Enna Voyage Tips and guide

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Enna is a city in central Sicily, Italy, dramatically perched atop a high hill at nearly 1,000 metres above sea level—making it the highest provincial capital on the island. Often called the "Belvedere of Sicily", Enna offers sweeping views across the heart of the island and a refreshing climate, with cool breezes even during the hottest summer days.

The city is rich in history, dating back to ancient times. It was once a major center of the Sican and Roman worlds and is closely associated with the myth of Persephone and Demeter, said to have taken place near Lake Pergusa, just outside town. Today, Enna is known for its medieval streets, the towering Lombardy Castle, and religious architecture like the Duomo di Enna. Its elevated position and preserved historic core make it a rewarding stop for travelers seeking authentic inland Sicily.

Enna is a striking hilltop city in the heart of Sicily, known for its altitude, strategic position, and deep historical roots. At 931 m above sea level, it is the highest provincial capital in Italy and is often referred to as the “Belvedere of Sicily” for its sweeping views and the “navel of Sicily” (ombelico della Sicilia) due to its central location.

Enna’s history stretches back to Neolithic times, with evidence of human habitation as early as the 14th century BC. In ancient times, it was called Henna and became famous for the worship of the goddess Demeter (Ceres). The myth of Persephone’s abduction is said to have taken place nearby, and Enna’s high plateau made it one of the strongest natural fortresses in Sicily.

Throughout antiquity, Enna was contested by major powers: it was ruled by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and later Byzantines and Arabs. The city played a dramatic role in the First Servile War (2nd century BC) and was the site of a brutal massacre during the Second Punic War. During the Middle Ages, it became known as Castrogiovanni, a name it held until 1927, and it served as a stronghold for the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and later the Aragonese. Frederick II chose it as a summer residence, and during the Sicilian Vespers, Enna served as a key military post.

Today, Enna retains its medieval character, with narrow streets, dramatic cliffs, and landmarks such as the Lombardy Castle and Torre di Federico. Despite its modest size (about 25,000 residents), it is an important cultural and educational hub, home to a branch of the University of Kore since 2002.

Enna is located in central Sicily and is easiest to reach by car via the A19 motorway, which connects Palermo and Catania—both cities are about 1.5 hours away. The nearest train station is in Enna Bassa, several kilometers from the historic center, with buses or taxis available for the uphill ride. There are also regional buses from cities like Catania, Palermo, and Caltanissetta.

Frequent buses run to Palermo (the main cities crossed are Gela, Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina), and Catania (more than 20 times a day), and less frequently to the nearby towns and to many other destinations in all Sicily. Although it's very close there are only 2 buses or so a day to Caltanissetta. The main bus station is 10 minutes walk from the center of Enna Alta, but more buses run from Enna Bassa (146 bus lines are available here), because university is placed there. However, these 2 terminal buses are strongly connected, and you may get one from the other thanks to many buses which run every few minutes. The local bus company, SAIS Autolinee S.p.A, which runs all urban and intercity buses in Enna, also provides some buses a week to get Rome, Toscana, or other regions in central Italy and in southern Europe.

Several trains a day run to Palermo, Catania, Caltanissetta and Agrigento. However, the railway station is 5 km away well below Enna, with only hourly buses into the centre.

From Palermo, Siracusa and Aeolian Islands with Amphibious aircraft you can reach Enna Water Aerodrome at the Nicoletti Lake.

• The nearest airport is in Catania (CTA ^IATA) at 82 km.
• Palermo airport (PMO ^IATA) is 162 km away.
• Ragusa Comiso Airport (CIY ^IATA) is 107 km away. Air Malta flies here from Malta, Brussels Airlines flies seasonally from Brussels, and Ryanair flies from Charleroi, Hahn, Milan-Malpensa, and Pisa.

