The Territory
Alcantara river is one of the most important rivers in Sicily. It originates in the Nebrodi Mountains near Floresta, at an alitude of 1250 metres above sea level, and it runs for 50 kilometres before flowing into Capo Schisò.
In the past the river was given many different names by each people that settled along the river valley.
The ancient Greeks called it
Assinos, Pliny named it
Asines, Appiano Alessandrino spoke about
Onobalas, the Muslims gave it the name of
Al Quantarah or
Cantara, meaning "bridge" in Arabic, and Frederick III of Sicily called it
Flumen Cantaris.
The towns situated within Alcantara River Park's area preserve an important historical and artistic heritage that is worth visiting to better know the origins of the Valley.