Luci all’orizzonte, new multi-pitch climb in Sicily

On 16/02/2012 Giorgio Iurato and David Gallo made the first free ascent of Luci all’orizzonte (175m, 6a+) at Cava grande del Cassibile (Sicily), established by Iurato alone in January 2012.

Giorgio Iurato's solitary search continues on his home turf in Sicily and this time the Italian climber established Luci all’orizzonte (Lights on the horizon) which takes in the beautiful nature reserve Cava grande in the Iblei mountain range to the south of Siracusa. Iurato ascended the route alone with one bivy in January 2012 and then returned in February with David Gallo to free the line 175m line at 6a+ (6a obligatory). We liked Iurato's short report below because it reminds us of emotions which, quite rightly, one can feel, regardless of the grade of the climb.


LUCI ALL'ORIZZONTE
by Giorgio Iurato

04:30. Alarm. After a two hour approach, finally I reach the base of the wall. I look around and the silence, the complete absence of noise, create unknown sensations. Deep within me I feel extremely strong, physically and psychologically.
06:30. Everything is set. i begin to climb and after a 20m battle through bushes, earth and some up some delicate rock, I finally reach a ledge and look around: I'm surrounded by an explosion of green, I lose focus in this vision of unspoilt nature; oxygen fills my lungs, hardens my soul. This plunge into nature makes me live a truly unique experience. The relationship with the environment is sacred, the atmosphere magical. Up high, in the distance, two ravens cicle overhead, suddenly a Great Tit lands on a bonsai of rare beauty, before darting away, frightened. Down below the valley gives way to intense emerald green lakes and potholes and waterfalls, all swallowed by the lush green valley.

	LUCI ALL'ORIZZONTE ROUTE TOPO