The magic of transplants

“The instructions that ancient farmers passed down have been fundamental for our work." -Gaetano La Placa

Welcome to the kingdom of biodiversity and ancient fruits under threat of extinction, where you can try the magic of transplanting for a day, as well as the Sicilian flavours of once upon a time with the young people of Petraviva Madonie.

Transplants are magic, coming from a true story. Three agronomists and a scientist have dedicated their life to researching, collecting and preserving ancient Sicilian fruits under threat of extinction since 2010. These young people, united in the Petraviva Madonie Cooperative, go around the island finding and locating the varieties of fruit following the ancient instructions and the instructions of those who farm the last living plant, particularly in the Madonie, where its isolation and attachment to traditions has allowed them to find the rarest species (it is not by chance that the Department for Environmental Biology and Biodiversity at the University of Palermo is right there in the Madonie, in Castelbuono). The result is a total of around 1,000 plants that have been recovered, such as almonds, plums, peaches, 120 types of pears, apricots like the Scillato apricot, apples like the Lappedda apple, making more than 8,000 transplants every day, as well as collaborations, excursions, conferences and workshops. But the urgency of such a mission can only truly be understood when you eat these fruits. You will spend a biodiverse day in the Petraviva breeding ground and in the fields of Villa Sgadari to learn the art of transplanting. According to seasonal availability, you may be able to taste the fruits that have been recovered and everything that can be made from them, such as juices, jams and liquors. This may also be the right time to take a twig or a fruit and transplant it at home, thus obtaining a plant with the same characteristics of the mother, even if it is located on the other side of the world. It's an act of sustainability for a piece of the Madonie that will stay with you forever.


Keen explorers and those interested in biodiversity, healthy food and agriculture.


Comfortable clothing and wellington boots for walking in the countryside.


The four main workers at Petraviva Madonie: Gaetano La Placa, Vittorio Lipuma, Vincenzo David, Damiano Cerami; the odd old farmer of ancient fruits.




  • Tuesday: 9:00 - 18:00
  • Wednesday: 9:00 - 18:00
  • Thursday: 9:00 - 18:00
  • Friday: 9:00 - 18:00
  • Saturday: 9:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 9:00 - 18:00


Workshop, guided visit, lunch

Not included