Nicosia
|
Latest update: 4 March 2024
|
By: Dion Protani
|
|
The hill town of Nicosia is located in the province of Enna in Sicily with a population of around 14,000 residents. Nestled in the heart of Sicily, Nicosia is particularly known for its picturesque medieval architecture, including the iconic Nicosia Castle.
The town boasts a rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists. |
|
Related links
Nicosia: Sicilian fortress hill town
Nicosia, nestled in the heart of Sicily's rugged interior, boasts a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the town's historic center, where ancient churches, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, stand alongside medieval palaces and Baroque architecture.
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming cafes and artisan shops. Discover the town's rich history at the Civic Museum and the Castle of Lombardia, offering insights into Sicily's past. Nearby, the Nebrodi Mountains beckon with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Nicosia offers a tranquil escape into Sicily's timeless charm and allure.
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming cafes and artisan shops. Discover the town's rich history at the Civic Museum and the Castle of Lombardia, offering insights into Sicily's past. Nearby, the Nebrodi Mountains beckon with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Nicosia offers a tranquil escape into Sicily's timeless charm and allure.
Comune di Nicosia
|
Province: Enna
Region: Sicily Population: 12,688 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 218 km² Elevation: 724 metres Close by: Sperlinga, Gangi, Gagliano Castelferrato, Leonforte Recommended accommodation: B&B San Francesco |
What are the most popular activities in Nicosia and the local area?
- Castello di Lombardia: Visit the imposing Castello di Lombardia, a medieval fortress that dominates the skyline of Nicosia. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the castle's ramparts.
- Chiesa Madre di San Michele Arcangelo: Admire the beautiful facade and interior of the Chiesa Madre di San Michele Arcangelo, the main church of Nicosia. Marvel at its Baroque architecture, intricate frescoes, and religious artifacts.
- Museum of Sacred Art: Discover the rich religious heritage of Nicosia at the Museum of Sacred Art (Museo d'Arte Sacra). View a collection of religious paintings, sculptures, and artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages, housed in the former convent of San Benedetto.
- Historic Centre: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming historic center of Nicosia, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares. Admire the architecture, browse local shops, and stop at cafes to sample Sicilian delicacies.
- Monte Campanito: Embark on a hike or scenic drive to Monte Campanito, a nearby mountain offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Madonie mountains and the town of Nicosia below. Explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Day Trips: Explore nearby attractions such as the medieval village of Gangi, the nature reserve of Monte Soprano, or the archaeological site of Morgantina. Take scenic drives through the Madonie mountains to discover hidden villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes.
What are the best restaurants in Nicosia and the local area?
- Ristorante Il Castello: Situated in the heart of Nicosia, Ristorante Il Castello offers a cozy and elegant dining atmosphere. Known for its traditional Sicilian cuisine, the restaurant serves up a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy classics like pasta alla norma, arancini, and grilled swordfish, along with a selection of fine wines.
- Trattoria del Borgo: Located in a charming corner of Nicosia's historic center, Trattoria del Borgo is a family-run restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious food. The menu features a mix of Sicilian specialties and Italian classics, with highlights including homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and hearty meat dishes. Diners can enjoy their meal in the rustic dining room or outside on the quaint terrace.
- Ristorante La Fenice: Nestled in the scenic countryside just outside of Nicosia, Ristorante La Fenice offers a tranquil setting and exquisite cuisine. The restaurant specializes in traditional Sicilian dishes made with a modern twist, using seasonal ingredients from local farms and markets. Guests can dine in the elegant dining room or outside on the terrace, which overlooks the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
- Trattoria da Mario: A favorite among locals, Trattoria da Mario is a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Nicosia. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, the trattoria serves up a variety of Sicilian classics, including pasta alla norma, caponata, and fresh seafood dishes. Diners can enjoy their meal in the welcoming dining room, adorned with vintage photographs and rustic decor.
- Ristorante Il Gattopardo: Set within a historic building in Nicosia's old town, Ristorante Il Gattopardo offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on Sicilian gastronomy. The menu features a selection of traditional dishes made with a modern twist, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. Guests can savor specialties like couscous alla trapanese, involtini di pesce spada, and cassata siciliana, all served in a refined atmosphere reminiscent of Sicily's aristocratic past.
Nicosia Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Nicosia?
- Hotel Villa d'Agri: Hotel Villa d'Agri offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of Nicosia. Guests can stay in well-appointed rooms, enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and explore the town's attractions.
- B&B Casa del Vento: B&B Casa del Vento provides cozy accommodations in Nicosia's historic center. Guests can stay in charming rooms, enjoy a homemade breakfast each morning, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Sicilian hospitality.
- Agriturismo San Cataldo: Agriturismo San Cataldo is located just outside Nicosia, offering tranquil accommodations in a rural setting. Guests can stay in rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with local ingredients, and relax amidst the Sicilian countryside.
- B&B Il Castello: B&B Il Castello is situated near Nicosia's Norman Castle, offering convenient accommodations close to the town center. Guests can stay in comfortable rooms, enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and explore the historic landmarks of Nicosia.
- Agriturismo La Masseria: Agriturismo La Masseria is located in the countryside near Nicosia, offering rustic-chic accommodations surrounded by olive groves. Guests can stay in rooms or apartments, taste homemade products, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sicilian landscape.
What's the closest airport to Nicosia?
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA):
Located approximately 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) southeast of Nicosia, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 135 kilometers (about 84 miles) northwest of Nicosia, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Located approximately 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) southeast of Nicosia, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 135 kilometers (about 84 miles) northwest of Nicosia, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
What's the closest train station to Nicosia?
Enna train station
- Located 40 kilometres from Nicosia (50 minutes by car)
What private transfer options are there for Nicosia?
A private transfer from Catania Airport to Nicosia takes around one hour 25 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Nicosia?
