Some places are so unique they seem to belong to another world: the small Sicilian village of Centuripe is one of them. Located in the province of Enna, this beautiful town is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Simeto Valley. For this reason, Giuseppe Garibaldi even referred to it as the "balcony of Sicily." But that's not the only distinctive feature: from above, the town has a truly unique shape - like a star. So, here’s what to see in Centuripe and why you should visit.
What Centuripe is famous for
One of its distinctive features is the unique shape of its town centre, which resembles a star or a figure lying down, especially visible from above. It appears to have a head, two arms, and two legs.
But it’s not just this particularity that makes Centuripe famous. In ancient times, it was one of the most important cities in Sicily, particularly around the 4th century BC, when it was under the control of Syracuse and, later, the Romans.
The village is also renowned for its archaeological findings, which testify to Centuripe’s historical significance in antiquity. Among these are the Roman baths and the collection at the Regional Archaeological Museum, where valuable artefacts are preserved, telling the millennia-long history of the area.
What does its name mean?
The name of Centuripe is very old and means "hundred cliffs," perhaps referring to its position on a promontory surrounded by three rivers. This is probably one of the reasons why the city has always been so prosperous throughout the centuries. In modern times, the town began to be called Centorbi, but it was only after the Unification of Italy that the original name, Centuripe, was reinstated. The town is also referred to as Cintorbi or Cintuorbi in Sicilian.
What to see in Centuripe
Centuripe is a destination rich in attractions that are worth visiting. In particular, you should include the following in your itinerary:
- Regional Archaeological Museum: This museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts that tell the millennia-long history of Centuripe, including ceramics, sculptures, and other ancient items.
- Roman Nymphaeum: An archaeological site of great importance, the baths included several areas such as the calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium.
- Corradino Castle: Built by Corrado of Swabia, only the ruins remain today.
- Church of the Immaculate Conception: Located in the heart of the town, it has a beautiful baroque-style façade.
- Historic Centre: Wander through the streets of the historic centre to enjoy the village’s atmosphere and panoramic views.
How to get to Centuripe?
Although it is located in the heart of Sicily, getting to Centuripe is not particularly difficult, especially if you have access to a private vehicle.
- If you choose to travel by car, Centuripe is well connected via the road network. From the city of Catania, take the A19 motorway towards Palermo and then exit at Catenanuova, following the signs to Centuripe. For those coming from Palermo, the route is the reverse, but the journey may take around three hours.
- For those who prefer public transport, buses are a good alternative. Several companies offer daily connections from Catenanuova, where you can catch buses from Catania.
Other towns with unique shapes not to be missed in Italy
Centuripe has a completely unique and inimitable shape, but there are other towns worth visiting for their distinctive layout. For purely geographical reasons or architectural intent, some villages manage to attract the attention of the most curious:
- One of these is Locorotondo, overlooking the Valle d'Itria. This white-washed town sits on a small hill and has an almost perfectly circular and concentric shape.
- Another example is Palmanova, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, famous for its star-shaped layout, built in the 16th century.
- Also in Sicily, there is Grammichele, a town founded in 1693. Among the towns with geometric shapes, it resembles a hexagon when viewed from above.
Living in Centuripe
This very unique city is also an excellent place to consider moving to. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and all the tranquillity you could possibly need. In addition to its cultural heritage, Centuripe also offers an extraordinary natural environment.
Its elevated position not only ensures stunning views but also provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Finally, living in Centuripe means enjoying authentic and delicious cuisine. Less than an hour from Catania, take a look at the latest listings for houses for sale or holiday homes in the village:
Cherry blossoms in Italy 2025: the best places to visit
Cherry blossoms, known as "fiori di ciliegio" in Italian, are admired for their beauty and symbolism in Italy. While Italy may not be as famous for its cherry blossoms as countries like Japan, there are still several regions where these delicate flowers bloom, offering stunning displays during the springtime.
The 3 best natural spas in Valle d'Aosta, Italy
Valle d'Aosta in Italy is one of the most captivating destinations for those seeking a rejuvenating spa experience. Surrounded by natural beauty and thermal springs, the region encircled by the Alps offers more than one option for those looking to relax and recharge. Discover some of the best and most famous spas in Valle d'Aosta, where you can soak in a hot bath while touching the snow with your hands.
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
Venice Carnival 2025: all the traditions and the full programme
The Venice Carnival is one of the most iconic and renowned events in the world. With its traditional masks, lavish costumes, and a unique atmosphere that captivates the entire city, it is one of the most beautiful carnival celebrations in the world. If you want to take part this year, here’s everything you need to know about the Venice Carnival 2025 and how to plan your visit.
Carnival in Italy 2025: the best and most famous places to celebrate
Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. As its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, Carnival varies each year but typically falls in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2025? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the last 2 weeks of February and in some cases in March as well.
Valentine's Day in Italy, Spain and Portugal: history and traditions
The countdown is on for Valentine's day 2025, celebrated all over the world on 14th February, and we're getting in the mood for the most romantic day of the year.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.