Siculiana Castle

Siculiana, Italy

The Chiaramonte Castle of Siculiana, situated in thehomonymous town, is a rich and splendid architectural monument. It was built on the top of a headland, probably seat of the ancient cena. The castle dominated, with its towers, the village and the valley that lies gently on the Mediterranean sea.

The origin of the fortress is Arab. The ancient arab castle was rebuilt in 1314, by order of Federico Chiaramonte. In 1311 Costanza, Federico Chiaramonte’s only daughter, celebrated in the castle her second mariage. Her husband was the noble from Genoa Brancaleone Doria, who became Governor of Sardinia in 1335. Many mariages and noble agreements were celebrated in the castle, due to its splendor and to the belief that any celebration that took place on the “Rock of Siculiana”, was blessed.

In the late years of the 14th century, in the centre of Piazza d’Armi, a deep cistern was bored to gather and conserve rain water for daily use. A precious resource in case of siege, which you can still admire today. The Church of St. Lorenzo, in the south wing of the castle, is the most ancient of Siculiana, built during the 17th century.

During the ages, the castle became a prison. The last Baron of Siculiana was Antonio Perez. In the early years of the 20th century, the Baron agnello ordered the destruction of the “Forth Noble”, the most important artistic and historical part of the castle, to build a luxurious residence for himself.

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Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.castellochiaramonte.it

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Fraser Carlin (3 years ago)
A special place, never been anywhere like it
santo iacono (3 years ago)
Excellent
Gennaro De Marco (4 years ago)
Fantastic location, fabulous, delicious dishes. Courtesy of the staff and equipped for Gluten Free. The only drawback: only receptions, no classic restaurant ... shame because I would gladly go there with the family
Francesco Emanuele (4 years ago)
Simple amazing!
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