Discover Carlentini

Carlentini sits on a hill overlooking the Piana di Catania, in a panoramic setting. Three themes are especially interesting when planning a stay: the long history of the Leontinoi area, Carlentini’s founding, and religious art and traditions. These themes span archaeological traces of the past and a custom observed on Good Friday.

Leontinoi and Archaeological Traces

The hills of Leontinoi extend across the present-day municipalities of Lentini and Carlentini. Archaeological evidence documents the site’s history from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The archaeological perspective therefore covers a long period and more than one era.

Remains of an archaic Greek temple have been investigated in the northern part of the hill of Leontinoi. The temple was probably about nine meters wide and around 30 meters long. These approximate measurements give an impression of a distinctly elongated structure. The monumental remains of Leontinoi’s South Gate and the adjacent fortification are also accessible in the municipality of Carlentini, within the Archaeological Park. Check local conditions before your visit. The temple and fortification represent different archaeological themes: sacred architecture on the one hand, and urban defense on the other.

The City’s Founding and Name

Carlentini was founded in 1551 by Viceroy Giovanni de Vega in honor of Emperor Charles V. Its name also points to its connection with Lentini: the new city was located near Lentini, giving rise to the name “Lentini di Carlo.” Carlentini’s role as a fortified city is also part of its founding story. It was incorporated into a broader defense project for all of Sicily, conceived amid the fear of the Turks at the time.

Two historical perspectives come together here: the city’s founding recalls Emperor Charles V, while its role as a fortified city belongs to the context of the island’s defense. The archaeological record in the hills dates back far earlier than Carlentini’s founding. Thus, the area brings together very early traces of the past and the history of the city founded in 1551.

Religious Art and Traditions

The Chiesa Rupestre del Crocifisso is an ancient rock-cut oratory in the municipality of Carlentini. It brings together Greek and Latin religious traditions. Another example of religious art is the statue of Saint Lucy: it already existed in 1621 and was later entirely covered with silver leaf by Sicilian goldsmiths and silversmiths. The sequence is clear: the statue predates its later silver covering.

The “Scisa a Cruci” tradition takes place on Good Friday at the Chiesa Madre. A procession then winds through the city streets, carrying the dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows. If you would like to include this custom in your travel plans, time your stay to coincide with Good Friday and check the specific date.

Which Perspective Suits Your Stay?

The timing depends on your interests: archaeological evidence in the hills spans a long period from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, while the “Scisa a Cruci” is specifically tied to Good Friday. If a particular date matters for your trip, this custom provides a clear point of reference. When choosing a hotel in Carlentini, you can also consider whether you are most interested in archaeological history, religious traditions, or the hilltop setting overlooking the Piana di Catania.

Discover more destinations: Rosolini, Isab - Erg, Belvedere, Solarino, San Lorenzo, Palazzolo Acreide, Lido Di Noto, Villa Bibbia.

For the overview of the wider area: Syracuse.