Discover Ferla: Churches, Festivals and the Hyblaean Landscape

Ferla combines churches, festivals, the landscape of the Hyblaean Mountains and typical products of the Hyblaean area.

Churches and their architectural styles

The Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine was built in the 18th century at the beginning of the town’s new layout. Its design follows a typological scheme common in eastern Sicily, found particularly frequently in the centres of the Hyblaean area. The tower-like façade is divided into two architectural orders: Doric and Ionic. The church is accessible to people with disabilities.

The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio has a Greek cross-shaped floor plan, designed immediately after the 1693 earthquake. Its octagonal dome contains a central fresco by Crestadoro depicting the Triumph of Saint Anthony. Friezes, additional frescoes and stucco complete the design of the dome.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Gesù houses a valuable wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pintorno da Petralia Soprana (Frate Umile), created in 1633.

Town centre and short distances

The Chiesa di San Sebastiano can be reached on foot from the town centre known as “i quattro canti”, at the intersection of Via Umberto and Via Vittorio Emanuele. Follow Via Vittorio Emanuele 230 metres southwards to the level of house no. 20; the walk takes about four minutes. When planning a visit, allow around four minutes for the short walk from the town centre to the church.

Landscape and regional specialities

The Hyblaean landscape surrounding Ferla includes olive trees, carob trees, almond trees, vineyards and dry-stone walls. In Ferla, you can sample typical products of this area, including olive oil, black and green olives, cheese, mushrooms, sausages and cured meats, as well as hazelnuts and almonds.

Festivals and music throughout the year

At midday on Easter Sunday, Ferla celebrates u Scontru, the meeting of the statues of the Mother and the Risen Son. The Feast of San Sebastiano takes place on 20 July.

Cardacia takes place in August and is a summer version of the Sicilian Carnival, featuring dances, allegorical floats and masked groups. From the end of August to the beginning of September, Lithos presents a national programme of folk, acoustic and contemporary music events. The concerts take place on the grand staircase of the Capuchin monastery.

Exploring the Hyblaean Mountains

The 30th stage of the Antica Trasversale Sicula leads from Ferla to Sortino through the heart of the Hyblaean Mountains. The stage passes by the important settlement site of Pantalica and partly follows the Trazzera that led from Ferla to Pedagaggi. Ferla can be reached by bus from Siracusa.

More destinations for planning your trip

Other places you can include in your travel plans are Arenella, Syracuse, Lido Di Noto, Priolo Gargallo, San Lorenzo, Fanusa, Pachino and Buccheri.

For the higher-level travel overview: Syracuse.