Ficuzza is one of the largest natural reserves in the western part of Sicily in the mountains south of Palermo, where the former royal hunting residence of the same name is located.

The hunting lodge at Ficuzza was built in a simple style with classical baroque elements typical of English country estates of that period. The house was provided with a wine cellar and a secret exit, which the king could use if necessary to leave his possessions unnoticed. Local stone was used for the construction of Ficuzza. The British, who kept thousands of their military in Sicily, certainly influenced the architectural design of the palace, at least culturally. English officers were extremely fond of hunting in the Fikuzza lands: wild boars, wolves, hares, rabbits, birds of prey and forest cats became their prey.
Today, this huge protected area is only partially open to the public (tourists are allowed to enter the palace). Here you can also see an artificial lake fed by the waters of the Frattina River, which is used to supply water to Palermo. Extensive forests surround the Rocca Bussambra, a mountain range facing the reserve.