Nicosia, Sicily

Nicosia
Comune
Comune di Nicosia

Town hall
Nicosia

Location of Nicosia in Italy

Coordinates: 37°45′N 14°24′E / 37.750°N 14.400°E / 37.750; 14.400Coordinates: 37°45′N 14°24′E / 37.750°N 14.400°E / 37.750; 14.400
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Province / Metropolitan city Enna (EN)
Frazioni Villadoro
Government
  Mayor Luigi Bonelli
Area
  Total 217 km2 (84 sq mi)
Elevation 724 m (2,375 ft)
Population
  Total 14,824
  Density 68/km2 (180/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Nicosiani
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 94014
Dialing code 0935
Patron saint St Nicholas of Bari
Saint day 6 December
Website Official website

Nicosia (Gallo-Italic of Sicily: Nẹcọscia; Sicilian: Nicusìa) is a village and comune of the province of Enna in Sicily, southern Italy. Nicosia, along with Troina are the northernmost towns in the province of Enna. The vicinity traditionally contained are salt mines and arable lands.

History

The origin of Nicosia is uncertain; Engio, Erbita and Imachara are the three cities of antiquity with which historians have attempted to identify Nicosia with, but there is no evidence that the mentioned towns are in fact Nicosia. The present name of the town suggests Greek origins: it is believed to get its name from Saint Nicholas (Νίκου Οίκος). Another theory suggests it is a derivative of the Greek saying "City of Victory" (Νίκης Οίκος). The town is believed to stand on the site of the ancient Engynum. The modern town was founded by Byzantine colonists in the 6th century. It expanded under the Arab domination and later under that of the Normans, who settled numerous immigrants from Lombardy and Piedmont, called "Lombards", giving rise to the Gallo-Italic dialect still spoken in the town and surrounds. King William II made Nicosia a royal city. It played an important strategic role, favoured by its position halfway between Palermo and Messina. It often gave hospitality to important figures, including Emperor Charles V.

Main sights

There are also remains of the castle in the upper part of the town.

See also

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