Troina

Troina (Zip Code 94018) is 173 Km. distant from Agrigento, 101 Km. from Caltanissetta, 68 Km. from Catania, 60 Km. from Enna, which is the province it belongs to, 138 Km. from Messina, 191 Km. from Palermo, 172 Km. from Ragusa, 126 Km. from Siracusa, 200 Km. from Trapani.

The municipality counts 10.379 inhabitants, its surface measures 16.695 hectares, and its population density counts 62 inhabitants per square kilometre. It rises over an internal mountain area, 1.120 meters above the sea-level.

The Town Hall is located in via C. Ruggero n. 20, tel. ++39 0935-650245 fax. ++39 0935-937215, toll free number 800332020 (only for italian residence).

Situated in the middle of a land rich of forests and pasture areas, Troina boasts a conspicuous production of wheat, fodder, olives, almonds, and fruit.

Cattle breeding, as well as sheep and horse farms, are substantial and their products can be tasted during the annual Cattle Fairs held in the months of June, July, and September. Outstanding are the handicrafted wrought iron and wood objects.

The name Troina derives from the ancient term Tragena, that means "sheep farm"; afterwards, the name changed into "Traina", and ultimately "Troina".

Since its founding during the Byzantine area, the town was an influent religious center. In 878, it was conquered by the Arabs, who built a fortified castle that had a substantial strategic relevance.

Afterwards, the town became a possession of Count Ruggero d'Altavilla, who made a fort of it, as well as the starting point for the conquest of all Sicily.

Approximately in 1088, the town witnessed the historical encounter between Count Ruggero and Pope Urbano II, in occasion of the the agreement regarding the "Legatia Apostolica". The town was always property of the State, with its own magistrature and troupes.

The most relevant monuments from an architectural point of view are the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church)of the XI century with a typical Norman style, preserving an engraved polychrome marble altar, the Oratory of the SS. Sacramento, where Pope Urbano II celebrated the Holy Mass, and the Church of the Madonna del Carmine with a majolica bell-tower.

Noteworthy are also the Basilica di S. Silvestro, preserving the tomb of the town's patron saint, and the Convent of S. Agostino, dated XV century, with an open gallery with forty arches.