Augusta, Harbor city in eastern Sicily, Italy
Augusta is a harbor city in eastern Sicily, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, extending across an island connected to the mainland by two bridges. The old town preserves narrow streets and historic buildings, while the surrounding area is marked by industrial facilities and docks.
Frederick II founded the settlement in 1232 on the remains of the ancient site Xiphonia, to secure control over the trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean. The fortifications were expanded over the centuries, especially under Spanish rule and later under Italian governance.
The name Xiphonia, which the settlement carried before its refounding, comes from the Greek word for sword and reflects its long military role. Street names and the layout of the old town still echo the strategic planning from the Swabian period.
The old town is easy to explore on foot, while the two bridges provide access from the mainland. The industrial facilities shape the surroundings and can be seen from the harbor area.
The Castello Svevo displays eight medieval towers that date from the founding period and mark the defensive structure of the island. The Porta Spagnola, a bridge with stone archways, has connected the old town to the mainland since the 13th century.
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