Welcome to Enna! While you are here for our event, we encourage you to explore the rich history and culture of the surrounding area. Our venue, the Università degli Studi di Enna "Kore", is located in the modern area of Enna Bassa (the lower city). Here you can explore the modern hub of the city, which includes the University and nearby residential/commercial areas.
The true historical treasures of Enna are located in the Upper City (Enna Alta). You can take a local city bus (frequent connections from the Enna Bassa terminal) or a 10-minute taxi ride up the mountain. Walking is not recommended as it is a very steep and long hike.
Top Sights in Enna Alta:
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The Lombardy Castle (Castello di Lombardia) & Federico’s Tower
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What it is: One of the largest medieval castles in Italy, where Frederick II of Swabia convened the first Sicilian Parliament. The Torre Pisana (or Tower of the Eagles) is the city’s main attraction and quintessential Belvedere.
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Why visit: From the Torre Pisana, old lookouts could control a large part of the island and see the sea on a clear day.
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Rocca di Cerere (Rock of Ceres)
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What it is: Located near the Castle, this was the site of the sacred temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, Demeter (Ceres) for the Romans.
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Why visit: Offers the most extraordinary, majestic views over the surrounding landscape and wheat fields, varying beautifully from dawn to dusk.
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The Duomo of Enna
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What it is: A monumental Cathedral, dedicated to Maria Santissima della Visitazione, built in the Middle Ages and listed as a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Why visit: Admire its Gothic and Sicilian Baroque façade and majestic interior, built at the behest of Queen Eleanor of Anjou.
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Chiesa di San Marco (St. Mark's Church)
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What it is: Built on the ruins of an ancient synagogue in the former Jewish ghetto (Iudeca).
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Why visit: A single-nave Baroque church featuring sumptuous stucco work contrasting with the severe exterior.
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Nearby Excursions
If you have the opportunity to venture outside Enna and the University area, the central region of Sicily offers some of the island's most fascinating historical, mythical, and cultural sites. A car is highly recommended for maximizing flexibility and efficiency, especially for archaeological parks. However, regional bus services are available for major towns like Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone.
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Lago di Pergusa (Lake Pergusa)
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What it is: The only natural lake in Sicily, encircled by a famous motor racing circuit. According to legend, this is where Hades kidnapped Persephone (Proserpina), taking her to the Underworld.
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Piazza Armerina
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What it is: A small, charming historic center characterized by its medieval layout and surrounding green woods.
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Why visit: To explore the town's distinct historical heritage, such as the Cattedrale di Maria SS. delle Vittorie, a stunning Baroque and Gothic-Norman cathedral, and Castello Aragonese, a large, imposing fortress built in the 14th century.
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Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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What it is: An incredibly preserved Roman villa from the 4th century AD. It is world-famous for having the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
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Why visit: This is the single most important tourist site in the region and a true wonder of the ancient world. The "Bikini Girls" and "Great Hunt" mosaics are unforgettable.
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Morgantina Archaeological Park & The Museum of Aidone
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What it is: The extensive ruins of a powerful ancient Greek city (Morgantina) and the nearby museum (in the town of Aidone) that houses the famous "Venus of Morgantina" statue.
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Why visit: It's a fascinating journey into Sicily's Greek past, far less crowded than Agrigento. The museum and the archaeological park are a perfect combination.
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Caltagirone (The City of Ceramics)
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What it is: A nearby town, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic and terracotta production.
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Why visit: The highlight is the "Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte," a monumental staircase of 142 steps, each riser decorated with unique ceramic tiles. The town is full of ceramic shops and beautiful churches.
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