Castello di Lombardia, Enna, Italy

The Castello di Lombardia iis one of the largest and most ancient edifices in Italy, with an area of some 26,000 m2.

The castle's origins are related to a fortress erected in the 1st millennium BC by the Sicani on the foundation of the ancient Henna, on a hill 970 m above sea level. It remained a key possession in the subsequent history of the island, and the Romans were able to conquer it only by passing through its sewer network.

Under the castle was the ancient Sican temple of Ceres, site of the widespread cult of that goddess in the whole of Italy, which was described by Cicero.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was used by the Byzantines and resisted Arab assaults for many years. After their victory, the latter rebuilt the fortress around the 10th century; the castle was also used by their successors in Sicily, the Normans. Two centuries later, architect Richard of Lentini was commissioned by Frederick II, Emperor and King of Sicily, to restore it as a summer residence. He added 20 towers and called in a garrison coming from the Langobardia minor (Calabria), whence the castle's name.

With the advent of the artillery, the castle lost its primary strategic role and was turned into a prison. In the 20th and early 21st century, the castle was the site of the Teatro più vicino alle Stelle, used for opera and pop music concerts. The castle is now open to the public.

User Reviews

Vasya Konovalov (13 months ago)
You need about 1 hour to see everything. In general, good to visit if it’s on your route, but it’s not a place to go in particular. The views are great.

Santiago Hernandez (2 years ago)
Came on Monday about 09:45, it was empty so had tge opportunity to take pictures at our leisure. Price was €4 per person with tower included. Nobody really monitoring whether you go into the tower. You can spend 30-60 minutes here at a slow pace. Parking outside was free.

Jaanus Krull (2 years ago)
A magnificent sight located on the top of a high mountain. I recommend a visit.

Boštjan Furlan (2 years ago)
A huge and majestic medieval castle. Splendid views up to Mt. Etna from one of the towers. With incredible history to tell from antiquity onwards. Pitty (and apparently a sicilian standard for historic monuments) they don't tell much about it on sight.

Jarrod Hunt (2 years ago)
Decent sized castle with amazing views. Place is a bit tired, some informative signs (in English aswell) but it's mainly about the panoramic views from three top of the keep. Some windy roads to get to the top, but not hard.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

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