Forte Gonzaga

Messina, Italy

In the 1540s, the fortifications of Messina were being modernized due to fears of the expanding Ottoman Empire. Forte Gonzaga was built on the hill of Montepiselli, outside the city walls. It was able to defend the mountainous landward approach to the city, and it also overlooked the Strait of Messina. The fort was designed by Antonio Ferramolino, a military engineer from Bergamo. He was assisted by Francesco Maurolico, a native of Messina. It was named after the Viceroy of Sicily Don Ferrante Gonzaga, and was completed in 1545.

The Ottoman threat was reduced after the Catholic victory in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, and the fort's importance began to decline. It saw use during the 1674–78 uprising against Spanish rule. Spain eventually lost Sicily in 1713, but invaded the island five years later during the War of the Quadruple Alliance. During the invasion, the fort did not offer much resistance and was captured by the Spanish general Luca Spinola.

During the Sicilian revolution of 1848, the fort was captured by rebels, who used it to bombard the Real Cittadella which was still in Bourbon hands.

Forte Gonzaga saw use in World War II when it was used by German and Italian forces prior to the Allied invasion, and it was subsequently used by American forward observers to direct artillery fire during the invasion of Italy. It remained a military establishment until 1973, when the Italian Army handed it to the municipality of Messina. There are plans to restore the fort and turn it into a museum and conference centre.

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Address

Via Gelone, Messina, Italy
See all sites in Messina

Details

Founded: 1545
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

roy mathew (5 months ago)
Very steep to reach there. Limited parking. Not much of a unrestricted view, but less known place, hence peaceful!
Leszek P (8 months ago)
Locked, not accessible, sadly no information for the tourists
Raluca Ene (8 months ago)
I found this castle on a tourist map of Messina. I walked to the castle following google maps, no pointers or road signs for it. And there, an abandoned ruin. You can't even get close to it. Messina is such a non-tourist city.
Leopoldo La Ciura (8 months ago)
The Gonzaga Castle in Messina is a historical monument of great importance. Built in the 16th century, the castle is named after its commissioner, Don Ferrante Gonzaga, Viceroy of Sicily. The castle, with its imposing structure and thick walls, is an impressive example of Renaissance military architecture. Designed to defend the city from invasions, the castle played a key role in the history of Messina. Today, the Gonzaga Castle is a place of historical and cultural interest. Although much of the original structure was damaged by earthquakes and bombings of World War II, the castle still retains its aura of majesty. A visit to the Gonzaga Castle offers a unique view of the history of Messina. As you walk among the ruins, you can almost hear the echo of past battles. Every stone, every wall, tells a story of times past, of heroism and resistance. In conclusion, the Gonzaga Castle is a hidden treasure of Messina that deserves to be discovered. Despite the challenges of time, the castle remains a symbol of Messina's rich history and cultural heritage. If you find yourself in Messina, be sure to pay a visit to this fascinating historical monument.
Josue Badillo (13 months ago)
I tried to go inside the castle but it was closed and it doesn't seem they open it anymore:(
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