One of the privileged balconies overlooking the mighty volcano Mount Etna is that of the city that somehow recalls its name: Enna. Nothing to do with it, of course; the two names are not the same. Etna derives from the Greek aìthne (fire), while Enna owes its name perhaps to the plant used for the ancient dyeing, or perhaps a name linked to some mysterious figure. For a long time, Enna was known by its medieval name of Castrogiovanni (Castrum Jannis), but today it has returned to sporting this mysterious name… nebulous… as nebulous as Enna itself.
Icy Enna
The city of Enna is the coldest in Sicily and one of the coldest in the Mediterranean. Snow is not uncommon during the winter, and cold winds often sweep away the fog, a phenomenon so widespread in the area that the inhabitants of the capital nickname it “la compaesana” (the fellow inhabitant).
The free consortium that now replaces the district of Enna is an inland territory of Sicily and the only one not bordering the sea. It consists of medium-elevation mountains (the Erei) and part of the Nebrodi mountain range, with peaks reaching 1,500 meters. The district of Enna is also home to four lakes, a natural one (Pergusa) and three artificial lakes (Pozzillo, Ogliastro, Olivo) linked to three dams.
The central and elevated position has allowed human settlement for centuries, especially in form of small castles and farmhouses that today have become medieval towns. Enna is a predominantly agricultural area, where fields and livestock are the primary economic drivers. In recent years, tourism—especially related to archaeological heritage—has become another important resource.
Visiting the district of Enna
Enna is served by Catania Fontanarossa Airport but is also easily accessible for those landing at Palermo Airport. The Enna exit is located on the A19 motorway connecting Catania to Palermo.
Equally distant from many splendid Sicilian towns, thanks to its central location, Enna and its surrounding area are a jewel of historical and artistic treasures, including the most famous: Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, the town of Piazza Armerina itself, the historic centers of Leonforte, Sperlinga, Nicosia and Agira. Also worth visiting are Calascibetta, with its Byzantine village carved into the rock, and towns such as Aidone, Catenanuova, and Valguarnera.
The territory of Enna can be largely explored in a single day or weekend. It’s not uncommon to visit Enna, Leonforte, Sperlinga, and Nicosia in just a few hours. The best way to get around is by car or private transfer. Alternatively, regional buses connect the various villages to the capital and other Sicilian cities.
Enna and Etna
Etna can be seen clearly from Enna, Sperlinga, Agira, and generally from the entire district’s territory. The view of the volcano is a classic one: a conical mountain rising above all the surrounding peaks. When eruptions are in progress, the best view is undoubtedly from the cities of Enna and Agira.
The historic part of Enna is centered around the Lombardia Castle, which owes its name to the first garrisons of Norman soldiers from Milan and Brescia (in Lombardy, in fact), who were entrusted with the task of defending the castle and the city. Other testimonies to Enna’s glorious Middle Ages include the Tower of Federico, reportedly commissioned by Frederick II, and the Cathedral dedicated to the Madonna della Visitazione (built in the 14th century and restored in the Baroque period). Other wonders of Enna include Palace Varisano, Palace Pollicarini, the Gate of Janniscuru, and the Rock of Cerere.
If you want to enjoy the view of Etna from Enna, the best places are Belvedere Marconi or Rocca di Cerere. (PHOTOS BY G.MUSUMECI)