There are 6 urban bus lines for getting around the city. One is between western and eastern parts of Enna Alta, crossing the city centre, other 4 are between Enna Alta and Enna Bassa, the last one is to Pergusa. City centre is not so large, and you can easy go on foot, so that you will better appreciate the beauties of the old, charming streets which compose it. Not many tourists use the car to get around, because traffic is heavy and finding a free parking may be hard during hours when offices and shops close.

• 37.56753414.28871 Castello di Lombardia (Lombardy Castle). One of Sicily's most impressive medieval fortresses, originally built by the Sicanians and later expanded by Frederick II. It once had 20 towers—six survive today, including the well-preserved Torre Pisana. The site includes courtyards, a theater, and ruins of royal apartments. Offers sweeping views over the countryside. 

• 37.5671214.282622 Duomo di Enna (Enna Cathedral). Founded in the 14th century by Queen Eleanor of Anjou and later renovated in Baroque style. Inside are Corinthian columns, Renaissance and Baroque artworks, and paintings by Borremans and Paladini. Its treasury is housed in the adjacent Alessi Museum. 

• 37.5665114.283093 Palazzo Varisano – Museo Archeologico Regionale (Regional Archaeological Museum). Housed in a historic palace, this museum displays artifacts from the Copper Age to late antiquity, found throughout the Enna province. A must-visit for anyone interested in Sicily's ancient past. 

• 37.5629614.273694 Torre di Federico (Tower of Frederick II). An octagonal tower attributed to Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. Likely used as a summer residence, it sits atop a green hill and was once part of a larger fortress destroyed during the Arab conquest. Two vaulted floors remain accessible. 

• 37.564514.2785 Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi (Church of Saint Francis). Located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, this church is notable for its Gothic architecture and 15th-century campanile. The adjacent former monastery now houses the municipal library. 

• 37.5668214.278966 Campanile di San Giovanni (Belltower of San Giovanni). The only surviving part of the old Church of San Giovanni, featuring elegant pointed arches, decorative archivolts, and a three-light mullioned window in Catalan style. 

• 37.5690314.275877 Biblioteca Comunale di Enna (Municipal Library). Located in the former Church of San Francesco. The building retains a 15th-century bell tower and houses a collection of historical texts. Inside is a notable painted wooden cross from the same era. 

• 37.5660114.275698 Chiesa di San Tommaso (Church of Saint Thomas). A small but elegant church with a 15th-century three-tiered bell tower and arched windows. Inside are frescoes by Borremans and a marble icon attributed to Giuliano Mancino. 

• 37.5598614.279399 Porta Janniscuru (Janniscuru Gate). The last surviving gate from Enna’s ancient city walls. This 17th-century Roman arch stands near Fundrisi, an old quarter where nearby grottoes were once used as prehistoric burial chambers. 

• Stroll through Belvedere Francesco Crispi – This elegant, pedestrian-only square offers a peaceful atmosphere with a historic fountain at its center. It’s one of the best spots for panoramic views across central Sicily.
• Climb the Torre Pisana – Located inside Lombardy Castle, this tower offers spectacular 360° views across two-thirds of Sicily. On clear days, you can see from the Ionian Sea to the south coast and across the rolling hills to the north and west.
• Watch the sunset from the Monte Quarter – Head to Via dello Stadio, near the municipal stadium, for Enna’s famed sunset. The sky often turns vibrant shades of red and gold above the surrounding hills—an unforgettable local experience.

• Coffee or gelato at Café Marro – Overlooking both Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Belvedere, this stylish café is ideal for a relaxing break. Its glass-covered outdoor seating area provides great views and a peaceful ambiance.

Enna hosts some of Sicily’s most atmospheric and deeply rooted religious festivals. If you’re visiting during one of these, you’re in for a unique cultural experience:

• Holy Week (Settimana Santa) – Easter week in Enna is among the most important and solemn in Sicily. On Good Friday, thousands of hooded confraternity members walk in a long, silent procession through the historic center, creating a moving and almost surreal atmosphere.

