Gagliano Castelferrato
Gagliano Castelferrato
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Latest page update: 28 March 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The hill town of Gagliano Castelferrato is situated within the Province of Enna, a distance of 177 kilometres south east of Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily.
Standing at an elevation of 651 metres above sea level it has a population of around 3,500 residents. Nearby places of interest include Lake Pozzillo, Agira, Troina, Leonforte, Nicosia and Enna. |
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The historic town is one of the oldest and one of the most visually-appealing on the whole island. The most eye-catching feature of Gagliano Castelferrato is its Castello Rupestre, a castle hewn out of the huge rock that looms over the town as a backdrop to the colourful houses below. You can get a really great view and photos from the balcony on Piazza Don Bosco, just south of the town centre.
This really is a fascinating part of Sicily where you really feel as if time has stood still. There are further intriguing towns and villages in the local area including Agira to the south and Leonforte to the south west. Gagliano Castelferrato sits astride the road from Agira to the borgo of Troina but do be careful with the roads here; in places there are huge pot-holes and there's a real risk of damaging your car unless you drive with the utmost caution.
There's a good guesthouse in Troina called Le Querce di Cota but you'll find a greater number of accommodation options in and around the the city of Enna which is an hour or so away by car and a scenic drive at that.
This really is a fascinating part of Sicily where you really feel as if time has stood still. There are further intriguing towns and villages in the local area including Agira to the south and Leonforte to the south west. Gagliano Castelferrato sits astride the road from Agira to the borgo of Troina but do be careful with the roads here; in places there are huge pot-holes and there's a real risk of damaging your car unless you drive with the utmost caution.
There's a good guesthouse in Troina called Le Querce di Cota but you'll find a greater number of accommodation options in and around the the city of Enna which is an hour or so away by car and a scenic drive at that.
What People Ask About Gagliano Castelferrato
What is Gagliano Castelferrato known for?
Is Gagliano Castelferrato worth visiting?
What can you see at the Castello di Gagliano?
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Are there walking trails in Gagliano Castelferrato?
Related links
Overview
Overview
The historic town is one of the oldest and one of the most visually-appealing on the whole island. The most eye-catching feature of Gagliano Castelferrato is its Castello Rupestre, a castle hewn out of the huge rock that looms over the town as a backdrop to the colourful houses below. You can get a really great view and photos from the balcony on Piazza Don Bosco, just south of the town centre.
This really is a fascinating part of Sicily where you really feel as if time has stood still. There are further intriguing towns and villages in the local area including Agira to the south and Leonforte to the south west. Gagliano Castelferrato sits astride the road from Agira to the borgo of Troina but do be careful with the roads here; in places there are huge pot-holes and there's a real risk of damaging your car unless you drive with the utmost caution.
There's a good guesthouse in Troina called Le Querce di Cota but you'll find a greater number of accommodation options in and around the the city of Enna which is an hour or so away by car and a scenic drive at that.
This really is a fascinating part of Sicily where you really feel as if time has stood still. There are further intriguing towns and villages in the local area including Agira to the south and Leonforte to the south west. Gagliano Castelferrato sits astride the road from Agira to the borgo of Troina but do be careful with the roads here; in places there are huge pot-holes and there's a real risk of damaging your car unless you drive with the utmost caution.
There's a good guesthouse in Troina called Le Querce di Cota but you'll find a greater number of accommodation options in and around the the city of Enna which is an hour or so away by car and a scenic drive at that.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Gagliano Castelferrato
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Hotel San Pietro Located just outside Gagliano Castelferrato, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding countryside, a restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, the friendly service, and the proximity to local hiking trails and historical sites. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Il Castello Situated near the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a lovely garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, the personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to Gagliano Castelferrato’s medieval streets and landmarks. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo La Collina Set in the scenic countryside near Gagliano Castelferrato, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with panoramic views, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the authentic Sicilian experience, the tranquil rural setting, and the short drive to Gagliano Castelferrato’s historic sites and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Ristorante La Palma Located a short drive from Gagliano Castelferrato, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant with Sicilian dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the good value for money, the clean facilities, and the proximity to both the town’s cultural sites and the surrounding countryside. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B La Casa del Sole Set in a peaceful location near Gagliano Castelferrato, this bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms with scenic views, a cozy common area, and a homemade breakfast. Guests appreciate the quiet environment, the warm hospitality from the hosts, and the easy access to Gagliano Castelferrato’s attractions and nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Agriturismo La Corte: Situated in Gagliano Castelferrato, this agriturismo offers traditional Sicilian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like maccheroni alla norma and strozzapreti with zucchini, tomatoes, speck, and pistachio crumble are highlights. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Garitta: Located in the town centre, La Garitta serves authentic Sicilian dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pasta, meat, and seafood options, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Cocuzza Salvatore Restaurant: Found in the heart of Gagliano Castelferrato, this restaurant offers a variety of traditional Sicilian dishes. The menu includes a range of pasta, meat, and seafood options, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Fenice in Gagliano Castelferrato: Situated in a historic building, La Fenice offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on Sicilian cuisine. The menu features gourmet dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Price guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Belvedere Restaurant in Agira: Located approximately 15 km from Gagliano Castelferrato, this restaurant offers traditional Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Close to Gagliano Castelferrato
- Enna (approx. 30 km south of Gagliano Castelferrato): Located at the heart of Sicily, Enna is known for its stunning hilltop views and ancient history. Key attractions include the Castello di Lombardia, the medieval Duomo, and the nearby archaeological site of the ancient city of Henna. Enna is also a great base for exploring the surrounding natural parks and hiking trails.
- Caltanissetta (approx. 35 km southwest of Gagliano Castelferrato): A town with a rich history dating back to medieval times, Caltanissetta is known for its historical buildings, including the Church of San Sebastiano and the Cathedral of Caltanissetta. Visitors can also explore the nearby mountains and enjoy the region’s renowned olive oil and agricultural products.
- Piazza Armerina (approx. 40 km southeast of Gagliano Castelferrato): A town famous for the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing some of the most important Roman mosaics in the world. Piazza Armerina also offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and a well-preserved historic centre, with several medieval churches and squares to explore.
- Caltagirone (approx. 50 km south of Gagliano Castelferrato): A town famous for its ceramic production and the monumental Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, a beautiful staircase decorated with colourful tiles. Caltagirone is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of San Giuliano and the nearby Museo della Ceramica.
- Agira (approx. 15 km northeast of Gagliano Castelferrato): A small town known for its medieval castle, the Castello di Agira, and its impressive archaeological sites. Agira also features the Church of San Giovanni Battista and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside, making it a peaceful destination for exploring history and nature.
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
Gagliano Castelferrato Travel
By Rail: Gagliano Castelferrato does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Enna, about 35 km away. From Enna, you can take a local bus or taxi to Gagliano Castelferrato, which takes around 40 minutes.
By Road: Gagliano Castelferrato is approximately 80 km from Catania, and the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A19 motorway. From Palermo, it’s about 160 km, and the drive takes around 2 hours via the A19 and SS121 roads.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Gagliano Castelferrato is approximately 80 km from Catania, and the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A19 motorway. From Palermo, it’s about 160 km, and the drive takes around 2 hours via the A19 and SS121 roads.
Nearest International Airports:
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport (Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa): Located about 90 km from Gagliano Castelferrato, the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A19 motorway. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Catania and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Gagliano Castelferrato.
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (Aeroporto di Palermo-Falcone Borsellino): About 170 km from Gagliano Castelferrato, the drive takes around 2 hours via the A19 motorway. From Palermo, you can rent a car or take a bus to Catania, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Gagliano Castelferrato.
