Bivona Castle, Vibo Valentia, Italy

The first reliable evidence of feudalism in Bivona dates back to 11 October 1299, when Robert of Anjou, the King of Naples, granted the castles of Bivona and Calatamauro to Giacomo de Catania. The castle mentioned in this decree was probably a watchtower which had been built as part of the walls of Bivona around the time of the War of the Sicilian Vespers.

Eventually, the castle began to be built in the first half of the 14th century. In 1359, Guido and Francesco Ventimiglia almost destroyed it, but it was rebuilt within the same year by Corrado Doria. The land and castle of Bivona was passed to Nicholas Peralta in 1397. In 1406, it belonged to Francesco Castellar.

The castle was looted and partially destroyed in 1529, during the Secondo caso di Sciacca, a conflict between the de Luna and Perollo noble families.

Today, the castle is in ruins. Some parts of it are embedded in structures of a later period.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

franco springer (2 years ago)
Small ruined castle between Bivona and Porto Salvo on the SS18 to Tropea hidden among the vegetation, it's a shame that it is almost in a state of abandonment and that few people know about it. However, it is worth stopping to visit it, provided that the barrier blocking the entrance is open and the weeds have been cut.

Katrin Kuhnert (3 years ago)
Unfortunately, this gem is no longer accessible to the public. The entrance is hard to find and locked. Nature has overgrown the previously existing paths.

Girolamo Rizzoli (3 years ago)
It cannot be visited, in addition to being abandoned, the access is closed with a gate, it is not clear what the sign at the entrance indicating a closed gate is used for ....

Bruno Rossi (4 years ago)
Locked down. In abandonment

Giorgio “GiPod” POD (4 years ago)
Small ruined castle hidden among the vegetation, a pity it is almost in a state of neglect and that few know it. However, it is worth stopping to pay him a visit.

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