Pergusa: Lake, Nature and Motorsport History

Pergusa brings together nature watching, mythology and motorsport history as distinct themes for a trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pergusa, your trip’s focus can help guide your choice: are you especially interested in Lake Pergusa and its natural phenomena, motorsport history, or both? The area’s places and landscapes offer concrete points of reference to help you decide.

Lake Pergusa and Nature

Lake Pergusa is the only natural lake in Sicily; its water is brackish. One distinctive feature is the periodic reddening of the water, which is linked to the rapid growth of colored sulfur bacteria. The phenomenon occurs regularly, but you should not expect to see it on every visit. The lake’s natural character is shaped both by a permanent feature and by a sight that appears only from time to time.

The Riva dei Giunchi path lets you walk a large part of the route around Lake Pergusa. Along the path, birdwatchers can observe the birdlife without disturbing it. Walking and birdwatching are two different ways to explore the lake area. You can rent bicycles at the Pergusa Visitor Center; you can also book nature tours there to explore the entire Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark.

Motorsport and Landscape

The Autodromo di Pergusa was built in 1951 and has hosted numerous national and international events since then. Its track runs along the shore of a lake. Motorsport history is also reflected in the Montagnola: for many years, it served as a natural grandstand for spectators at car and motorcycle races on the Enna circuit. Here, a purpose-built racetrack and a landform with a historic role for spectators stand side by side.

The landscape of Piano dei Mondelli also tells the story of how the land has been used. After being drained, the area was converted to agricultural land; traditionally, wheat and legumes have been grown in rotation. At certain times of year, red poppies and golden grain fields shape the landscape around Enna. This seasonal aspect differs from the motorsport history and natural phenomena of the lake: it draws attention to farming and changing colors.

Mythology and Historic Sites

Lake Pergusa is associated with the possible abduction of Proserpina by the god of the underworld. The Parco Proserpina in Pergusa is an urban park dedicated to the deity whose myth is closely connected to the lake. Nearby, Cozzo Matrice is another point of cultural and historical interest. The remains of an extensive sanctuary dedicated to chthonic deities and natural caves have been preserved there; in antiquity, the caves were believed to be entrances to the underworld.

Villa Zagaria adds an 18th-century building to these historical landmarks: the hunting villa was associated with the Barons Grimaldi di Geracello. The estate is managed for tourism and educational purposes, and to protect the distinctive features of Pergusa’s habitat. If you’re planning a visit, check the visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Regalbuto, Assoro, Nissoria, Pietraperzia, Barrafranca, Troina, Sant'anna, Aidone.

See the broader travel overview: Enna.