Sant'Anna: Nature, Culture and Regional Discoveries

The Riserva Naturale Orientata “Vallone di Piano della Corte” protects 146 hectares along the Brace stream, whose character is strongly shaped by its water flow.

Nature and Expansive Landscapes

In the wider regional surroundings of Sant’Anna lies the “Landscape from Piazza Crispi” viewpoint. The Monte Altesina, Monte Iudica and Monte Zimmara are also located in this wider regional area; each is a mountain.

Sacred Places and the History of San Filippo

The Chiesa Reale Abbazia houses the mortal remains of San Filippo, the patron saint of Agira. The Chiesa di San Filippo has a basilica-style interior with three naves and red marble columns. Its semicircular choir contains 25 choir stalls depicting significant phases in the life of San Filippo. According to the tradition of Agira, the Grotta di San Filippo was the saint’s first dwelling. A barely perceptible image of San Filippo is still preserved on the wall beside the altar.

At the Festa del Santo Patrono S. Filippo D'Agira in 2023, a procession was held with the relic of the saint’s arm and large votive candles. Afterwards, the faithful gathered in the Abbey of San Filippo to kiss the blessed relic.

Castles, Monasteries and Historic Quarters

Of the four towers believed to have belonged to the Castello di Agira, three are still visible. The existing structures suggest a Hohenstaufen castle dating from the time of Frederick II. The Convento e chiesa di San Giuseppe was built in 1285 and was dedicated to the cult of Maria Santissima della Raccomandata. Construction of the Convento di Sant’Agostino began in 1512; the monastery became a centre of Agira’s cultural life.

The Chiesa Santa Margherita was rebuilt in its present form around 1215, during the time of Frederick II. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross; two rows of columns divide the interior into three naves. An abandoned synagogue bears witness to the Jewish presence in Agira, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The Aron di Agira is a stone ark from the Aragonese period that was reassembled in 1987 in the collegiate church of the SS. Salvatore.

The Quartiere Rocche has an urban structure of Arab type. An old house in this quarter contains a museum of peasant civilisation with historical objects, furnishings and work tools from rural society. The Museo di Cultura Materiale “Sac. Silvestro Nasca” forms part of a historical and cultural tour of Agira.

Places in the Nearer and Wider Surroundings

The Castello di San Filippo is a ruin in the immediate surroundings of Sant’Anna. The Museo della civiltà contadina e fattoria didattica Sant’Andrea is a museum in the area around Sant’Anna. The wider regional surroundings also include the Castello di Sperlinga, a castle, and the Ruderi del Monastero di S. Michele Arcangelo, monastery ruins.

A Regional Speciality

The Cassatella di Agira is a crescent-shaped pastry made from shortcrust pastry. Its filling consists of cocoa, ground almonds, chickpea flour, sugar and dried lemon zest. The Sagra della Cassatella di Agira takes place every year in autumn in Agira.

Other Destinations in the Same Region

For further orientation, you can also include Agira, Calascibetta, Regalbuto, Troina, Aidone, Pergusa, Nissoria and Villarosa in your plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Enna.