Page 133 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

SOUTHWESTERN SICIL Y  131

and the mines are closed to
the public, but now work is
under way to turn this yellow-
stained land into a mining park.
Extraction reached its height
during the 19th century – when
Palazzo Pennisi, the residence of
the mine owners, was built.
Environs
About 5 km (3 miles) along the
main road to Enna is the site of
the ancient city of Sabucina,
where you can see a prehistoric
village and cave tombs dating
from the 12th–10th centuries BC.
The city became a Greek colony,
but subsequently declined and
was later abandoned. The imposing Castello di Lombardia, one of Sicily’s largest castles
T Sabucina only in 1087. From that time it museum to feature Sicilian art.
Tel 0934-566 982. Open by appoint- was repeatedly fortified around The collection showcases
ment only. the strongholds of Castello di important works of art by
Lombardia and Castello Vecchio Sicilian painters, such as Antonello
(present-day Torre di Federico). da Messina, Caravaggio and
p Enna The defensive walls, no longer Filippo Paladini, through a
visible, were the basis of the virtual display. This exhibition
Road map D3. * 30,000. V from
Catania and Palermo (0935-500 91 10). town’s plan, while all the is accompanied by music com-
n STR Piazza Colajanni 6 (0935-500 principal sites of religious and posed by Sebastian Occhino, a
875); Proloco (340-148 26 41). civic power were constructed famous contemporary musician
∑ culturasicilia.it on what is now Via Roma. and composer from Enna.
Because of its altitude, Enna Nearby, the Museo
A mountain town – at 931 m has a climate unique in the inte- Archeologico has a fine display
(3,054 ft) the highest provincial rior of Sicily and even in summer of prehistoric, Greek and Roman
capital in Italy – in antiquity the temperature is pleasant. The archaeological items found in
Enna was first Greek, then town’s exceptional position the town, in the area around
Carthaginian and finally Roman. means splendid views. Going and near Lake Pergusa. But
It remained a Byzantine up Via Roma, you first come to the pride and joy of Enna are
stronghold even after the Arab Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, site of its fortresses. The Castello
conquest of Palermo, and was San Francesco d’Assisi, the only di Lombardia, built by the
then conquered by general original part of which is the Hohenstaufens and altered in
Al-Abbas Ibn Fadhl in 859 and fine 15th-century bell tower. In the Aragónese era, is one of the
was wrested from the Muslims Piazza Colajanni you will see the grandest in Sicily. A tour here
façade of Palazzo Pollicarini, includes the three courtyards,
which has many Catalan Gothic the Torre Pisana and the Rocca
features on the side next to the di Cerere. In the public gardens
stairway, as well as the former is the octagonal Torre di
church of Santa Chiara. Federico II, the only remaining
In 1307 Eleonora, wife of part of the original defences.
Frederick II of Aragón, founded
the Cathedral of Enna. The E Museo Musical Art 3M
building was destroyed by fire in Via Roma 533. Tel 338-502 33 61 or
the mid-1400s and subsequently 339 200 24 63. Open 9am–1pm,
rebuilt. A fine 16th-century 3–7pm daily. Closed Mon. &
doorway – with a bas-relief E Museo Archeologico
depicting St Martin and the Tel 0935-507 63 19. Open 9am–1 hr
Beggar – leads to the Latin cross before sunset. &
interior with two aisles. The
Cathedral is richly decorated + Castello di Lombardia
with an assortment of statues Tel 0935-500 875 (STR).
and paintings. Open 8am–8pm.
In the historic town centre + Torre di Federico II
Enna Cathedral, built in the 15th century is the Museo Musical Art 3M, Open 8am–6pm Mon–Sat, 9am–1pm
and rebuilt after a fire which is the first multimedia Sun & public hols.

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