Upstream of the valley, on a series of hills overlooking the Simeto, lies Centuripe, an ancient city already inhabited in the 5th century BC. Its urban layout extends over five hills connected by small valleys, offering remarkable views of Etna and the valley. Renowned since Antiquity for its pottery production, the town still perpetuates this artisan tradition.
Sextans (c. 200 BC)
During the Second World War, from 2 to 4 August 1943, it was the scene of an important battle in which the entrenched German troops were defeated by the Allies.
What to see in Centuripe
The Regional Archaeological Museum of Centuripe is one of the most interesting in eastern Sicily. It traces the history of the territory, from prehistory to the Roman period, and displays pottery, sculptures, statues and funerary objects. The Roman section is particularly remarkable for its marble sarcophagi and busts.
Among the ancient remains are also the Roman baths to the north-west, partially excavated and visible in the open air, and the Castle of Conradin to the south-east, the remains of a Roman mausoleum and a spot with a superb panorama over the town, the hills and Etna (Rocca viewpoint).
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (17the century) dominates the historic centre, while Mount Calvary offers one of the superb panoramas over the valley.
In summer a renowned pottery festival is held there.
Panorama of Centuripe, from Villa Corradino 
Panorama of Mount Calvary in Centuripe 
Panorama of the hills of Centuripe 
Panorama of Etna, Centuripe 
Piazza Duomo, Centuripa 
Rocca Corradino, Centuripe 
Columbarium of the Scribonia family, archaeological museum of Centuripe 
Bust of Hadrian, archaeological museum of Centuripe 
Bust of Augustus, archaeological museum of Centuripe 
Roman statue, archaeological museum of Centuripe 
Female statue, museum of Centuripe
Map, where Centuripe is located
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Information and links
Sources and links
- Museo Archeologico Regionale di Centuripe : civic museum featuring the largest collection of Roman finds from inland Sicily. Exhibitions of imperial statues, local pottery, objects from ancient necropolises and Greco-Roman remains.
- Regional Archaeological Museum of Centuripe — Wikipedia (FR) : historical overview of the museum, location near the temple of the Augustales, glimpse of the collections and archaeological importance of the site.
- The imperial past of Centuripe — Finestre sull’Arte : in-depth article on the imperial heritage, sculptures of emperors, tombs and the archaeological and tourist value of the museum.
- Centuripe — Wikipedia (IT) : Wikipedia page in Italian.
- Centuripe — Go-Etna : article describing the ancient baths “Acqua Amara”, the necropolises, the Greco-Roman clay kilns and the panoramas over Etna and the Simeto valley.
- Centuripe, a magnificent village in Sicily facing Etna — CD-MENTIEL Magazine : presentation of the village, its distinctive urban layout, its crafts and the remarkable views of Etna and the valley.