Augusta, whose name was given by Frederick II, the August, who founded it in 1232, overlooks the homonymous bay; due to its strategic position it has always had a defensive role: for this reason the Swabian Castle and the forts Garcia, Vittoria and Avalos were built.
The historic centre is an Island, obatined by cutting an isthmus during the XVI century and connected to the mainland by two bridges, one recently built (viadotto Federico II di Svevia) and another one built during the XIII century (Porta Spagnola).
For the archaeology lovers, the ruins of Megara Hyblaea worth a visit.
The Mother Church, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 and the Church of Anime Sante del Purgatorio are interesting too under the architectonic point of view.

Photo By Francesco Giordano