Erean Mountains

Location of the Erean Mountains in Sicily.

The Erean Mountains (Italian: Monti Erei) are a mountain chain in central Sicily, southern Italy, mostly located in the central and northern areas of the province of Enna. The highest peak is the Monte Altesina, at 1,192 m over the sea level.

Description

The Erean Mountains are of limestone origin, and do not reach high altitudes. Their area was once one of the most important in the world for the production of sulphur, as testified today by numerous minerary parks, the largest being that of Floristella-Grottacalda.

There are several lakes in the mountain group, such as the Pergusa Lake, whose rich bird fauna has granted it the status of the first special Natural Reserve in Sicily, and the Pozzillo Lake, the larfest artificial basin in the island.

Due to the rugged landscape, the population (amounting to less than 200,000) and the inhabitants density are reduced. The chain is home to the largest Italian city above the 900 m of altitude and the largest province capital in Europe, Enna, which houses around one sixth of the whole Erean population.

The mountain is crossed by a motorway, the A19 Palermo-Catania, and by a railroad with the same direction. Most of the remaining roads are rather twisting, due to the rugged and geologically unstable nature of the territory.

Main sights

• Enna
• Piazza Armerina
• Nicosia
• Morgantina
• Villa del Casale
• Roman archaeological area of Centuripe

Coordinates: 37°25′00″N 14°21′00″E / 37.4167°N 14.35°E / 37.4167; 14.35