Leonforte

Leonforte is a municipality located in the province of Enna, in Sicily. Its history dates back to antiquity, with traces of settlements dating back to the Roman era. Over the centuries, the territory of Leonforte has been dominated by different powers, including the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Normans, who have left an indelible mark on the culture and architecture of the place. The name Leonforte derives from the presence of a fortified castle, built in the 12th century by the Normans, which dominated the valley below. Over the centuries, the castle has been the scene of clashes and battles, becoming a symbol of resistance and pride for the local community. Leonforte is a municipality rich in traditions and folklore, with festivals and fairs celebrating ancient customs and local products. The local cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and authenticity, with dishes based on agricultural products and fresh fish. The surrounding landscape is characterized by hills and cultivated fields, offering a breathtaking spectacle in every season. The nature is lush and generous, with a varied flora and fauna that attract hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts. Leonforte is also a center of agricultural production, with crops of wheat, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits contributing to the economic wealth of the area. Local craftsmanship is renowned for the processing of wood, iron, and ceramics, with high-quality products exported worldwide. The community of Leonforte is welcoming and warm, with a strong social cohesion and a deep sense of belonging. Religious traditions are deeply felt, with the presence of numerous churches and sanctuaries that testify to the devotion and spirituality of the people of Leonforte. In conclusion, Leonforte is a place rich in history, culture, and traditions, enchanting and fascinating anyone who visits it. Its natural beauty, authenticity, and hospitality make this Sicilian municipality a true gem to discover and appreciate.

ISTAT code: 086011
Telephone:  0935 665100
Institutional Website: https://www.comune.leonforte.en.it
Mayor: Pietro Livolsi

Available Opportunities

Neighboring municipalities

Assoro, Calascibetta, Enna, Leonforte, Nicosia, Nissoria, Sperlinga

Group Membership:

Tourist Vocation

  • Food and wine
  • Historical-cultural
  • Landscaping
  • Religious

Companies, Institutions and Points of Interest in the municipality of Leonforte:

Leonforte is a Sicilian municipality rich in local businesses that actively contribute to the economy of the area. Among the most common activities are artisan workshops, specialized in woodworking, ironworking, and ceramics. These workshops produce unique and high-quality objects, recalling Sicilian artisan traditions and highly appreciated by both residents and tourists. In addition to artisan workshops, Leonforte is home to numerous commercial activities, such as clothing stores, grocery stores, appliance stores, and much more. The shops in the historic center offer a wide range of local products, including cheeses, cured meats, typical sweets, and fine wines. Residents usually shop in the village stores, where they can find fresh and quality products. Agricultural businesses are another important resource for the economy of Leonforte. The surrounding area of the municipality is rich in fertile land that allows the cultivation of various agricultural products, such as olives, citrus fruits, grapes, and wheat. Local agricultural companies produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil, jams, preserves, and fine wines that are exported throughout Italy. The restaurant sector is also well developed in Leonforte, with numerous restaurants and trattorias offering typical Sicilian cuisine dishes. The village restaurants use fresh and local ingredients to prepare specialties such as pasta alla norma, arancini, caponata, and Sicilian cannoli. Tourists visiting Leonforte have the opportunity to taste authentic traditional Sicilian cuisine, prepared with passion and skill by local chefs. Finally, there is no shortage of service activities in Leonforte, such as professional studios, real estate agencies, mechanical workshops, and beauty centers. These activities provide essential services to the local community and contribute to the creation of jobs in the municipality. Thanks to the presence of dynamic and diversified local businesses, Leonforte is a place where tradition and modernity come together to create a vibrant and constantly evolving economic fabric.

Community and Government

Extra-hotel facilities

Food and Beverage

Health facilities

Landmarks and Outdoors

Retail

Service company

Short-term rentals

Sports and Recreation

Transport

Travel Agencies

Statistics

The Municipality of Leonforte, with a population of approximately 12,191 inhabitants in 2023, is a territory of small dimensions, covering an area of 84.3928 sq km. The gender distribution shows a slight prevalence of women over men, with 5,932 males and 6,259 females. As of December 31, 2021, there were 5,291 occupied dwellings and 3,176 unoccupied dwellings, for a total of 8,467 housing units. The presence of only 165 foreigners indicates a low foreign population in the area. From a tourist point of view, Leonforte has a limited hotel offer, with the absence of 5-star and luxury 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, and 2-star facilities. However, there are 1 farmhouse and 3 Bed & Breakfasts, offering a total of 19 beds. Geographically, the territory of Leonforte mainly consists of altimetric bands between 300 and 899 meters, accounting for 61.87%. Altitude bands above 900 meters represent a smaller percentage. Considering the current demographic context, the limited presence of accommodation facilities, and the altimetric distribution of the territory, some investment opportunities can be identified. Sectors such as residential construction, rural tourism, and agritourism could represent potential areas of development for investors interested in enhancing the resources of the Leonforte territory. However, it is important to also consider the challenges related to the limited presence of accommodation facilities and the low tourist attractiveness of the area, which may require targeted investments to improve the tourist offer and attract a greater number of visitors. In conclusion, the territory of Leonforte offers interesting investment opportunities in the sectors of residential construction, rural tourism, and agritourism, but it requires a careful evaluation of the existing challenges and a targeted strategic plan to best enhance the resources of the territory.

