Castello di Milazzo

Coordinates: 38°13′52″N 15°14′28″E / 38.231244°N 15.241095°E / 38.231244; 15.241095

The Castle of Milazzo.

The Castello di Milazzo (Italian: Milazzo castle) is a fortified ensemble in Milazzo, Sicily, southern Italy. It is located on the summit a hill commanding the town, and is of uncertain origin, perhaps Arab. It was later enlarged in medieval and modern times, and it is now a National Monument of Italy.

History

The area of the castle is known to have been frequented in ancient times, as shown by recent findings inside the castle's perimeter of coins including those of the Mamertines.

The oldest element of the current castle, a quadrangular tower, dates most likely to the Arab period of Sicily. It was later enlarged by the Normans and the Hohenstaufen: Frederick II of Hohenstaufen's architect, Richard of Lentini, worked at the castle.

During the Aragonese domination of Sicily walls were added with five rounded bastions (15th century). The larger external towers were built in the early 16th century. The castle lost its importance in the 18th century, and decayed until recent times.

Overview

The "castle" was more precisely a fortified town or citadel, which housed several public and private edifices, such as a cathedral and a Benedictine convent. The entrance is from the Santa Maria bastion, which, together with the so-called Bastione delle Isole, is part of the massive Spanish 16th century walls. A gallery with a barrel vault then leads to an internal courtyard, after which is the Old Duomo (cathedral), built from 1607.

From the same age is the Benedictine convent. Also present are remains of the Palazzo dei Giurati (Jurors' Palace) and of the older church of Santa Maria.

Sources

• Micale, Antonino (1982). Il Castello di Milazzo. Milazzo: Stes.