al-Idrisi by the name Shanta Fīlibb (i.e., Saint Philip of Agira), written as شنت فيلب in the Arabic script. Agira passed through the hands of the Hohenstaufen, the Angevines and Aragonese, and in about 1400 it became state property of Sicily. Over the years the town has been influenced by Spanish and Jewish arrivals, both leaving their architectural mark, the latter a synagogue. Main sights The town has a number of notable churches: Chiesa Madre ("Mother Church"): Norman church dedicated to Santa Maria Maggiore Santa Margherita: Norman church founded in 13th century, but rebuilt over centuries, is the largest in the diocese, with thirteen altars San Filippo: church with central nave and two aisles, and contains paintings by Olivo SozziSant'Antonio da Padova:16th-century churchSant'Antonio Abate: 16th-century church containing fourteen small paintings of the Venetian schoolSan Salvatore: church with Gothic bell-tower. There is also an Arab–Byzantine castle, later rebuilt by the Hohenstaufen, of which two towers still stand. The Pozzillo artificial lake lies near the town in a eucalyptus wood, and provides a habitat for a large variety of birds, and a way-stage for migrators. Another reserve – the Riserva di Piano della Corte – has been created in the Erean Mountains, and the Mediterranean forest of the Vallone di Piano della Corte is scheduled to become another reserve. The area also contains sulphur springs. Economy The town is a centre of agriculture: productions include cereals, almonds, olives, and grapes. The large areas of pasture also make possible the breeding of cattle, sheep, and horses. Transportation There is a railway station south of the town. International relations Agira is twinned with: Żebbuġ, Malta References External links Official website Agira — from La Sicilia in dettaglio — Sicily in full detail'' Gallery of photographs of Agira Richard Stillwell, ed. Princeton Encyclopædia of Classical Sites, 1976: "Agyrion (Agira), Sicily" History of Agira Municipalities of the Province of Enna 339 BC 330s BC establishments 4th-century BC establishments in Italy Populated places established in the 4th century BC Dorian colonies in Magna Graecia