Il Castle of the Naselli d'Aragona is one of the most important historical buildings in Comiso. The probable construction of the castle took place around the 12th century, thanks to the testimony of several documents from the 13th century which mention its presence. It remained the residence of the noble Naselli family for a long time until, in 1693, the devastating earthquake.
Architecture
Although a large part of the castle was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, it is still possible to admire several remains dating back to the early years of the 11th century, as well as having numerous documents that clearly describe the original structure. At the time, he owned a drawbridge which guaranteed protection for access, isolating itself from the territory in front to avoid any attacks. On the right of the current building it is still possible to admire the most historical part, represented by a baptistery containing several frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era. On the north side there is instead one Eighteenth-century loggia with further frescoes depicting landscapes and animals. The internal gardens make up a suggestive scenario, with several fountains of the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, which blend perfectly with the surrounding greenery.
References:Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.
German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.
After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.