Calascibetta

Calascibetta is an ancient and charming Arab village.

The name Calascibetta derives from the Arab word “q’alat shibet” which means “the castle on the top of the mountain”. Normans conquered the island in 1062 and later they colonised the village building the current downtown centre.

The most important monuments of the village are:

The Mother Church, dedicated to Santa Maria Maggiore, was built on the ruins of the Arab Castle of Marco. It has three naves and has a very charming Catalan style;

The Church of San Pietro, located on Mount Tibet, has five naves and impressive columns made with the local stone “di cutu”;

The Church of Maria SS del Monte Carmelo is a well preserved example of medieval church;

The Necropolis of Coniglio, discovered in 1950; The Necropolis of Realmese, considered the second Necropolis of Pantalica, is a well preserved archaeological site where visitors can discover important findings dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC;

The Necropolis of Canalotto is an archaeological site dating back to the Roman-Bizantine period; the Necropolis of Via Carcere includes some of the most important typical example of rock settlements of the area.

People live here:

4.585

Attractions:

Festa di San Pietro(August), typical holy festivity

Festa della Madonna del Buon Riposo, Palio e Sagra della Salsiccia(September), it is a traditional holy festivity and food festival

How to get there:

By Car:

From Palermo and Catania

Get on A19, exit Enna. Take SS117 bis exit Calascibetta-Leonforte

Accommodations:

Hotel Sicilia 3 *

http://www.hotelsiciliaenna.it/