Pergusa between the lake, nature and motor racing

Lake, landscape and unique natural features

Pergusa represents an unusual combination of a lake landscape, nature observation and culture. Lago di Pergusa is Sicily's only natural lake and has brackish water. A phenomenon in which the water turns red occurs there regularly; this is connected with the strong growth of colored sulfur bacteria. Around the lake, you will therefore encounter not only impressive landscapes but also a remarkable natural phenomenon.

Exploring on foot and by bicycle

The Riva dei Giunchi path allows you to walk a large part of the route around Lago di Pergusa. Along the same path, birdwatching enthusiasts can observe the avifauna without disturbing it. Bicycles can be rented at the Pergusa Visitor Center. Nature-focused guided tours for excursions throughout the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark can also be booked there. This means that the lake offers various ways to explore the area slowly and observantly.

Motor racing by the lake

The Autodromo di Pergusa was built in 1951. Its track runs along the shore of a lake and has hosted numerous national and international events ever since. During car and motorcycle races on the Enna racetrack, the Montagnola was used for many years as a natural grandstand for spectators. This motor-racing history forms a clear contrast to the quieter landscape around Lago di Pergusa and adds a sporting-historical dimension to the character of the area.

Myth, archaeology and historic sites

The urban park Parco Proserpina in Pergusa is dedicated to the deity whose myth is closely connected with Lago di Pergusa. The lake is associated with the possible abduction of Proserpina by the god of the underworld. In the area around Pergusa, Cozzo Matrice preserves the remains of an extensive sanctuary dedicated to chthonic deities, as well as natural caves that were believed in antiquity to be entrances to the underworld.

Villa Zagaria also leads into another historical era: it is an 18th-century hunting villa associated with the Barons Grimaldi di Geracello. The property complex is managed for tourist and educational purposes and to protect the distinctive features of Pergusa's habitat. An application form is available for visits to Villa Zagaria.

Agricultural landscapes in the Enna area

Other landscapes include Piano dei Mondelli. After being drained, the area became agricultural land and has traditionally been cultivated in rotation with wheat and legumes. At certain times of year, red poppies and golden grain fields appear there as part of the landscape of the Enna area. If you choose your accommodation according to the focus of your stay, the lake, nature observation, paths, myth, historic sites or motor racing can shape your travel itinerary.

More places for your travel planning: Valguarnera Caropepe, Barrafranca, Centuripe, Agira, Gagliano Castelferrato, Regalbuto, Pietraperzia and Troina.

To the main travel overview: Enna.