You’re planning to spend seven days in Sicily, because it’s your great travel wish. And you’d like to discover the charm of history of this ancient land. We have a great itinerary for you: the one that will allow you to see the seven most beautiful castles along the Sicilian east coast.
- Citadel of Messina (Messina). The citadel of Messina was built to defend the city against internal threats: to repress the frequent uprisings of Messina. The pentagonal fortress was impregnable: it was surrounded by water, while south and north sides were reinforced by bastions.
- Scaletta Zanclea (Messina). Built on the top of a rugged hill, in a strategic position, the original part of the castle dates back to the Thirteenth century. The castle of Scaletta Zanclea is an imposing three-floors building. Built on the top of a hill, the fort looks towards the sea.
- Castello normanno in Aci Castello (Catania). It’s an ancient fortress that rises on the banks of the wonderful sea of Sicilian east coast. The castello normanno of Aci Castello was built using lava stone. Today, a tower and the main building are the only parts that remain of the castle.
- Castello Ursino (Catania). It is a symbol of Catania. An impressive fortress, it is the silent witness of eight hundred years of history. The austere castello Ursino was built between 1239 and 1250 and was surrounded by the sea.
- Forte Vittoria in Augusta (Syracuse). The castle was built in 1300 by Frederick II of Swabia. The fort was built around a pre-existing Roman tower. It is a square-plan building with four massive corner towers.
- Castello Maniace (Syracuse). The castello Maniace was built in Thirteenth century by Frederick II at the end of Ortigia Island. The castle is immediately recognizable thanks to the white color of its walls.
- Forte spagnolo in Portopalo (Siracusa). The so-called forte spagnolo of Portopalo di Capo Passero is a Swabian-Aragonese fortress: presumably, its construction took place between the Twelfth century and Thirteenth century. It was built where the two seas meet.
Image source: Flickr.com/photos/domfell
