Enna (province) Voyage Tips and guide

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Enna is a former province in Sicily, Italy, named after the medieval hilltop town of Enna. Of importance are Piazza Armerina with the Villa Romana del Casale and its magnificent mosaics, Aidone with the archaeological site of Morgantina and Centuripe, which is also important due to ancient finds.

37°34′14″N 14°28′33″E

Map of Enna (province)

• 37.56333314.2761111 Enna (Castrugiuvanni) — medieval town on the top of a mountain, in the middle of Sicily
• 37.38333314.3666672 Piazza Armerina (Chiazza) — Roman Villa del Casale with fantastic mosaics (World Heritage)
• 37.6514.5166673 Agira (Aggira) — this village isn't quite popular among tourists, but well worth visiting while you in the region
• 37.52583314.3069444 Pergusa — a village at the shores of the only natural lake on the island

In 2015, the Province of Enna was replaced by the free municipal consortium of Enna.

The climate varies between mountain and Mediterranean (for temperatures). The territory is among the least humid in Sicily.

Winter is generally characterized by rigid temperatures in the high altitude municipalities but which rarely fall below zero. Snow characterizes the centers of the northern area (especially Troina) and sometimes also Enna. In the mountains, snowfall is frequent and abundant. Part of the rainfall is concentrated in this season.

Spring and autumn are the green seasons with moderate rainfall; the extensive hilly reliefs are coloured with the green of the extensive wheat fields. Summer is often characterized by drought with dry heat. Temperatures are generally high (around 30 °C).

The A 19 highway cuts the territory in half, passing between Enna and Calascibetta.

The territory is crossed by the Catania - Palermo line and the most important station is Enna.

Enna province lies in the heart of Sicily and offers a rich archaeological landscape, from prehistoric sites to grand Roman villas and ancient Greek cities. These often lie in quiet, rural settings far from the coast.

• Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina) — One of the most significant Roman villa complexes in the world, famous for its well-preserved mosaics depicting hunting scenes, mythological figures, and everyday life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Morgantina (Aidone) — Extensive archaeological site of an ancient Greek city. The finds from this site are displayed in museums worldwide, but many key pieces are housed locally at the Archaeological Museum of Aidone.
• Riparo Cassataro (Centuripe) — Prehistoric rock shelter with red ochre carvings depicting human and animal figures. Notable for its ritual or symbolic significance.
• Calanchi del Cannizzola (Centuripe) — A dramatic, barren landscape of eroded clay hills. Featured in films such as The Gospel According to Matthew and The Bible.
• Tornambè - Cuddaru du Crastu (Pietraperzia) — Believed to be the site of the ancient Sican city of Krastos. Includes prehistoric remains and megalithic structures.
• Sican Pyramid / Cerumbelle Pyramid (Pietraperzia) — A stepped, 12-metre-high stone structure thought to date back to the Neolithic and possibly linked to solar worship. Nearby are carved stone features such as a stone "sofa."
• Former Sulphur Mines (Enna area) — Scattered industrial archaeological sites from the region's once-important sulphur mining industry, now abandoned but historically significant.

Enna province showcases a mix of Norman, medieval, and early modern architecture, often perched dramatically on hills or cliffs.

• Castello di Lombardia (Enna) — The largest castle in Sicily, originally with 20 towers; six remain, including Torre Pisana, which offers panoramic views of the island's interior.
• Troina — The oldest Norman stronghold in Sicily, with medieval buildings, winding alleys, and the 11th-century Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta.
• Cerami — Features the Norman-era Cicerone Bridge and remains of medieval fortifications.
• Piazza Armerina — In addition to its Roman villa, the town has a charming medieval centre, the Duomo, and Aragonese Castle.

Borghi are historic small towns and villages — often medieval, always full of character — and many are officially listed among Italy’s most picturesque places. Enna province's hill towns are known for their authenticity and sweeping views.

• Piazza Armerina — Best known for the Roman villa nearby, the town itself has a Baroque heart, cobbled lanes, and grand churches.
• Troina — A highland town with deep Norman roots and well-preserved medieval architecture. Listed among I Borghi più belli d’Italia.
• Centuripe — Terraced across a ridge with panoramic views of Mount Etna; known for archaeological finds and local ceramics.
• Pietraperzia — Home to ancient sites and folklore-rich traditions, including the "Lu Signuri di li fasci" Easter ritual.

• Museo Archeologico di Aidone (Aidone) — Hosts artefacts from Morgantina, including the famous Venus of Morgantina, Acroliths, and Hellenistic silver.
• Museo della Civiltà Mineraria (Enna) — Dedicated to the region’s sulphur mining history, with tools, machinery, and miner testimonies.
• Museo Diocesano (Piazza Armerina) — Religious art, sculptures, and items from the cathedral and local churches.
• Museo Alessi (Enna) — Archaeological and numismatic collections, medieval artefacts, and religious art housed within a Benedictine complex.

Though Enna province is known for its rugged hills and archaeological treasures, its towns and cities also offer small but meaningful urban parks and garden spaces. These greenspaces provide scenic views, cultural landmarks, and moments of quiet in otherwise historic settings.

• Villa Farina (Enna) — A tree-shaded urban park located near the historic centre, Villa Farina offers benches, children’s play areas, and wide views over the surrounding countryside. A popular spot for locals to relax during cooler hours of the day.
• Belvedere Marconi (Enna) — While not a park in the traditional sense, this scenic promenade serves as an informal green retreat, with ornamental plantings, benches, and sweeping vistas over central Sicily. Especially lively during local festivals.
• Villa Garibaldi (Piazza Armerina) — A central public park filled with pine and palm trees, walking paths, and shaded benches. It’s often used for concerts and civic events, and sits just a short walk from the town’s historic Baroque buildings.
• Villa Comunale (Leonforte) — A tranquil 19th-century garden with mature trees, fountains, and quiet corners for reading or conversation. Located in the heart of the town, it’s popular with families and older residents.

Enna offers quiet, panoramic hiking experiences across central Sicily's highlands. While less frequented than coastal routes, this area is ideal for those seeking solitude, cultural landscapes, and soft adventure.

• Riserva Naturale di Monte Altesina – Located near Nicosia, this forested hill (1,192 m) offers trails through oak and cork woods, with sweeping views across central Sicily. The reserve includes archaeological remains and is rich in flora and birdlife. Waymarked paths loop around the summit.
• Riserva di Monte Capodarso e Valle dell’Imera Meridionale – Shared with Caltanissetta province, this scenic reserve near Enna follows the Imera River through a canyon landscape. Hiking trails pass old railway bridges, sulfur mines, and wide views across the valley. Popular with nature lovers and photographers.
• Pergusa Lake Nature Trail – This small, circular lake near Enna is surrounded by a walking path and nature reserve. It’s an easy, flat route ideal for birdwatching or jogging. In myth, it's where Hades abducted Persephone — there's also a nearby archaeological zone and the ruins of Cozzo Matrice.
• Via dei Frati – A long-distance pilgrimage route that crosses the Madonie Mountains and passes through parts of northern Enna province. This trail blends natural beauty with visits to hermitages, rural chapels, and hill towns. Typically done in multi-day stages, with local accommodation options.
• Rural walks around Piazza Armerina – Trails near this historic town lead through wooded hills, pastures, and olive groves, with occasional views of Roman aqueducts and countryside ruins. Some informal paths connect to the Villa Romana del Casale.

Hiking in Enna is generally quiet and uncrowded, but trails can be under-maintained. Carry offline maps or GPS tools and avoid hiking in the midday summer heat.

Enna province is ideal for cyclists looking to explore the quiet interior of Sicily. With rolling hills, panoramic ridges, and hilltop towns, it offers rewarding rides through landscapes shaped by agriculture, history, and altitude.

• SP75 Agira route – This panoramic country road, starting near the Sicilia Outlet Village and heading toward Agira, is officially closed to car traffic due to landslides — but remains open and popular among local cyclists. The surface is rideable, the route is quiet, and the countryside views are spectacular. The climb involves a 300 m elevation gain, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.
• Enna to Calascibetta loop – A short but scenic loop connecting two historic hill towns via ridgelines with expansive views. Low traffic and wide vistas make it ideal for a morning ride.
• Pergusa Lake circuit – A flat loop around Lago di Pergusa, Sicily’s only natural lake. This easy ride is good for beginners and e-bikers and offers archaeological interest along with birdlife.
• Piazza Armerina countryside – Quiet rural roads wind through olive groves and farmland, with occasional views of Roman aqueducts. Cyclists can also connect to the Villa Romana del Casale area, though bike access to the archaeological site is limited.
• Northern hill routes toward Troina and Gagliano – For more advanced riders, longer climbs north of Enna reach into the Nebrodi foothills. These are suitable for gravel or touring bikes and offer quiet, open landscapes.

Bike rentals are rare in this inland province, so it’s best to bring your own or arrange through a larger city. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for cycling here, with milder temperatures and green hills.

Enna province may sit in Sicily’s heart, but it offers unexpected adventure experiences that connect you with its rugged terrain and volcanic past.

• Volcanic Quad Tours – Join a guided mini-quad tour across black volcanic sand and lava fields. These 1–2 hour excursions wind over rough, eruptive terrain, offering a thrilling way to experience Enna’s dramatic geology.
• Kayak or SUP on Lago Pergusa – Paddle across this serene upland lake treated as a nature reserve, framed by panoramic ridges and birdlife. While rentals aren’t always guaranteed, local operators sometimes offer guided tours on watercraft.
• Horse Riding on the Plain of Enna – Explore gentle countryside paths around Enna and Pergusa with family-friendly riding tours. These tours often include scenic loops through olive groves and low hills.
• Pozzillo Adventure Park (Parco Avventura Pozzillo) – Situated beside Lake Pozzillo, Sicily’s largest artificial reservoir near Regalbuto, this park offers 12 treetop courses (including the longest zip-line on the island), rope bridges, ladders, swings, and platforms across eucalyptus woodland. With separate circuits for children (ages 3+) and adults, it's a top choice for family-friendly thrills. Open spring–autumn; book in advance.

These activities run mainly from spring through autumn. Quad tours and riding may require minimum group sizes or booking in advance. Lago Pergusa experiences depend on operator availability and weather conditions.

Enna offers wellness in a quieter, countryside setting — where volcanic lakes, open skies, and peaceful trails invite relaxation and light activity.

• Pozzillo Adventure & Relax Park (Regalbuto) – Located beside Lake Pozzillo, this treetop adventure park also provides relaxing lakeside trails and shaded picnic areas. Ideal for combining nature-based movement with downtime in a tranquil setting.
• Lake Pergusa walking & cycling loop – A 4.8 km trail encircles this natural lake south of Enna city. Once a mythic site linked to Persephone, today it's ideal for meditative walks, jogging, and birdwatching. Informal wellness retreats and yoga sessions are occasionally held nearby.
• Rural spa hotels & agriturismi – Country estates around Enna, Pergusa, and Piazza Armerina often offer small wellness facilities including hot tubs, saunas, or massage rooms. Many also offer cooking classes, horseback riding, or outdoor pools with panoramic views.
• City fitness & sports centres – Enna Bassa and surrounding towns have modest gym facilities and tennis courts open to visitors, along with municipal parks suited for yoga or light exercise.

Wellness options here are especially suited to those seeking a slower pace or deeper connection with Sicily’s inland landscapes. Most rural wellness venues operate year-round but require booking in advance.

The province of Enna offers a rich calendar of religious, cultural, and historical events that reflect the area's deep-rooted traditions and communal spirit. From solemn Easter processions and medieval pageantry to rural festivals and lakeside rituals, these celebrations offer visitors a vivid glimpse into the province’s identity throughout the year.

• Holy Week and Marian festivals — The city of Enna is renowned for its solemn Holy Week processions, especially the Good Friday event, when thousands of hooded brothers from local confraternities walk silently through the streets. It's one of the most evocative religious observances in Sicily. Enna also hosts several Marian feasts throughout the year, including the celebrated Feast of the Madonna della Visitazione on July 2, when a gold-adorned statue of the Virgin is carried barefoot through the city by devotees.
• Festivals in Piazza Armerina — This town hosts two of the province’s major events: the Palio dei Normanni (August 12–14), a colourful medieval pageant commemorating the Norman conquest of Sicily with parades, jousts, and pageantry; and the Feast of Maria Santissima delle Vittorie (May 3), honouring the town’s patron saint with processions and religious celebrations.
• Signuruzzu du Lacu (Lake Pergusa, early May) — A lakeside religious and cultural festival celebrating the Lord of the Lake, culminating in a blessing of the waters, fireworks, and music. Held in a natural setting near Enna.
• Autumn festivals and fairs — Rural towns across the province, such as Cerami, Troina, and Pietraperzia, host traditional food festivals, grape harvest celebrations, and religious observances in September and October, often featuring street fairs, music, and local crafts.

Cassatelle di Agira are typical sweets of Enna gastronomy, originating from the town of Agira but widespread not only in the province of Enna, but also in much of eastern Sicily. Cassatelle are crescent-shaped, prepared with shortcrust pastry, soft and golden yellow in color dusted with powdered sugar, with a filling of a mixture of cocoa, chopped almonds, chickpea flour, sugar and dried lemon peel, with the possible addition of cinnamon.