Enna

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Enna is also a genus of spiders (Trechaleidae).

Enna, the ancient Henna, is a city located in the center of Sicily in the province of Enna, towering above the surrounding countryside. It has earned a few nicknames, such as "belvedere" (panoramic viewpoint) or the "ombelico" (navel) of Sicily.

Enna is the highest provincial capital of Italy.

History

Archaological findings have showed the area of today's Enna was settled since prehistorical times.

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 the orbit of Roman power. In 859 AD it was the turn of the Saracens, who had to sneak in one by one through a swer to breach the town's hardy defenses. Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily, established a summer residence here.

In the Middle Ages the name was then altered into Castrogiovanni, by which it was known until 1927, when it was changed back to Enna by Mussolini. Today, the town is still important as an agricultural center.

Enna is now an important centre in archeological and educational studies. The University of Enna was founded in 2004.

Main sights

Monuments

The most important monuments of Enna are:

• the Castello di Lombardìa, perhaps the most important example of military architecture in Sicily. It was built by Frederick II of Sicily and restructured under Frederick II of Aragon. The castle, which bears this name because of the garrison of Lombard troops that defended it in Norman times, has an irregular layout which once comprised 20 towers: of the six remaining, the Torre Pisana is the best preserved one. It has Guelph merlons. The castle was divided into three different spaces separated by walls.

• the Duomo (Cathedral), probably the most important example of religious architecture in Sicily, built in the 14th century by queen Eleonora, Frederick III's wife, but largely renovated after the fire of 1446. Tha great Baroque façade, in yellow tufa-stone, is surmounted by a massive campanile with finely shaped decorative elements. The portal on the right side is from the 16th century, while the other is from the original 14th century edifice. The interior has a nave with two aisles separated by massive Corinthian columns, and three apses. The stucco decoration is from the 16th and 17th centuries. Art works include a 15th century crucifix panel painting, a cavas by Guglielmo Borremans, the presbitery paintings by Filippo Paladini (1613), a Baroque side portal. The cathedral's treasure is housed in the Alessi Museum, and has precious ornaments, the gold crown with diamonds of Virgin, Byzantine icons, thousands of ancient coins and other collections.
• Palazzo Varisano, housing the Regional Archaeological Museum, with material dating from the Copper Age to the 6th century AD.
• Torre di Federico, an octagonal ancient tower which was allegedly a summer residence of the Frederick II (or Frederick III of Aragon).
• the Campanile of the destroyed church of San Giovanni, with pointed arches with finely shaped archivolts, and a three light mullioned window with Catalan-style decorations.
• the Municipal Library placed in San Francesco building. The latter church has a noteworthy 15th century campanile and, in the interior, a fine painted Cross from the same century.
• The church of San Tommaso is also of note for its 15th century belfry, with three orders. It has windows framed by an agile full-centred archivolt. The church contains a marble icon (1515) attributed to Giuliano Mancino.

Pergusa lake and near areas

Lake Pergusa is set between a group of mountains in the chain of Erei, and it is located 5 km from Enna. It is a vital place in the migratory current of lots of birds. In addition to birds, which are certainly the protagonists of the Pergusa nature reserve, here there are also interesing species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Around the lake, there's the most important racing track of Southern Italy, the Autodromo di Pergusa, that hosted international competition and events, such as Formula 1, Formula 3000 and a Ferrari Festival with Michael Schumacher. In the area of Pergusa lake are also an archeological site, know as Cozzo Matrice, and an important forest and green area, Selva Pergusina (that means "Pergusa's Wood").

Cozzo Matrice is home to a sacred citadel, rich necropolises, and the most important temple dedicated to Kore in Italy, during the times of Romans.

External links

• [Enna turismo tra archeologia e natura]
• [Province of Enna]
• [Tourist Agency of Enna]