Enna, Sicily

We decided to travel to Enna, which lies but 80 kilometers from our Villa. Braving strong winds in this mountain town, we enjoyed our day.

Enna is considered a sacred city thanks to the cult of Demeter and the myth of Persephone. Apart from clashes with Siracusa, Enna was prosperous and relatively independent during Greek rule. Enna became the anonymous bread basket of Rome, and the Arabs also cultivated the region, planting cotton, cane, and pistachio trees as well as building solid fortifications.

Perched on a mountain top, like some large bird of prey, Enna commands an amazing view. The panorama above was taken from Enna, and looks out over the neighboring hill town of Calascibetta.

One of the largest castles in Sicily guards Enna, the Castello di Lombardi. Located at the end of Via Roma (Italian for Main Street), this fortress began as a Byzantine castle, but grew a new tower with each new wave of invaders. Six of its original 20 towers remain. A series of three courtyards leads to Torre Pisano, and some fantastic views of Sicily.

Entrance to the Castello di Lombardi (Jan 1999)

Inside the Castello di Lombardi (Jan 1999)

Looking down at the Castello from the Torre Pisano (Jan 1999)

The neighboring town of Calascibetta as seen from Enna (Jan 1999)

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