• Feast of the Most Holy Mary of the Visitation (July 2) – Enna’s patron saint, Maria SS. della Visitazione, is honored with a major procession. Barefoot members of the brotherhood carry a golden “ship” bearing the statue of the Madonna through the streets to the Church of Montesalvo, where it remains on display for two weeks.

• Signuruzzu du Lacu (Lord of the Lake) – Held in early May at Lake Pergusa, this festival features the blessing of the lake, fireworks, and theatrical or musical performances.

• Feast of the Madonna of Valverde (last Sunday of August) – Once Enna’s main patron saint, the Madonna of Valverde is celebrated with processions, lights, fireworks, and concerts, echoing the city’s July 2 festivities.

• Feast of the Madonna dei Carusi (first Sunday of September) – Dedicated to young mine workers, this heartfelt event includes a children’s singing festival, fireworks, and a traditional procession from Sant’Agostino Square.

• Feast of the Holy Crucifix of Papardura (September 13–14) – Held at the hilltop Santuario di Papardura, this festival includes the blessing with a relic of the Holy Cross, tasting of traditional cudduredde (local sweets), and a street fair in Piazza Europa.

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) – Features a touching procession of the Virgin’s statue to the local prison, where inmates greet the figure, followed by fireworks at Belvedere Marconi.

Enna is not known for major shopping streets, but the historic center has several small shops selling local crafts, religious souvenirs, and regional food products. Look out for traditional Sicilian ceramics, handmade lace, and locally produced olive oil, wines, and sweets. On market days, especially in Piazza Europa or nearby squares, you may find vendors selling seasonal produce, cheeses, and cured meats typical of the inland Sicilian hills.

Enna offers a variety of places to try hearty Sicilian mountain cuisine, rich in meats, cheeses, wild herbs, and homemade pasta. Dishes often include pork, lamb, and legumes, reflecting the area’s rural traditions.

• Ariston – A cozy restaurant and pizzeria housed in a former art gallery just 20 meters from Belvedere Marconi in the heart of the old town. Serves typical Sicilian dishes and very good pizza, with friendly, welcoming service. ☏ +39 0935 26038 (Closed Sundays)

You’ll also find trattorias, bakeries, and family-run eateries throughout the town. Many places serve seasonal specialties, such as wild fennel pasta, roasted pork, and cannoli made with fresh ricotta.

• Café Marro – A popular café on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, ideal for a relaxing coffee, aperitivo, or gelato while enjoying the town’s street life and views toward the Belvedere.
• Wine bars and enotecas – Look for small wine bars in the center offering tastings of local Sicilian reds, especially Nero d’Avola and lesser-known wines from the Enna hills.
• Evening drinks – While nightlife in Enna is low-key, some bars near the main piazzas offer cocktails, craft beer, or live music on weekends.

There are two hotels in Enna:

• Grande Albergo Sicilia (Grande Hotel Sicilia), Piazza Napoleone Colajanni, 7 94100 Enna, ☏ +39 0935 500850, fax: +39 0935 500488, [email protected]. Hotel in centre of town, rooms at back have good views over the town and countryside. TV, fridge, fair sized bathroom, air-conditioning, eating, continental breakfast buffet, Internet Wi-Fi ADSL in room. Single €45, double €65, triple €75. (updated Oct 2019)
• Hotel Bristol, Piazza Ghisleri 13. 

Others are available in the nearby lakeside resort of Pergusa.

• ^{[formerly dead link]} Villa Casablanca (B&B Enna). The B&B Villa Casablanca is set in Enna-Pergusa, near the lake, capital of the province. Elegance and hospitality join the tranquility of the natural reserve of Pergusa and the charm of the lake, an ideal place for pleasant walks by bike or on horseback, jogging, picnics and relaxing moments. 

Frequent buses run to the lakeside resort of Pergusa, which has several hotels.