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Visit Levanzo
Levanzo is a small island situated off Trapani, to the western end of Sicily, and is one of the three main Aegadian islands (with Favignana and Marettimmo).
Restricted in its six square kilometers, Levanzo is a popular detination for both its cultural and natural highlights.
Levanzo caves
The most important highlight on Levanzo is its prehistoric caves and their engravings, including the cave referred to to as 'the button-hole of Levanzo', or the "Grotta dei cervi", now better known as the "Grotta del Genovese ". In the innermost parts of the cave is some 'graffiti' that dates back almost 10,000 years, depicting animals and three men.
The animals depicted are the deer, ox-bull, and a small monkey, the remains of which were found in many Pleistocene deposit of the same cave in Levanzo. The three figures of the men are gathered to form a small scene, perhaps a dance.The animal paintings in Levanzo have a strongly naturalistic outstanding.
The paintings to the side are much smaller and often have the appearance of sketches. (for further information see (See Paolo Graziosi, “The Prehistoric Art in Italy”, Florence, Sansoni, 1973 - Professor Graziosi carried out a great deal of research into the numerous cave paintings after 1950, research which led to many new finds among the caves).
The “Grotta Genovese" is not the only prehistoric cave in Levanzo. Also very important is the “Grotta dei Porci” ["Cave of Pigs"], close to the "Genovese" caves. Prof. Graziosi discovered it in 1952, in an inland area, which also shows figures of animals, painted with a less "refined" technique. The cave is about 30 meters deep.
In Levanzo there are also about a further dozen prehistoric caves, among which are the “Punta Cappero”, “Cala Tramontana”, “Pecore” and “Punta Sorci” caves.
Levanzo Coast
Away from the caves, visitors can take pleasant trips by boat off the coast of Levanzo, swimming in the water and surrounded by lush unspoiled vegetation. This is an excellent prelude to tasting the typical dishes of the island, such as the "couscous" fish, with broth fish, scorpion fish, and onion; the lobster soup, slightly spicy, with almond, and the “lasagne alla marinara”, a real specialty, with seafood, white sauce and eggplant.
See also Levanzo history and etymology.