Enna Mini Guide
Where is Enna?
Enna is a mountain-top city in the centre of Sicily and is 931 metres above sea level. It is unique in that it is the only city in Sicily not founded by foreign invaders. It has been nicknamed ‘belvedere’ or ‘beautiful view’ and ‘l’ombelico’ – the navel of Sicily.
Options to get There?
You can fly into
Catania Airport, it is 82km away but has a regular bus service to Enna or pick up your Rhino hire car at the airport and get to see the whole island in detail. SAIS Autolinee Spa has buses to Enna from
Italy and Southern Europe. There are 6 bus lines in the city and you can also explore the town by foot. Driving there can be congested and parking difficult, so leave your hire car at the hotel.
What is There to see?
Start by walking along the Via Roma, the main street in the old town, from there you can see all the attractions. The Cathedral was built in the 14th century by Queen Eleonora and has artworks inside from the 16th and 17th centuries. Treasures from the Cathedral are now in the adjacent Alessi Museum, there you can see renaissance jewellery and coins. At Palazzo Varisano you will find the Regional Archaeological Museum and see artefacts found in the local digs. Lombardy Castle is the city’s most distinguishing feature, you can see the chapel, towers and even the remains of the prison. There are still digs being worked on there and part of the castle is used to stage theatrical events and concerts.
Mythology and Mystery
Demeter is the goddess of earth and grain and had a huge cult following in Enna. Her daughter Persephone was abducted by Hades at Lake Pergusa, to become queen of the underworld. The fountain in Belvedere Francesco Crispo Square is a copy of Bernini’s ‘Rape of Persephone’ and depicts this myth. At Easter, a procession takes place where the locals dress in capes and hoods and walk through the town to the Cathedral.
Out and About
Pergusa Lakeside Resort is just 5km from Enna. You can explore the woodlands and lake and see the migratory birds at the nature reserve. There is also an archaeological site, Cozzo Matrice. A Formula One race track has been built around the reserve. The towns of Morgantina and Piazza Armerina are close by and also worth visiting for their history and culture.
I Want to Stay a few Days…
Stay at the Hotel Sicilia Enna – it has charming old fashioned style and is close to all the attractions. Internet access is available and there is Wi-Fi for a charge. Enjoy drinks at the terrace bar and see the views over the city.