As with some other villages in the Iblei area, also Ferla boasts very ancient origins as its territory was already inhabited before the Greek colonization of the eighth century B.C. The inhabited area was expanded and delineated as a city in the Norman age and assumed its current name. The earthquake in 1693 wiped out the entire medieval town, but the inhabitants didn't give in and built their village again, with the same stones a bit more north, in a plain at the foot of Monte Rigoria according to eighteenth-century Baroque urban planning.

The Church of San Sebastiano, the largest in the village, has a three naves plan. It has an imposing limestone façade designed by Michelangelo Di Giacomo, with three orders that seem to sprout from the group of sculptures that stands above the portal: it depicts the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian between two Roman soldiers, while two moors – carved in stone as well - hold the architrave. Inside, there is a sixteenth-century wooden statue of the saint in orange tree, the eighteenth century canvas by Crestadoro depicting the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian adorning the main altar, and a beautiful eighteenth-century statue of the Immaculate, with a thick damask decoration in the robe that is unique in the whole Iblei area.

The Main Church or Church of San Giacomo, according to recent excavations was built over a cemetery of the Hellenistic period. Certainly it rises exactly where the original, Renaissance style church stood before the earthquake. On the main portal of the Church there stands out the civic emblem. Inside, you can admire a rich decoration in Corinthian style made of stucco and sculptures. In the church an archive is kept, with documents (manuscripts and parchments) dating from 1500.

The Church of Sant'Antonio was reconstructed in a different site than the original. Its plan is shaped like a Greek cross, and it is characterized by a sinuous Baroque façade, with a wave form marked by three concave parts; the two on the sides are crowned with belfries. The ceiling of the octagonal dome is an embroidery of stucco, friezes and frescoes, like the one depicting the Triumph of St. Anthony signed Giuseppe Crestadoro. Inside there are stucco sculptures representing the cardinal and theological virtues, inspired by the style of Serpotta.

The Carmine Church, from the eighteenth century, has a single nave plan; the prospect is raised by the beautiful bell loggia with three openings. It is small and enriched by the theory of arches that lead to the high altar.

The existence of the complex of Santa Maria is attested since the fifteenth century. It is a monastery with annexed church where a moving wooden crucifix is kept. It is a work by Fra' Umile da Petralia (also know as Pintorno) and was carved in 1633. There is also a wonderful marble statue of Santa Maria La Bianca, dating from the late fifteenth century and made according to the Gagini school.

As for excursions, Ferla, as Sortino, is synonymous with Pantalica, an extraordinary archaeological site whose scenic beauty and wealth have been decreed "World Heritage".
Following the Mare-Monti road from Syracuse, you'll pass through Ferla on your way to the mysterious archaeological site nestled in one of the most lush nature reserves in Sicily (the river Anapo valley). For this reason Ferla has an active tourist office (tel. 0931 870136) which provides all possible information to visit the village as well as expert guides.

The deepest felt feast is that in honour of St. Sebastian, the patron saint. It is held on July 20, but it is very nice also to watch the Curruta on the evening of the 19th, that is the procession bringing the statue of the saint through the streets of the village.
A royal salute announce the dawn of the 20th calling devotees and tourists to Mass to witness the spectacle offered by the carriers of the fercolo, (a sort of litter where the statue of the saint stands) dressed only in white trousers and a red ribbon on the bare chest. At noon the statue is brought out of the church greeted by fireworks and clouds of 'nzareddi (paper strips).

A very fascinating spectacle marks the day of Easter in Ferla, preceded by a Holy Week full of rites and processions beginning on Palm Sunday. That of Good Friday is particularly striking: in the afternoon the wooden statue of the Crucifix is brought around the streets of the village, followed by that of the Virgin of Sorrows. In the evening people witness in silence the Scisa da Cruci (the descent from the Cross) and the sad procession accompanying the Dead Christ at the light of the coppi (small torches). On Saturday, at 9pm, all the bells start to beat in a crescendo of joy until the procession of the Madonna do Scontru begins: the statue is wrapped in a black cloak and looks for her Risen Son in the streets of the village. Ferla is full of torches, the sciaccare, which are dragged by the people accompanying the "Gesummaria" (Risen Christ) throughout the climb up to the Church of the Capuchins. This is the Sciaccariata, a picturesque torchlight procession simulating the Resurrection of Jesus, which every year attracts thousands of tourists.
The encounter between Jesus and Mary will be at noon on Easter Sunday, when the Virgin will drop the black cape of mourning in a riot of celebration.

The agricultural character of this village has preserved all the natural taste of the products of its fertile land. Certainly oil, which here is produced with the Iblea Tonda olives, is among the most requested products, but there are many farms where you'll find surprisingly tasty cheeses and ricotta.