TRAVEL IDEAS Fly and Drive Escorted Tours Sicilian flavour Seaside holidays Wellness & Relax
HELPDESK About us General Terms How to book Payment Policy Contact us
USEFUL LINKS Weather forecast Flights & airlines Transport in Sicily Book ferries Distances in Sicily Main Cities

Castle of Carini



Castle of Santa Lucia del Mela



Castle of Falconara



Castle of Portopalo Tafuri

Castles in Sicily    Because of its location in the middle of Mediterranean sea and its mild climate, Sicily has been cultivated by several different cultures throughout the ages.

As witness of many years of history and domination, are the numerous castles spread all over Sicily, built to defend from the invaders.

Centuries of history are engraved to the stones of a castle.

During the Norman domination, Castles were simple structures, made of simple towers and surrounding walls. During the empire of Altavilla’s, castles became veritable refined royal palaces. Under the kingdom of Federico II of Swabian, many grandiose castles have been built all over Sicily. They represent the main Sicilian middle age cultural heritage.

The Maniace Castle, in Syracuse is maybe the most representative castle and fortress built during the kingdom of Federico II. During the fight between the Baronies (The Ventimiglia's, the Chiaramonte's and the Peralt’s) and the Crown, many castle have been built. They differ from greatness and importance. Some of them have been built ex novo, others have been modified from other existent castles, like the one in Milazzo and Messina.

At the end of middle age, Castles loose their defensive function and they became to be used as royal palaces. The castle of Castelbuono, Caccamo and Carini for example are big monuments that show us the power of the barony in Palermo.

Born as defensive purpose and as symbol of power, Castle are nowadays an attraction for tourists.