Centuripe
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Centuripe (EN): (anc. Centuripae or Centuripa; formerly Centorbi): A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 5,761 (2006e).
An ancient town in Sicily. Founded by the Sikels, it was situated at the foot of Mt. Aetna between Catana and Panomus, near the river Symaethus. It’s territory was highly productive in grain crops. Its population was never hellenized, remaining independent until the Roman period. It allied itself with the Athenians during their siege of Syracuse (415-413 BC). Under the Romans it became one of the largest and most flourishing cities in Sicily. This unfortunately made it a prize in the eyes of Verres, the corrupt Roman governor, who plundered it of many treasures. In 1242, it was destroyed by Emperor Frederick II, by later restored by Francesco Moncada, Count of Aderno. Among the monuments of the town is a fortified tower called the Corradino, believed to be named after Corrado Capazzi, who maintained a long defense there against the Angevins.