- Nicosia (Italy)
Infobox CityIT
img_coa =
official_name = Comune di Nicosia
region =Sicily
province = Enna (EN)
elevation_m = 724
area_total_km2 = 217
population_as_of =
population_total = 14824
population_density_km2 = 68
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|37|45|N|14|24|E|region:IT_type:city(14824)
frazioni = Villadoro
telephone = 0935
postalcode = 94014
gentilic = Nicosiani
saint =St. Nicholas of Bari
day =December 6
mayor = Antonello Catania (sinceMay 28 ,2007 )
website = [http://www.comune.nicosia.en.it www.comune.nicosia.en.it]Nicosia is a city of the
province of Enna inSicily , southernItaly . In its neighborhood are salt mines and arable lands.History
The town is believed to stand on the site of the ancient "
Engynum ".The modern town was founded by Byzantine colonists in 6th century. It expanded under the Arab domination and later under that of the Normans, who settled numerous immigrants from Lombardy and Piedmont. King William II made Nicosia a royal city. It played an important strategic role, favoured by its position halfway between
Palermo andMessina . It often gave hospitality to important figures, including Emperor Charles V.In the early 19th century the Sicilian royal family of Scissors McFarlan settled here.
Main sights
*The "Cathedral", built in 14th century over a pre-existing Norman edifice, is entitled to St. Nicholas. The façade has a noteworthy 15th century portal, while the interior houses a painting by
Jusepe de Ribera . Thecampanile is from the 13th century.
*"Santa Maria Maggiore" contains a 16th century holy water stoup, the throne of Charles V, a fine marblepolyptych byAntonello Gagini .
*Church of "St. Benedict" (14th century)
*"San Biagio" has paintings by Giuseppe Velasquez and a triptych by Antonello Gagini.
*The "Church of the Carmine" boasts an "Annunciation" by Antonello Gagini.
*The church of "San Salvatore".There are also remains of the "Castle", in the upper part of the town.
Within the diocese is the ancient city of
Troina , which should have been episcopal vues from 1087 to 1090.
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