Partanna is located in the valley between the Modione and Belice rivers, on a hill just over 400 meters above sea level. In 1968 the town was hit by the Belice earthquake, and many buildings were destroyed or damaged. Must-see – What is most striking is the Castle of the Grifeo (or Graffeo), the rich and important Sicilian family that ruled the fief of Partanna continuously from the end of the year 1000 until the 21st century. Built in the 14th century, it has a beautiful facade decorated with battlements. The New Matrix, built between 1500 and 1600, underwent recent restoration following the earthquake. Also of interest are the church of St. Rocco, whose interior is rich in valuable stucco, paintings and frescoes, and the cloister of St. Benedict. Along the provincial road from Castelvetrano to Partanna, one encounters the Biggini Tower, built in medieval times in an area of considerable interest from an archaeological point of view as well. Here excavations have in fact unearthed tombs from prehistoric times and a“drilled skull,” now housed in the Salinas Museum in Palermo. The find is significant evidence of surgical activities, as early as the Bronze Age, on patients with head trauma. Finds recovered during the excavations are kept at the Museum of Prehistory in Partanna. To taste – Partanna ‘s economy is based mainly on agriculture and the cultivation of olives: in fact, this is the area where Nocellara del Belice is grown. In Partanna, as in all the municipalities of the Belice Valley, the cheeses are also excellent. Very well known is Vastedda del Belice, an exquisite spun paste sheep’s milk cheese that has been granted Protected Designation of Origin status.