Augusta

Augusta is a port city in southeastern Sicily, in the province of Syracuse. Its harbour, fortifications and historic churches reflect the long importance of this coastal setting. The castle on the area known as Terra Vecchia was commissioned by Emperor Frederick II in 1232. Together with other defensive structures, including Forte Vittoria, it forms part of the architectural record of Sicily's maritime history.

The wider Augusta area also has a contemporary performance venue at Città della Notte. Its theatre and congress hall accommodates nearly a thousand spectators and has hosted theatre companies, dance performances, classical music and jazz. This is an indoor, multipurpose auditorium, equipped with a stage, dressing rooms and facilities for conferences and screenings. It provides a different setting for cultural activity from the historic buildings of the port town.