
Convento della Croce
Ancient Franciscan convent atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Scicli and a glimpse into history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views

Convento della Croce
Best Time
Golden hour views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Franciscan convent atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Scicli and a glimpse into history.
"Brilliant hill top former convent and church overlooking Scicli. The view is amazing from up here and well worth the climb. "

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up and exploring the site requires good footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Google Maps can be unreliable; follow road SP40 or use footpaths. :world_map:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Scicli Views
Hilltop
Breathtaking vistas of Scicli and the surrounding landscape, especially stunning at sunset.

Ancient Convent Ruins
Convent Complex
Explore the historic remains of this ancient Franciscan convent, offering a glimpse into the past.

Archaeological Museum
Within the Convento
Discover ancient artifacts excavated from the Kamarina and Ispica archaeological parks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating to the Convento
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up and exploring the site requires good footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Google Maps can be unreliable; follow road SP40 or use footpaths. :world_map:
☀️ Visit with Daylight
Essential for safely navigating the paths, especially when walking down. :sunrise:
📸 Capture the Sunset
The views are spectacular during golden hour and sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up and exploring the site requires good footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Navigate Carefully
Google Maps can be unreliable; follow road SP40 or use footpaths. :world_map:
☀️ Visit with Daylight
Essential for safely navigating the paths, especially when walking down. :sunrise:
📸 Capture the Sunset
The views are spectacular during golden hour and sunset. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Check Entry Requirements
Some visitors noted needing a 'green pass' for entry. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the brilliant hilltop location of Convento della Croce, highlighting its amazing panoramic views over Scicli and the surrounding sea. The historical convent ruins and the onsite museum with ancient artifacts are also significant draws. While finding the site can be a challenge, the friendly staff and the profound beauty and peace of the place make it a highly recommended experience.
"Brilliant hill top former convent and church overlooking Scicli. The view is amazing from up here and well worth the climb up by road and footpath. You can see over the whole town and away to the sea in the distance. There is the remains of the convent to look round as well as a museum of ancient artefacts excavated from the area. The staff are helpful and will guide you round. Go up in good time with the sun up. If you are walking down you will need daylight to see clearly on the path."
Desmond Cole
"Most beautiful experience in scicli. Best place and awesome sightseeing. The worst part is to find it. google maps didn't find the car driving pass but in the map you can see it road sp40 and turn."
Emanuele Carrella
"A profoundly beautiful and peaceful place, ancient hilltop overlooking Scicli."
Rochelle Holt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reaching Convento della Croce can be a bit challenging. While Google Maps might not always provide the best car route, look for signs along road SP40. Some visitors recommend using the footpath for a more scenic approach. It's advisable to allow ample time for the journey to this hilltop location.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but visitors typically find ways to reach the site by car, often navigating through the surrounding roads. Consider parking in Scicli and walking up if you prefer.
Yes, there are footpaths leading up to the Convento della Croce. This can be a more rewarding experience, offering beautiful views along the way, but ensure you have daylight to see the path clearly.
Many visitors suggest approaching via road SP40 and looking for specific turn-offs. Alternatively, the footpath offers a more immersive experience. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
Public transport options directly to the Convento della Croce are not widely mentioned. It's likely best to reach Scicli by public transport and then arrange local transport or walk to the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Convento della Croce is generally possible, but some visitors have noted that access might require a 'green pass' or similar documentation. It's best to check the latest entry requirements before your visit.
Opening hours can vary. One source mentioned it being open in the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM on a specific date. Always verify the current operating hours before planning your trip.
While specific fee information isn't always detailed, some visitors mention needing a 'green pass' for entry, suggesting there might be a nominal fee or specific access protocols. Confirm details upon arrival or check official local tourism sites.
Yes, the Convento della Croce has been used for special events like 'MAST Secret Night' featuring DJ sets, indicating it can be accessible for evening visits, offering amazing night views of the city.
A 'green pass' was mentioned by a visitor as being required for entry. This might refer to health or identification documentation, so it's wise to inquire about current protocols.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire hilltop offers stunning photographic opportunities. The panoramic views over Scicli are particularly popular, especially during sunset. Don't miss capturing the ancient convent ruins and the surrounding landscape.
Photography rules within the museum are not explicitly stated. It's generally advisable to be respectful of any posted signs or ask staff for clarification before taking pictures of artifacts.
Late afternoon, leading into sunset, is highly recommended for photography due to the beautiful golden hour light. The night views of the city are also spectacular.
Specific drone regulations for this area are not mentioned. However, it's always best to check local aviation laws and any site-specific rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A tripod can be beneficial for sunset and night shots. Consider a versatile zoom lens for capturing details of the ruins and landscape.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Founded by Franciscan friars, the Convento della Croce is one of Scicli's oldest and most fascinating complexes, dating back to AD 1225. It sits atop the hill known as 'Colle della Croce'.
The museum houses ancient artifacts that have been excavated from nearby archaeological sites, including the Kamarina and Ispica parks. It offers a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Yes, the Convento della Croce is integrated into the Parco Archeologico di Kamarina e Ispica, which also includes the Kamarina archaeological museum and the Cada d’Ispica area.
The complex showcases significant 16th-century architecture, reflecting its historical importance and the architectural trends of the period.
The 'Colle della Croce' (Hill of the Cross) is the elevated location where the Convento della Croce is situated, offering strategic views and a prominent presence overlooking Scicli.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the hilltop location and the potential for steep paths. Visiting during daylight hours is crucial for safety, especially if children are part of your group. The expansive views might also captivate younger imaginations, offering a sense of scale and wonder.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Walking up to the Convento via the footpaths is a free and rewarding way to experience the surroundings. The opportunity to witness breathtaking views and explore ancient ruins without a significant financial outlay makes it a highly attractive destination.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Art lovers will appreciate the historical significance of the site and its architectural elements. The integration of the Convento into the broader archaeological park of Kamarina and Ispica adds cultural depth. The museum's collection of ancient artifacts offers a glimpse into the region's artistic and historical heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Convento della Croce
Beyond its historical structures, the Convento della Croce is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views over the town of Scicli and the surrounding countryside, extending towards the sea. This vantage point makes it an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The site also hosts a small museum featuring ancient artifacts unearthed from local archaeological parks, providing further insight into the region's past.
Visitors often describe the experience as profoundly beautiful and peaceful. While navigating to the site can sometimes be a challenge, with Google Maps not always being precise, the effort is rewarded by the stunning scenery and the historical ambiance. The friendly staff are noted for their helpfulness, guiding visitors through the site and its museum.
The Views and Photography Opportunities
These views are particularly magical during the late afternoon and sunset, when the light casts a warm, golden glow over the town and countryside. This makes it a prime location for photographers seeking to capture the essence of Scicli. Evenings also offer a different kind of beauty, with the city lights twinkling below, creating an 'amazing night view'. The ancient ruins of the convent itself provide a dramatic foreground for these expansive backdrops, adding layers of historical context to the visual experience.
To make the most of photography here, it's recommended to visit with ample daylight, especially if you plan to walk down from the site. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the landscape, while a tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during sunset or for capturing the night views.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit