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Three towns in Enna province
SPERLINGA
 Not to be confused with Sperlonga in Lazio, Sperlinga is famous for the engraving "Quod Siculis placuit sola Sperlinga negavit" which translated means "Sperlinga alone refused what pleased the Sicilians". In other words, it did what it liked due to its reputation as being one of the most formidable fortresses in Europe.
Below the castle is the main town all dug out from the rock where the inhabitants once lived, effectively in caves. Today, these rooms hold artefacts from the past such as old looms, beds, shoes and other items used by this pastoral community.
NICOSIA
The town is perched on the lower slopes of the Nebrodi range of hills. Once known as the town of the 24 barons, the centre is dominated by the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which guards a number of art treasures behind its magnificent baroque entrance. These include the 16th century "cona" throne by Antonello Gagini and once used by Charles V.
The church of the Santissimo Salvatore is pictured and is located on the edge of a sandstone precipice. For a panoramic view of the whole area, this is it.
AGIRA
The Norman castle dominates the town of Agira and offers a 360° view of the entire province of Enna including the plain of Catania, the high peaks of the Nebrodi, the Erei and the distant Madonie Mountains.
It was in Agira that Diodoro Siculo first drew up a history of the world and where St. Philip the Syrian fought the devil. Hercules also completed one of his famous tasks here by drying up a small lake at the foot of the town. Recent history eventually caught up with Agira with the building of beautiful churches such as San Filippo, Santa Margherita, San Antonio of Padua, Most Holy Saviour and Santa Maria Maggiore. |
