Castles of Sicily tour: il castello di Gagliano Castelferrato

Today only the ruins can be visited. Ruins that have the charm of the imposing fortress that was once. Gagliano Castelferrato is the next stage of the tour to discover the castles of Sicily.

The history

• Probably, the first nucleus of the fortress was built in the Eleventh century.
• The castle became famous when it was chosen by Frederick II as a place of rest. For this reason, for about ten years, the castle was not only an opulent residence but also a safe place that protected the king against possible enemy attacks.
• Become a property of Montaneiro Perio De Sosa, in 1392 the master of the castle was Sancho de Perio Colatajuro.
• During the centuries, the castle was home of several noble families (Centelles, Galletti, Castello).

The castle

For the presence of that ancient castle, called “di ferro” (“iron”), Gagliano gained its nickname “Castelferrato” (literally, “iron castle”) in 1862. This castle was built right on top of la Rocca, a huge 650-meters-high boulder which overlooks the town of Gagliano.

How to get there:

Gagliano Castelferrato is in the province of Enna. To get there:

• Take A19 motorway towards Catania and take Agira exit.
• Take county road 21 to Agira.
• From Agira, take county road 22 towards Gagliano.

The journey by car takes about 50 minutes.

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Image source: Di Azotoliquido – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0