The town was founded by Count Nicolò Placido Branciforti in 1610, but this area was already inhabited by Siculians, one of the first peoples of Sicily. During the Byzantine and Arab period a castle was also founded, called Tavi, of which very few ruins remain. With the subsequent Norman conquest the country passed into the hands of various nobles, until during the Spanish domination, it passed to Branciforti. He then decided to found a new town, and thus Leonforte was born.
What to see in Leonforte
From a cultural point of view, the country has a lot to offer. At the center of the town is Piazza Branciforti, the Palazzo and the stables of Branciforti and the seventeenth century church of the Matrix .
Also worth seeing Carmel church and the overview church of Santa Croce , with a view over the roofs of the houses of Leonforte.
Absolutely not to be missed is the Granfonte , built in Baroque style by the usual Branciforti on an ancient Arab fountain. It is almost 25 meters long and consists of 24 spouts still in operation today. The arches are very beautiful, allowing a glimpse of the hilly landscape behind, as if they were small paintings.
The legend
The name Leonforte comes from the coat of arms of the Branciforti family, a crowned lion with severed paws holding a flag. But why the severed legs?
The legend of the family has it that the progenitor Obizzo was at war with Charlemagne against the Lombards. During the battle the enemies cut off his hands, but he continued to hold high the flag of his formation. Charlemagne, proud and proud of his behavior, rewarded him by giving him the city of Piacenza and from that moment the family would be called Branciforti.
Interactive map of Leonforte – Points of interest in purple
To locate yourself once in the area, click on the enlarge symbol at the top right of the map.
Typical products of Leonforte and surroundings
Two typical products of Leonforte are the broad bean also known as Turkish broad bean and peach in the IGP bag .
The broad bean it is grown in the area and is characterized by large seeds unlike the common bean and is very tasty. Just think that traces of these legumes have even been found in Egyptian tombs and in Leonforte they are still cultivated and harvested manually, with the same techniques used by the Egyptians at the time. It is a tradition that has been going on for centuries and centuries, it was probably the Arabs who brought it here (as I usually would add).
Fishing in the bag it is instead an invention of the Leonforte peasants. Every year in June, they bag the still green peaches attached to the tree one by one. In this way they are protected from parasites and it is therefore not necessary to use chemicals for their production. This method makes the peach an intense yellow with light red shades and gives it a very intense taste.
Do you also want to try the typical dishes in the Ennese area, of which Leonforte is part? Here you find what to eat in Enna and surroundings.
Here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes in general.
What to see around Leonforte
Leonforta is part of the province of Enna. Here you will find the most beautiful places to visit in surroundings of Enna .
Welcome to Top Secret Sicily, my name is Dario Lo Turco and a few years ago I decided to create this site. My goal is to make known the treasures of Sicily, even the less known ( Hence the name Top Secret Sicily) in the clearest and simplest way possible 😊. I have been fortunate enough to be able to tour this island and have read several books and guides about Sicily. At the same time I work in the online world and these passions have allowed me to create Top Secret Sicily.