AGIRA · HERITAGE AND IDENTITY
Agira among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.
A town to discover on foot, through lanes, churches, views and the flavours of inland Sicily. Since 2023, Agira has been part of the association “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”.
HISTORY, ART
AND LANDSCAPE
TIME TO DISCOVER
One town. Many discoveries.
Set on the slopes of Monte Teja, Agira preserves a heritage best discovered while walking: in the streets of the historic centre, the artworks in its churches, the castle ruins and the views opening between the houses.
Joining Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages offers another reason to explore this corner of Sicily and give it time, letting curiosity lead the way.
01 / THE RECOGNITION
The recognition of 2023.
Agira’s admission to the association “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” was announced on 9 November 2023, following the assessment process for candidate villages.
On 30 December of the same year, the community celebrated the presentation of the association’s flag with a day of ceremonies, music and participation.
These are two moments in the same story: joining the national network and the celebration through which Agira shared this recognition.
MILESTONES IN A STORY
One network. A new chapter.
From the founding of the association to the flag celebrated by the community.
- 2002THE NETWORK’S ORIGINS
MILESTONE / 01
The association is founded.
A national network to celebrate the history, art, culture and landscapes of small Italian towns.
MILESTONE / 02
Agira joins the network.
Admission to “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” is announced following the assessment process.
MILESTONE / 03
The flag, the celebration, the town.
The flag presentation at Palazzo Zuccaro and a day of ceremonies, processions, music and participation.
The recognition is part of the story. Discovery continues, one step at a time.
02 / A NETWORK OF PLACES
What is “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”?
“I Borghi più belli d’Italia” is an association founded in 2002 to celebrate and promote the historical, artistic, cultural and landscape heritage of small Italian towns.
Admission involves an assessment of several aspects of a village: its architectural heritage, preservation of the urban fabric, environmental quality and services for residents and visitors.
Membership of the network invites visitors to explore places that preserve an important part of Italy’s cultural diversity. In Agira, this discovery unfolds through monuments, traditions and everyday spaces.
03 / 30 DECEMBER 2023
The flag celebration.
30 December 2023 is a memorable date in Agira’s recent history.
The flag was presented at Palazzo Zuccaro during a day that extended into the town’s streets and squares. The “Città di Agira” band accompanied the morning’s proceedings; in the afternoon, the “Civitas Nicosiae” flag throwers and musicians and the “Argyrion” historical procession paraded alongside confraternities and associations.
The festivities continued into the evening with a toast, a concert by Mario Incudine and fireworks.
Photographs from that day preserve the memory of a community coming together to celebrate its town: the flag, the processions, the music and the faces of those who were there.
30 DECEMBER 2023 / THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY
The flags, the faces, the celebration.
The flag celebration through Filippo Anello’s photographs: the procession, flag throwers and musicians in Agira’s streets and squares.
04 / THE TOWN ON FOOT
The historic centre, one step at a time.
To get to know Agira, start by walking.
The streets follow the slope, meet in squares and continue among houses, steps and churches. As you climb towards the upper town, the landscape changes perspective and the lanes reveal new views.
This is how the historic centre reveals itself, alternating well-known stops with details: a doorway, a facade, a view appearing between two buildings.
It is a walk to take slowly, allowing time for stops and detours.
05 / ART AND MEMORIES
Churches, art and memories to discover.
An important part of Agira’s heritage is found in its churches.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore stands out for its two asymmetrical naves and traces of its medieval history. Santa Margherita welcomes visitors with its spacious interior and works such as Giuseppe Picano’s Immaculate Conception. San Filippo Abbey introduces the bond between Agira and its patron saint.
The Church of SS. Salvatore preserves the stone Aron, a precious testimony to the town’s Jewish presence.
Different in history and character, these places offer an insight into Agira’s many stories through architecture, sculpture, paintings and traditions.
06 / THE VIEW OPENS UP
The castle and the landscape.
The climb to the castle leads towards the summit of Monte Teja and offers a chance to see Agira from above.
The remains of the fortification stand within an expansive landscape of hills, countryside and distant ridges. On clear days, Mount Etna is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the horizon.
The scenery accompanies other moments of a visit too: it appears along streets, opens out in squares and invites you to pause. It is part of experiencing the village, alongside its buildings and paths.
07 / A STOP TO SAVOUR
Cassatella and the flavours of Agira.
Discovery continues at the table, starting with cassatella di Agira.
Its shortcrust pastry shell encloses a filling of almonds and cocoa, scented with citrus. It is one of the town’s most characteristic specialities and a treat to enjoy during a visit.
Pastry shops, bakeries and local venues offer opportunities to discover the area’s flavours and meet those who prepare them. A stop for a cassatella becomes part of the walk and the memory of Agira.
08 / BEFORE YOU SET OFF
Plan your visit.
Allow time for the historic centre and choose stops to suit your interests: sacred art, history, views or local flavours.
Wear comfortable shoes for slopes and steps, and check opening arrangements for the places you want to visit, especially church interiors.
Hello Agira has pages about monuments, itineraries and free audio guides to accompany your discovery. Combine your walk with a stop at a local venue or an overnight stay to experience Agira during its quieter hours too.