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    Enna


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    Facts

    Enna is located in the center of the island and has a population of 29,072. It was founded in the 7th century BC. Today, the town is still important as an agricultural center. Enna is now also an important centrer in archeological and educational studies, the University of Enna was founded in 2004.

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    History

    Enna, the ancient Henna, is located in the center of Sicily, towering above the surrounding countryside. It has earned a few nicknames, such as “belvedere” (panoramic viewpoint) or the “ombelico” (navel) of Sicily. The colony of Henna was founded on this high plateau in 664 BC by colonists from Gela, eager to exploit the area’s agricultural resources. In 397 BC, the town fell to Dionysius of Syracuse and it remained in Syracusan hands until the 3rd century BC when it entered Roman power. In 859 AD it was the turn of the Saracens to breach the town’s hardy defenses. The name was then altered to Castrogiovanni, by which it was known until 1927, when Mussolini changed back to Enna.

    How to get there

    By Bus

    Frequent buses run to Palermo and Catania and less frequently to Piazza Armerina. Although it’s very close there are only about 2 buses a day to Caltanissetta. The main bus station is a 10 minute walk from the center of Enna Alta, but more buses run from Enna Bassa.

    By Train

    Several trains a day run to Palermo, Catania, Caltanissetta and Agrigento. However, note that the railway station is 3 miles (5km) away from the center of Enna, and buses only run hourly into town.

    Sights & Activities

    Nowadays, Enna has a great archeological importance thanks to sites such as the Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina and Morgantina. The most important monuments are:

    • Castello di Lombardia – perhaps the main castle in Sicily.
    • The Duomo – an impressive cathedral.
    • Torre di Federico – an octagonal ancient tower where the Sicilian Empereor Federico II lived.
    • The Municipal Library – placed in San Francesco building.

    Restaurants

    Centrale
    This restaurant is located right in the heart of the town.

    Address: Piazza 6 Dicembre 9 – I – 94100 Enna
    Tel.:     (0935) 50 09 63

    Al Fogher
    Experienced Angelo Treno is the chef of this welcoming restaurant in Piazza Armerina. Rustic in appearance, Al Fogher serves regional cuisine. Not to miss: macco of fava beans, tuna tartar with dates, and pork with pepper in a pistachio sauce.

    Address: Contrada Bellia
    Tel.: (0935) 68 41 23

    Weather

    Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Enna. July and August are the warmest months with temperature up to 104° F. For more information, visit the Weather page.

    Annual Events

    Because of its celebrations, the Holy Week is the best time to visit the city.

    Nearby Places

    • Lake Pergusa is set between a group of mountains in the chain of Erei and it’s 3 miles (5 km) from Enna. It is a vital place in the migratory current of many birds. In addition to birds, which are certainly the protagonists of the Pergusa nature reserve, here there are also interesting species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Around the lake, there’s the most important racing track of Southern Italy: near Pergusa lake, there is also an archeological site, know as Cozzo Matrice. In Cozzo Matrice you can find a sacred citadel, rich necropolises, and the most important temple dedicated to Kore in Italy, dating back to Roman times.
    • Troina

    Note: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article “Metasyntactic variable” and Creative Commons by Commons Deed. This information was accurate when it was posted, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses/establishments in question before planning your trip.