ISTAT COD AND MUNICIPALITIES
ISTAT code086011
MunicipalityLeonforte
INHABITANTS (2023)
Total Inhabitants12191
Males5932
Females6259
TERRITORIAL SURFACES
HOUSES 2021
Occupied dwellings as of December 31st5.291
Unoccupied dwellings as of December 31st3176
Homes as of December 31st8.467
Stranieri
Males93
Females72
Total165
5 STARS AND 5 STAR LUXURY
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
4 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
3 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
2 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
1 STAR
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Tourist Hotel Residences
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Total Hotels
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Campsites and Tourist Villages
Number0
Beds0
Rental accommodation managed in an entrepreneurial manner
Number0
Beds0
Farmhouses
Number1
Beds8
Youth Hostels
Number0
Beds0
Holiday homes
Number0
Beds0
Alpine refuges
Number0
Beds0
Other accommodation facilities
Number0
Beds0
Bed & Breakfast
Number3
Beds11
Total non-hotel establishments
Number4
Beds19
Total accommodation facilities
Number4
Beds19
2020 Museums and Similar Institutions
Number of museum institutions
Number of visitors
Fasce altimetriche
PERIMETER_KM48.25
AREA_KMQ84.39
0-299 (%)0.0
300-599 (%)61.9
600-899 (%)36.4
900-1.199 (%)1.7
1.200-1.499 (%)0.0
1.500-1.999 (%)0.0
2.000-2.499 (%)0.0
>=2.500 (%)0.0
% Total100
Agrarian region
Agricultural Region Code8602
Denomination: Agricultural RegionCOLLINE DI ENNA
Other statistical classifications
Altitude of the center (meters)603
Coastal municipalityNo
Island municipalityNo
Coastal areasNo
Level of urbanizationZone a densità intermedia di popolazione
Accessibility indices (in minutes)
Railway stations with active passenger service62
Access to the motorway network19
Airports56
Ports with passenger service61
Piano Strategico Nazionale per le Aree Interne
Già Area 2014-2020NO
SNAI 2020E - Periferico
Aree SNAI 2021 - 2027Troina

The municipality of Leonforte, located in Sicily, was not included in the National Strategic Plan for Inner Areas (PSNAI) for the period 2014-2020, which indicates that it did not benefit from specific development and support measures provided for the so-called "inner areas" during that time frame. However, in the 2020 SNAI, Leonforte is classified as an "E - Peripheral" area, which means it is recognized as an area that, while not central, is in a peripheral position that may require targeted interventions to address specific challenges related to isolation and lack of services. For the period 2021-2027, Leonforte is associated with the SNAI area of Troina. This implies that Leonforte will be part of a group of municipalities that collaborate and share resources and strategies for socio-economic development within the framework of the new PSNAI. Inclusion in this group could offer Leonforte opportunities to access funding and programs aimed at improving quality of life, access to services, connectivity, education, healthcare, and the local economy. In summary, for Leonforte, the new PSNAI represents an opportunity to address some of the typical challenges of inner and peripheral areas, such as depopulation, aging population, lack of infrastructure and services, and to promote more balanced and sustainable development. It will be important for local authorities and stakeholders to actively collaborate and make the most of the resources and tools offered by the PSNAI to realize concrete projects that can have a positive impact on the community of Leonforte.

News on TRAVELNOSTOP

Leonforte is a Sicilian municipality rich in historical and cultural attractions that deserve to be explored. One of the main attractions is the Nelson Castle, an imposing structure dating back to the Norman period that offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Inside the castle, you can admire original frescoes and decorations that tell the story of the region. Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the Mother Church of San Filippo and San Giacomo, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Inside the church, there are works of art of great historical and artistic value, including paintings and sculptures dating back to the Renaissance period. For nature lovers, Leonforte offers the opportunity to explore the Madonie Park, a protected area that is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Here, you can go hiking or cycling, admiring breathtaking landscapes and breathing fresh, clean air. For those interested in the history and culture of the place, it is recommended to visit the Civic Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological finds and works of art that tell the story of Leonforte and its people. Among the exhibits are ceramics, ancient coins, and artifacts dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras. Finally, for those who want to savor traditional Sicilian cuisine, Leonforte offers a wide choice of restaurants and trattorias where you can taste typical dishes such as pasta alla norma, caponata, and Sicilian cannoli. The authentic and genuine flavors of local cuisine will make your stay in Leonforte even more unforgettable. In conclusion, Leonforte is a place rich in charm and history, where art, nature, and tradition come together to offer a unique and unforgettable experience to all those who decide to visit.

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