.11611°N 14.82028°E / 37.11611; 14.82028Coordinates: 37°06′58″N 14°49′13″E / 37.11611°N 14.82028°E / 37.11611; 14.82028
Geography
Hyblaean Mountains Italy
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

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

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

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

Main attractions of the area include the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Palazzolo Acreide, the Necropolis of Pantalica and Cava Ispica.

Peaks

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

Panorama of the Hyblaean Mountains.

The range is drained by several rivers, which flow into either the Mediterranean sea or the Ionian sea.

References