Monte Barraù Explained

Monte Barraù
Elevation M:1420
Map:Italy
Map Size:250
Location:Sicily, southern Italy
Range:Monti Sicani
Coordinates:37.75°N 32°W

Monte Barraù (also known as Monte Barracù) is a mountain in the Monti Sicani, in Sicily, southern Italy. It has an elevation of 1420m (4,660feet), giving it the fourth highest elevation in the Monti Sicani after Rocca Busambra, Monte Cammarata and Monte delle Rose.

Etymology

The mountain's name is derived from the Arabic ra’s e ĝabal bū ‘r-rahū, Latinized as Burrachu.

Description

Monte Barraù has a rather sloped relief, characterized by tertiary clay deposits and Mesozoic carbonates that present sometimes sub-vertical walls with significant rock outcrops and frequent collapses.

Environment

Monte Barraù is rich with spring waters and forests dominated by evergreen oak; secondary aspects are represented by shrublands and xerophilous grasslands.A recent archaeological research expedition led to the identification of twelve sites featuring pottery concentrations spanning from the Middle Copper Age and Bronze Age, the Classic period, and the Middle Ages to the Late Modern period. Also identified were four areas with dry-stone structures related to Late Modern Age pastoral activities.[1]

The relief is included in a Special Area of Conservation under directives Natura 2000 code ITA020037.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Harvesting memories project: ricognizioni archeologiche nelle contrade castro e giardinello e nell’area di Monte Barraù (Corleone, Palermo). 16 October 2016 .