Agira: the Sicilian village facing Mount Etna

Perched on a hill in the Enna hinterland, Agira overlooks the Salso Valley with its gaze turned toward Mount Etna. This millenary village is among the most evocative in central Sicily, and one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Agira, one of the oldest Sicilian settlements, probably takes its name from the tyrant Agyris, who ruled it in 339 BC. Human presence dates back to the Upper Paleolithic, around 15,000 years ago, with settlements at the foot of Mount Teja. The historian Diodorus Siculus, born in Agira in the 1st century BC, recounted its history, attesting to its existence even before the destruction of Troy. In the 5th century, Agira minted bronze coins and, in Roman times, it was known as Argyrium. During the Byzantine era, it became an important Christian center thanks to the monk Philip, whose monastery was among the most influential in Sicily.

What to see in Agira

The Castle of Agira, built on a Saracen fortress and renovated in the Swabian period, dominates Mount Teja at 824 meters, offering spectacular views toward the coast of Catania and the mountain ranges of Etna, Nebrodi, and Madonie. It played a central role in the struggles between the Angevins, Aragonese, and Chiaramontani.

The Church of the Holy Savior, located in the original nucleus of Agira beneath the castle, features Norman and Baroque elements, with a stone Aron Ha Qodesh, a rare example of a Jewish sacred cabinet from 1454, now preserved inside.

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, dating back to the 12th century, preserves a Norman altar and a 15th-century wooden cross depicting Christ crucified and resurrected. The Santa Maria district is the oldest in the town and offers breathtaking views of Etna, the Nebrodi, and Lake Pozzillo.

Other important churches include Sant’Antonio Abate (1505), San Giuseppe (1285), Santa Margherita (rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake), San Pietro Apostolo (between 1584 and 1620), Sant’Agostino (1512), and Sant’Antonio di Padova (1505), each with rich furnishings and works of art.

The Arab Quarter, with its typical urban fabric, preserves traces of the ancient mosque. The Royal Abbey of San Filippo houses precious artifacts and a historical archive from the 12th to the 19th century. The Cave of San Filippo, a Roman hypogeum transformed into a place of worship, is tied to popular tradition.

Finally, the Canadian War Cemetery commemorates the 490 soldiers who fell in the 1943 battle, a symbol of memory and brotherhood honored every summer in Agira.

Events, culture, and traditions

The Sagra della Cassatella takes place on the third weekend of November, celebrating the typical Agira pastry with tastings, shows, and family activities. On January 5, the traditional event A Bread for Life promotes solidarity with local dishes whose proceeds go to UNICEF, accompanied by the Bersaglieri Fanfare. On January 11, the Feast of Thanksgiving and Patronage of Saint Philip of Agira is celebrated with a solemn Eucharist, procession, and the kissing of the relic, commemorating the saint’s protection during the 1693 earthquake.

In February, Carnival is held with parades and masked dances. In March, the Motor Expo showcases vintage vehicles, attracting enthusiasts from all over Sicily. Between March and April, Easter celebrations take place with processions and the reenactment of the living Passio. On May 12, the patronal feast of Saint Philip is celebrated, deeply felt in Sicily and Malta.

During the summer, in July and December, Walking Through Our History takes place in the Arab Quarter, with nativity scenes and local folklore. On December 24, the living nativity of Agira is staged, a suggestive performance through the streets of the medieval village. In August, the Summer Carnival is held, while in July and August concerts with national artists are organized.

What to see around Agira

The strategic position of Agira allows for fascinating excursions in the surrounding area. Just a few kilometers away lies Lake Pozzillo, an artificial basin nestled among the Erei mountains, ideal for walks and birdwatching. Nature lovers can explore the Nebrodi Mountains and the Rossomanno Grottascura Bellia Nature Reserve, rich in endemic flora and trails immersed in the silence of the woods.

Agira is a place where past and present intertwine in harmony. A village that surprises with its millenary identity, the warmth of its people, and landscapes that tell the story of the most authentic Sicily.

Cover photo: FAI