Castello di Aci, Aci Castello, Italy

The Castello Normanno ('Norman Castle'), or alternatively the Castello di Aci, is situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea. Its precise date of construction is uncertain, but it was important to the development of its region during the Middle Ages. During the War of the Sicilian Vespers, it was subject to Roger of Lauria. It was besieged more than once, and was briefly controlled by the Spanish. It is currently a museum.

The town of Aci Castello developed around the castle, which was built in 1076 by the Normans upon the foundations of a 7th-century Byzantine fortification. In 1169, Aci Castello started to expand after an eruption of Mount Etna made the towns in its vicinity uninhabitable. The castle later became the property of the Bishops of Catania.

In 1296, Roger of Lauria, admiral of the Aragonese fleet during the War of the Sicilian Vespers, was granted the fief of Aci and its castle as a reward for his faithful service to King Frederick III of Sicily. When relations between the two men soured and di Lauria transferred his loyalties to the Angevins, the castle was besieged and captured by King Frederick and di Lauria stripped of his fiefs. In 1320, the castle and Aci were taken from Roger's descendant, Margaret of Lauria and given to Blasco II de Alagona. Whilst the latter was away defending Palermo from the attacking Angevins, Bertrando di Balzo sacked Aci in his absence.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Wojtek Piatek (7 months ago)
Great place to visit and won't break a ban either. Nice views from the top including Etna's summit.

Silvin Bllt (9 months ago)
This review is for the beach area at the foot of the castle rock formation. It has great potential with clear waters and impressive volcanic formations, and there are very few tourists. Unfortunately, the potential is far from being realized due to a lack of maintenance and trash not being picked up, which litters the shoreline.

Leon Langrish (9 months ago)
What a great piece of history here. A castle built on lava is pretty epic! €3.50 for entry which isn't bad. Great views from the top too. Definitely worth coming up and having a walk round. Lots of history too and some displays inside which are interesting to see

Yana Strunina (10 months ago)
Amazing point of view. Hiking area and access to the sea. The castle is unusual with architecture

Anita Broka (10 months ago)
We really, really liked it! Such a peaceful place with a picturesque landscape! Reasonable price for the ticket, smiling staff. Wonderful cafes to visit nearby!

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