Discover Augusta: Historic Island Centre and History

Augusta brings together a historic island centre with buildings and stories from different centuries. If you are looking for a hotel in Augusta, a focus on history can be a practical starting point for deciding on your trip. The dates range from the town’s founding in the 13th century to the airship hangar from the First World War; the creation of the old town island, in turn, belongs to a later period. These events are best considered separately.

Historic Island Centre and Bridges

The historic old town is an island that was formed in the 16th century when an isthmus was cut through. Two bridges connect it to the mainland. The Federico II di Svevia Viaduct is one of these two bridges. For orientation, the focus is therefore on the old town’s distinctive shape and a named link to the mainland. The island was formed well after Augusta was founded: these are two separate events that do not belong to a single founding story.

The Town’s Founding, the Fortress and Porta Spagnola

Augusta was founded between 1233 and 1234 at the behest of Emperor Frederick II as part of a major military project. Construction of the Castello Svevo fortress had already begun in 1232. The dates are close together, but refer to different events: the founding of the town in one case and the start of fortress construction in the other. Porta Spagnola dates from 1681 and therefore belongs to a considerably later period. When placing the historic buildings in chronological context, these specific dates help distinguish the medieval story of the town’s founding and fortress from the later monument.

The Airship Hangar as Industrial Heritage

Augusta’s airship hangar was built during the First World War. In 1987, the Assessorato Beni Culturali of the Sicily Region recognised it as a monument of significant historical and monumental interest. The airship hangar park covers about six hectares. The construction period, monument recognition and park area each describe a different aspect of the site: when the hangar was built, its subsequent recognition and the approximate size of the associated park. The hangar thus offers a different historical focus from the town’s founding and the fortress.

Ancient History and Local Tradition

Megara Hyblaea, also known as Megara Iblea, was founded in the second half of the 8th century BC by Greeks from Megara Nisea. This date is far earlier than Augusta’s medieval founding and provides a distinct point of reference. Alongside such stories of founding and construction is the local religious tradition: in Augusta, a miracle of Saint Dominic is associated with his appearance preventing Turkish attackers from plundering the town. This is a religious tale passed down through tradition, not another building or a date for the town’s founding. Historical interests thus range from ancient settlements and medieval town history to local religious tradition.

Visits to Forte Vittoria

Forte Vittoria is located on a small island and can only be reached by sea. Visits were arranged following a request to the Capitaneria di Porto di Augusta at least ten days before the date. Before your trip, check whether this procedure is still in effect and how a visit can be arranged. This way, you can take into account both the unusual sea access and the stated advance-notice requirement without assuming that it still applies today.

Discover more destinations: Noto, Marzamemi, San Corrado Di Fuori, Sortino, Calabernardo, Priolo Gargallo, Carlentini, San Lorenzo

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