The extensive remains of Morgantina in Sicily are the ruins of a Greek city that was founded in 850 BC. For those in the know the people that founded it were known as the Morgeti, a pre Hellenic-Sikel population. The site is still under excavation and was actually only identified in the 1950s, so stay tuned for more finds as archaeologists continue to work on the site.

Morgantina is located 5km from the small provincial town of Aidone in Sicily's interior in the province of Enna. The nearest major town is Piazza Armerina about 12 winding kilometres away.

How to get to Morgantina

Unfortunately Morgantina is located a little off the beaten track and there is no public transport to the site itself. Etna Trasporti runs from Piazza Armerina to Aidone but from there you would have to hitch or walk. And from memory there were some nasty dogs along this route so do be careful if you’re on foot! It is probably best visited by those with their own vehicle.

Things to do and see in Morgantina

Remains at Morgantina include an agora for public meetings, a third century BC theatre, a fourth century BC sanctuary, a granary, slaughterhouse, commercial street, Hellenic houses with mosaic floors and a gymnasium. There are quite an array of sites and as there are few visitors here you will probably have the place to yourself.

Like many ancient cities it has had a checkered history and was occupied by various forces including Siracusa, Rome, some Spanish mercenaries and even slaves. The final mention of the city historically was in the first century.

There is a museum in Aidone housing some of the finds from Morgantina. It was closed at the time of research but with any luck may be open when you go, although this is never guaranteed in Sicily! It could be worth dropping in to see some of the aerial photos of the site and various finds. No doubt these would provide more information and background to the site before you go.

Morgantina probably drew its name from the inhabitants that founded it, the Morgeti. Furthermore they also had a king named Morges! They certainly seemed to like the name and its derivatives. It is reported they also had a grape called the vitis murgentina which was prized for its wine.

Dining and sleeping in Morgantina

There is accommodation in Aidone and at several places just outside town. You could easily day trip to this area from Piazza Armerina so for the best services and accommodation choices you would be best to stay in the larger town.

There are cafes, bars and some restaurants in Aidone. And for an experience of an interior Sicilian town it would be worth stopping off to have a quick look around. At Morgantina itself there were cafes and even a restaurant by the ruins at the time of research.

*Photos by @2009 Gianluca BRASCHI

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