Chenduripe: The city of Sicily in the shape of man

Hundreds of unique villages can be found in which they are known for their rich history, as well as their special beauty. One of these is the town of Ceduripe at an elevation of 730 meters that spreads on the ridges of five hills that unite each other, located a few kilometers from the active volcano of Aitna. In particular, Ceduripe is a municipality of the Italian province of Enna in the autonomous Italian region of Sicily in southern Italy. The town is about 61 km from the capital of Enna and its population is 5,033 inhabitants. This city has become widely known mainly through aerial photographs and drone videos for its special shape. Several argue that the city reminds, from above, of stars, while others say it refers to the shape of a giant man who has his legs and arms stretched. In addition, Ceduripe is also called the “Balconi of Sicily”. On the right side of the city, there is a mausoleum on the hill from the imperial Roman era, Corradino Castle, where one can enjoy the magnificent view of the volcano, the green landscape, as well as the plain of Catania. The economy of the city is basically rural, and there are several caves with salt mines and springs. In fact, in the 1820s a 5th – century BC vase was found with the largest Sicilian inscription there is. Also interesting is the fact that Thucydides, known for writing the history of the Peloponnesian War, is also mentioned in the city. The ancient Greek historian records the ancient city under the name “Kentoripa”, where Sicilians who were Hellenized in the 5th century BC and became allies of the Athenians when I campaigned in Sicily. The city maintained its independence until the time when the First Carthedian War broke out, where it submitted to the Roman Republic. Kentoripa was also granted rights and tax exemptions prior to the other cities of Sicily. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC the city became famous for its colorful decoration of vases. Mark Tullius Cicero describes Kentoripa as one of the largest and richest Sicilian cities of his time with a population reaching 10,000 inhabitants. When Sextus Pompey and Octavian Augustus were found in civil war, the city passed a period of crisis, however, he argued in August when he won the Roman citizen’s title. Subsequently, the city flourished during the period of the Roman Empire with huge monuments, sculptures and countless inscriptions, while accepting a Councillor who was a likely son or member of Emperor Andrian’s entourage. However, its monuments were looted by collectors and in the last years of the empire the city fell into decline. When the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Frederick II Hoenstaufen destroyed the city to punish it for a revolution (1233), the residents were transferred to Augusta. Although Charles the Andegau leveled it from the foundations, however, Frantsteco Moncada rebuilt it (1548). The new town was known until 1863 as “Chedorbi”. In World War II at the time Sicily was trying to free itself (1943) it was temporarily occupied by the 38th Infantry Brigade of the defending Germans and suffered destruction.