San Niceto Castle

Motta San Giovanni, Italy

The Castle of Sant'Aniceto (also San Niceto) is a Norman castle built in the early 11th century on a hill in Motta San Giovanni. It is one of the few examples of High Middle Ages architecture in Calabria, as well as one of the few well-preserved Byzantine fortifications in the world. The name derives from that of St. Nicetas, a Byzantine admiral who lived in the 7th-8th centuries.

In the 13th century the castle became the command center of the flourishing fief of Sant'Aniceto (which included Motta San Giovanni and Montebello). Two centuries later, entered in conflict with Reggio Calabria, and in 1459 it was destroyed by Alfonso of Calabria.

The castles has an irregular plan, which reminds that of a ship with the bow directed towards the mountains and the aft to the sea.

Nest to the entrance are two square towers. At the feet of the short steep path leading to the plain below is a small church, which has a frescoed dome portraying the Christ Pantokrator, a typical subject of Byzantine Art.

The height of the well-preserved walls varies from 3 to 3.5 meters, and they are some one meters thick.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Adi (5 months ago)
Very nice
C3 (14 months ago)
The location of this castle is amazing, there were no tourists begin september we were alone. Entrance is free.
Alessandro Marani (15 months ago)
Nearly impossible to get there, recently restaured with taxpayers money, now newly abandoned… The castle and the views are nearly worth the expedition
mpmp (17 months ago)
Unknown, unadvertised, but amazing castle if you like these kinds of places. Good winding road to it. We were only people there. Fantastic views.
Ildikó Sealey (2 years ago)
An absolute gem to visit. We took a 2.5-hour drive to the tip of Italy. The entire area was a great disappointment, but the castle was well worth it. Go early for a view of Etna, she hides in the haze later in the day.
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