Aidone, Italian comune
Aidone is a small town in the province of Enna in Sicily, perched on a hillside with views of the surrounding landscape. Narrow streets wind through old houses and small squares, with the castle sitting at the highest point of the town and several churches including San Domenico with its distinctive stone facade and San Lorenzo showing gothic elements.
Aidone looks back on a history reaching into ancient times, with Greek and Roman settlements establishing themselves here and shaping the region. During the Middle Ages, the village was built around a castle that served from the 12th century as an important defensive point, while successive rulers from different European regions added new buildings and enriched the town.
The name Aidone likely comes from a spring of water and may have Arab roots, reflecting the many peoples who settled here over centuries. The people of the town keep local traditions alive through festivals and processions, especially during Holy Week and the feast of Saint Lawrence in August, when statues of saints are carried through the streets.
The narrow, steep streets of San Giacomo are walkable and invite exploration, though you should take your time as the streets can feel like a maze and are easy to get lost in. The walk up to the Castellaccio ruins on the hill requires some physical effort but rewards you with excellent views of the landscape and is best done in good weather.
In a church in the town, a rare wooden painting of the Madonna was found in 1618, possibly painted by the famous artist Pietro Novelli, and is venerated as sacred by many locals. Nearby also sits the archaeological park of Morgantina, where the ruins of an once important Greek city were uncovered after being lost for a long time.
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