Leonforte
Comune in Sicily, Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leonforte (Sicilian: Liunforti) is an Italian comune with a population of 14,046[2] in the Province of Enna, Sicily. The town is situated 22 km from Enna, in the centre of the Erean Mountains at 600 metres a.s.l.
Leonforte
| |
|---|---|
| Comune di Leonforte | |
 | |
  Leonforte Location of Leonforte in Italy  Leonforte Leonforte (Sicily) | |
| Coordinates: 37°38′30″N 14°23′45″E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Enna (EN) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Piero Livolsi |
| Area | |
• Total | 84.39 km2 (32.58 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 603 m (1,978 ft) |
| Population (30 November 2017) | |
• Total | 13,117 |
| • Density | 155.4/km2 (402.6/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Leonfortesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 94013 |
| Dialing code | 0935 |
| Patron saint | Madonna del Carmelo |
| Saint day | August 16 |
| Website | Official website |
History
The ancient settlement of Tabas or Tavaca stood in the approximate location of Leonforte. During the Byzantine period of Sicily, and later under the Muslim Emirate of Sicily, a castle was built with a farmhouse in its vicinity. Irrigation systems were introduced and many mills took advantage of the abundance of water. In 1610 Nicolò Placido Branciforti founded a city, naming it Leonforte in tribute to his family's coat of arms; a lion holding a banner with the motto in fortitudine bracchii tui.
Main sights
- Chiesa Madre (mother church)
- Capuchin church and convent (mausoleum that houses the sarcophagus of Princess Caterina Branciforte, who died in 1634, and a painting by Pietro Novelli, depicting The Election of Matthias to the Apostolate
- Church of Madonna del Carmelo
- Granfonte (Fountain)
- Palazzo Branciforti
- Castello di Tavi
Economy
The economy is largely based on agriculture. In the past century Leonforte has always had an agricultural economy with many labourers. This has made the town a stronghold for the political left. There are a few industries located within an industrial zone. Another important activity is construction work. Leonforte has one of the highest unemployment rates of the province, at 22%.[3] Leonforte is adjacent to the road Strada Statale 121 that connects Enna, Palermo, Nissoria, and Paternò. The train station is located 10 km from the centre of Leonforte.