Monte Barraù

Monte Barraù
Western slope of Monte Barraù
Highest point
Elevation	1,420 m (4,660 ft)
Coordinates	37°45′N 13°19′E / 37.750°N 13.317°ECoordinates: 37°45′N 13°19′E / 37.750°N 13.317°E
Geography
Monte Barraù Sicily, southern Italy
Parent range	Monti Sicani

Monte Barraù (also known as Monte Barracù) is a mountain in the Monti Sicani, in Sicily, southern Italy. It has an elevation of 1,420 metres (4,659 ft), 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.^[2]

References

1. "Harvesting memories project: ricognizioni archeologiche nelle contrade castro e giardinello e nell'area di Monte Barraù (Corleone, Palermo)" (PDF). Retrieved October 16, 2016.
2. "Natura 2000 - ITA020037". natura2000.eea.europa.eu. Retrieved 16 October 2016.