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- Centuripe looks like a man
- Soak up the Sicilian vibe at Centuripe
Centuripe is a beautiful and forgotten ancient city on the island of Sicily. It is an ancient settlement with a history dating back to at least the 5th century BC. Centuripe contrasts sharply with the capital and largest city of Sicily, Palermo. Palermo is the most popular city in Sicily and a place that attracts tourists (including many cruise ships) from all over.
One of Centuripe’s most intriguing attributes is that, seen from above, he looks like a man. But although it’s hard to see from below, there are plenty of old Roman ruins to see and experience in the city. Italy is, without a doubt, one of the best places to find the most impressive ancient Roman ruins.
Roman ruins of Centuripe
Roman Centuripe occupied an important road in Sicily. Today, Centuripe may be off the beaten track, but it has a rich Roman history. There are still many remains of the Roman city, as well as beautiful Hellenistic terracottas that predate the Romans.
Most of the impressive Roman ruins are located in the eastern part of the city (among these, Corradino Castle – a Roman mausoleum – is one of the most impressive). Look around the “castle”, and you will find the remains of the Forum.
One of the attractions is Conradin Castle – a Roman mausoleum from the Imperial era. Some ancient ruins in the city are:
- Amara Water Zone: The thermal remains of the Hellenistic-Roman era
- Sorgiva Bagni: Remains of the Roman baths
- Bagni district: ancient greek necropolis
- Neighborhood Casino: An Iron Age necropolis
- Corradino Castle: An impressive Roman mausoleum
- Mulino Barbagallo: A monumental complex with marble statues of Augustus and others
Other ancient necropolises include the district of Cub in Muglia, the district of Piano Pozzi, the district of Biliuzzo, the hamlet of Carcaci, Vallone Gelso (from the 8th century BC to the Hellenistic period) and Piano Capitano. There are many other Roman ruins, including ancient cities, ancient ovens, ancient gymnasiums, and ancient cisterns.
One of the most curious ruins is that of a ruined Roman bridge. The bridge had been lost for centuries because the river had been diverted. The bridge was probably built in the second century between 108 and 112 AD.
Finally, take time to visit the Regional Archaeological Museum of Centuripe, which houses the largest collection of Roman finds in central Sicily.
Centuripe looks like a man
If you go to Centuripe, be sure to take a drone (if local regulations allow it). The view from above is very striking, with the city laid out in the shape of a “starfish”. This gives Centuripe the appearance of a man with outstretched arms and legs.
- Population: 5,400
- Location: Enna, Sicily
Centuripe has become something of an Instagram sensation for her truly remarkable shape and appearance.
Centuripe spreads over the crests of several hills. One way to see the peculiar shape of the city is to fly a drone over it (provided it’s legal). Another way is to look for a scenic flight or even a charter flight.
Centuripe also has caves containing sulfur and saline minerals, as well as water springs.
Soak up the Sicilian vibe at Centuripe
One of the main reasons why we should visit this spectacular non-touristy city – is precisely because it is spectacular and not touristy. Here, one can see the breathtaking beauty of the ancient Sicilian cities inside the island of Sicily mixed with the ruins of the Roman and Greek times that preceded it.
Sicily is a place where one of the most important ways to really see and explore is to relax. Just find an Airbnb or some other place to, say, go downtown and drink beer or Aperol Spritz on the street and soak up the atmosphere. Order a real Italian pizza or taste Italian pasta and find out why so many people fall in love with Sicily.
- Aperol Spritz: Perhaps the most popular Italian summer drink
Southern Italy may be relatively chaotic and not always meaningful to the visitor, but it is also full of life, character and charm.
Presented on ridge lines, the city is already spectacular. It’s the perfect mix of attributes to enjoy the setting and culture of southern Italy.
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