Montalbano Elicona Castle, Montalbano Elicona, Italy

The Montalbano Elicona Castle is considered as one of the most beautiful monuments in Sicily. It was built in the 12th century by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II on pre-existing byzantine and Arab walls. The intent of Frederick II was to provide Sicily a series of strong defensive buildings around the island. The well preserved extensive walls of the castle are easily seen throughout the town. From on top of the Valley the King could control the whole area and the nearby Nebrodi Mountains.

The small medieval winding roads lead up to this charming castle that was home to many kings and nobles like Luis King of Sicily and Frederick the Simple. The ongoing restoration work in progress closes up some areas of this site but it is still well worth a visit. Interesting are the rooms with armours on display and the small museum with musical instruments. The Royal Chapel of the Byzantine era is truly impressive! Apparently Arnaldo da Villanova was buried here, a famous character connected to this castle who died in 1313 in genoa and was a doctor, alchemist and a religious writer of great influence in the european courts.

References:

sicily.co.uk

User Reviews

Ondřej Jakubčík (8 months ago)
Very charming town with medieval atmosphere. You can stroll on the cobbled streets and visit a nice castle. The exposition is interesting and there is a tower with picturesque views

Leonardo Riccioli (3 years ago)
Super

Édona Shark (3 years ago)
Very nice little castle! Swords and a mignificient armor inside, panoramic view on the medieval city outside. And only 3€'!

eric crossley (3 years ago)
Nice and well maintained

Chris Smith (4 years ago)
Cool weapons and armor in the castle and a great view from the top.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Montalbano Elicona Castle

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