The woods were started at around the end of the eighteenth century, when King Ferdinand Bourbon unified in one gigantic property of 30,000 hectares, four neighbouring properties. The king had built a large hunting house, planned by one of the best architects of the epoch, Venanzio Marvuglia, who built a villa of great esteem, that is today the main monumental attraction of the area. Alpe Cucco, the agri-touristic farm that we are visiting this month, is near to the small village of Ficuzza, developed around the villa of the king. It is necessary to cross it and take the road towards Fortress Busambra, the high and solitary relief that dominates the woods. The farm is in a splendid panoramic position, surrounded by ample verdant expanses and it is a perfect base for excursions around the Fortress and toward other interesting areas of the woods such as, for instance, the King s Pulpit, a place where King Ferdinand lay in wait during hunting.
Guests can enjoy a football field and a bowling green, as well as a riding track.
There are ten rooms, with simple and pleasant furniture, for a total of 48 beds. The cuisine, rustic and genuine, uses farm produce as olive oil, vegetables and cheeses.