The plateau on which Enna stands is not completely flat. There are three areas that are a bit elevated and gently slope down to the center of the city. Seen from above, the area looks like a triangle. On one tip is an old castle called il Castello di Lombardia (the Castle of Lombardy), which is still accessible, even though a few towers have fallen into ruin. On the other tip is the Franciscan Monastery of Capuchin of Montesalvo, and on the third tip is the cemetery, which lies on a hillock. In the center of the triangle is the Piazza San Francesco (Saint Francis Square) and Belvedere Marconi, the viewpoint of Enna. People stroll in these places in the evenings during the summertime, for the weather is mild and the view from Belvedere Marconi is unique. They can admire the illuminated towns as well as Mount Etna which occasionally releases fiery flashes from its central crater.
The Castle of Lombardy stands in the highest part of the city. It was a military castle. According to some authors, it took its name from the Lombard soldiers who stayed in the fortress during the Norman period. The best-preserved tower is called Pisana Tower. It was built by Frederick II of Swabia and was so named because it was manned by a garrison of soldiers from Pisa.
The Castle of Lombardy was considered impregnable. Later, it was converted first into a prison and then into an open-air theater, called the theater closest to the stars, due to its altitude. In fact, it was situated at an elevation of one thousand meters above sea level. These days, tourists come and visit the castle and climb the steps to the top of the Pisana Tower.
From up there, they can admire valleys, mountain ranges, villages, towns, Lake Pergusa, Mount Etna, and the Tower of Frederick on the other side of the city.
Ettore Grillo author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily
– A Hidden Sicilian History
– The Vibrations of Words
– Travels of the Mind
Ettore Grillo's Blog 