Things to do in Sperlinga – The village inside the rock

Last Updated on 7 August 2024

Introduction

In this article you will find out what to see in Sperlinga. The town is located between the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains, in the heart of Sicily 750 meters from the sea and has only about 700 inhabitants. The name comes from the Greek and means “Spelonca,” cave. Many buildings in this small village are in fact carved into the rock: The castle, the ancient Byzantine necropolis, and even some modern houses.

The actual village has Norman origins, as well as its beautiful castle. The necropolis are instead of Byzantine origins and were initially used as tombs and then transformed into houses, which were inhabited even up to the 1960s. Sperlinga is truly a small pearl, to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

What to see in Sperlinga

Sperlinga Castle

The Norman castle of Sperlinga is a rare example of a rock castle, built on and in the rock . This type of construction is very rare and therefore makes it even more fascinating.

There is an inscription in Latin carved on the pointed arch in the entrance hall of the Castle, which tells us something very particular: “QUOD SICULIS PLACUIT SOLA SPERLINGA NEGAVIT”, translated “What was established by the Sicilians, was denied only by Sperlinga “. It refers to the Sicilian Vespers, when the Sicilians rose up against the French. In Sperlinga, on the other hand, the French were helped and took refuge in the castle.

In addition to offering beautiful views, the castle contains several rooms, such as warehouses, prisons, rainwater cisterns, a church and much more , in short, a real blast from the past. The cost of the ticket is 5 Euros.

The Byzantine caves of Sperlinga

There are about fifty of them and they were used at the time as tombs and then, until even the 1960s, as dwellings.
The caves today are open to the public, so you can also enter them. Some of them are used as a museum, while others are still used today by the inhabitants as warehouses.

Curiosity: The Galloitalic dialect

In 1087 the Grand Count Roger married Adelaide in third marriage, daughter of Manfredi Marquis of Monferrato in Piedmont and at the same time a daughter of Ruggero married Enrico, brother of Adelaide. As a result of these marriages a strong immigration of people who came from northern Italy settled in Sicily, in the area from Randazzo to Caltagirone. This led to an evolution and modification of the Sicilian dialect in some areas of the island. Today, therefore, Galloitalic is spoken in Sperlinga, a dialect that is truly incomprehensible to other Sicilians.

This dialect is still widespread in other countries in Sicily: Aidone, Nicosia, Piazza Armerina, Fondachelli-Fantina, Montalbano Elicona, Novara di Sicilia and Sanfratello.

How to get to Sperlinga

Opposite the archaeological area is the Bar at the Castle (Where you can find excellent sandwiches and diner). The castle overlooks a parking lot, where you can park comfortably.

Most popular activities for tourists in Sicily

What to see around Sperlinga

Sperlinga is part of the province of Enna. Here you find the most beautiful places to visit around Enna .

Typical dishes of Enna and surroundings

Sperlinga is located as mentioned in the province of Enna. Do you want to try the typical dishes in the Ennese area? Here you find what to eat in Enna and surroundings.

Here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes in general.