Enna – Of the Sicilian capitals is known to be the one without sea but what about the magnificent views it offers, hanging at its 931 meters above sea level?
The mysterious fog that envelops you in an evocative atmosphere? Of the historical and architectural traces left by the Stupor Mundi Frederick II, who loved her deeply? To know more follow us in this trip to the center of Sicily.
A walk through Enna
When planning your visit to Enna remember to wear appropriate clothing: the climate is more rigid than the rest of the island, but for those on tour in Sicily can be an interesting diversion.
First stop is the Castello di Lombardia. It stands on the site of the ancient acropolis of the city, at the highest point of the highest municipality in Italy: the breathtaking view is, in short, guaranteed.
It is a majestic medieval fortress that Frederick II -ruler of the Kingdom of Sicily and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire-did not build but strengthened. His is a very important figure in these parts, so much so that during your visit to the city you will hear about him very often.
The castle has withstood time and history and has thus become an icon of strength and resistance. Its massive walls and crenellated towers enclose a complex of courtyards, rooms and halls among which children and adults will enjoy imagining brave warriors.
The Cathedral of Enna, which is unavoidable coming back from the Castle, is another pearl of the city architecture. The exterior is characterized by a high and imposing façade, dominated by a large portal and a central rose window. The interior houses many works of art, including the precious wooden ceiling, richly carved and painted, dating from the sixteenth century.
In order of fame the second most famous monument of the city is certainly the Tower of Frederick. Also known as the Octagonal Tower for its shape reminiscent of the wind rose, it is an isolated structure on a verdant hill. Its central position in the geography of Sicily made it an important geodetic reference point for the whole island.
The attribution of the tower to Frederick II is due to the predilection of the emperor and his court for the octagonal geometry: even the outer wall, of which only some parts remain, is octagonal. It is believed that the design of the Tower may have been the work of Riccardo da Lentini, supervisor of the royal buildings and one of the most important architects at the Federician court. It is plausible that Frederick II himself stayed in the tower during his visits to the city.
Foto : Sicilia Info
The nature around Enna
If you are serial hunters of sunsets and beautiful landscapes do not miss the Rocca di Cerere, a viewpoint from which you can observe Etna, Calascibetta and the beautiful valleys of the Erei mountains, framed by pink and orange.
It is located on the same hill where the Castle of Lombardy stands and, in the first place, appears as an enchanting set of rocks, elevations and views. It is actually a mythological area: what remains of the fortress is part of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Ceres, the Roman goddess of fields and crops.
Lake Pergusa, once the favourite hunting area of Frederick II, is a nature reserve of great interest for lovers of birdwatching and nature photography. Although small it has a great geological importance (it has tectonic origin), fauna and culture: the European Union has in fact named it a Site of Community Importance.
Enna to taste
The cuisine of Enna certainly reflects the richness and variety of the Sicilian tradition but with a mountain imprint.
First of all: where to eat? The restaurants and trattorias in the historic centre offer a wide range of specialties: even sitting at the table you can, for example, taste the arancini stuffed with ragout and peas and cannoli, the typical Sicilian sweets stuffed with fresh ricotta and pistachio grains.
The local ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, citrus fruits and pistachios of Bronte, give the dishes a unique and unmistakable flavor, which bears traces of the many dominations that have occurred here: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, each left their mark.
The most typical dishes are:
- the gâteau of rice to the nth: an unforgettable culinary experience based on rice, saffron, caciocavallo, hard-boiled eggs, minced beef, peas, tomato sauce and breadcrumbs;
- the meatloaf with milk to the nth: Sunday dish par excellence, rustic and satisfying, is prepared with stale bread soaked in milk, minced beef, eggs, ham, cheese and vegetables;
- the buccellati ennesi: sweets from the ancient historical heritage, made with a base of shortcrust pastry and stuffed with dried figs, raisins, almonds and orange peel;
- Dittaino PDO bread: obtained from regrind durum wheat semolina is a symbol of the Ennese bakery culture;
- piacentino ennese: it is a pecorino PDO enriched with saffron.
Discovering the Central Sicily
For several reasons Enna is an ideal starting point for those who want to explore the heart of Sicily.
First of all, its central location on the island makes it a possible strategic base perfect for exploring the surrounding area, moving every day in a different direction.
Moreover, from Enna you can easily reach many important tourist destinations in Sicily. Piazza Armerina, famous for its Villa Romana del Casale with its exceptional mosaics, is 40 minutes by car. Caltagirone with its ceramics and its beautiful decorated staircases, can be reached in just over an hour.
Also Calascibetta and Aidone, charming medieval villages, are definitely worth a look. Plan your trip to Sicily and don’t forget Enna, it will surprise you.
Copertina: Sicilia Info
