Nicosia, Mountain commune in Sicily, Italy
Nicosia is a commune in the Free Municipal Consortium of Enna, standing on four rocky hills at 724 meters elevation in Sicily. The town spreads between these rises and connects older quarters with newer residential areas through winding streets and staircases.
Byzantine settlers founded the site in the 6th century before Arab rulers expanded it during medieval times. Norman conquest brought Lombard colonists who shaped the linguistic and urban character of the commune in lasting ways.
The local dialect preserves Lombard linguistic elements from medieval settlers and differs noticeably from standard Sicilian speech patterns. This linguistic particularity still surfaces in conversations heard in squares and alleys throughout the day.
The commune offers access to walking trails that connect different quarters and make exploring medieval lanes easier. Comfortable shoes are advisable due to the many staircases and steep sections that run between the hills.
The Cathedral of San Nicolo preserves a 15th-century portal and houses a painting by Spanish artist Jusepe de Ribera. This artwork counts among the few works by the painter found in Sicilian churches outside larger cities.
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