Sperlinga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sperlinga
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| Comune di Sperlinga | |
_-_Castello.jpg) |
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Enna (EN) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 59.14 km2 (22.83 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 750 m (2,460 ft) |
| Population
(30 November 2017)
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| • Total | 769 |
| • Density | 13.003/km2 (33.678/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Sperlinghesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
94010
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| Dialing code | 0935 |
Sperlinga is a small town, called a comune, located in the province of Enna. It's in the middle of the island of Sicily, which is in southern Italy. Sperlinga is known as one of "The most beautiful villages of Italy."
Contents
Where is Sperlinga Located?
Sperlinga is about 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level. It sits on a hill on the southern side of the Nebrodi mountains. The village is famous for its many cave dwellings. These are homes carved right into the rock! A large mediaeval castle, built by the Normans, stands over the village.
Sperlinga's Population
At the end of 2014, about 819 people lived in Sperlinga. These people made up 344 families.
Sperlinga's Long History
The village of Sperlinga was first mentioned in a document from 1082. This document was a special permission given by the Norman leader, Count Roger. We first hear about the castle in 1113. A direct mention of it appeared in 1239.
The Sicilian Vespers and Sperlinga
In 1282, there was a big uprising in Sicily called the Sicilian Vespers. People rebelled against the French rulers, the Angevins. Sperlinga is special because it supposedly did not join this bloody fight. It might have even protected the French rulers. There used to be an old saying carved above a castle door. It meant: "What pleased the Sicilians, only Sperlinga denied."
Sperlinga's Owners Over Time
Around 1360, the Ventimiglia family owned Sperlinga. In 1597, they sold it for a lot of gold to Giovanni Natoli. The king of Sicily, Philip II of Spain, gave Giovanni Natoli permission to bring more people to live in Sperlinga. Giovanni Natoli became the Prince of Sperlinga in 1627.
His son, Francesco, sold Sperlinga in 1656 to Giovanni Stefano Oneto. However, Francesco kept the title of Prince. Oneto was later made the Duke of Sperlinga in 1666 by Charles II of Spain.
Sperlinga During World War II
During the Allied invasion of Sicily in Second World War, Allied soldiers moved past Sperlinga. They were trying to surround Nicosia, a town a few kilometers south. The soldiers faced strong resistance from the Axis forces.
After American tanks showed their strength, the Axis forces left Sperlinga and Nicosia. This happened during the night of July 27, 1943. American soldiers from the 16th Infantry Regiment entered Sperlinga the next morning.
What is Sperlinga's Economy Like?
The main ways people make a living in Sperlinga are through farming and raising animals.
See also
- In Spanish: Sperlinga para niños
Images for kids
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The historic castle of Sperlinga.
