Castelbuono Castle, Castelbuono, Italy

The construction of the Castelbuono Castle began in 1316, by order of Count Francesco I of Ventimiglia, over the ruins of the ancient Byzantine town of Ypsigro, high on the San Pietro hill.

The castle mixes Arab-Norman features with others typical of the castles built during the Hohenstaufen rule of southern Italy: the cube shape recalls Arabic architecture; the square towers, although incorporated into those of the façade, reflect Norman architectural style, as also the battlements; and the round tower recalls aspects of Frederick II's times architecture.

The structure is on three floors, the first floor for the servants, with the essential services, the second for the nobility, with the sumptuous Cappella Palatina, and the third for the court and for guests.

The Cappella Palatina ('Palace Chapel') was built in 1683 by the brothers Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta, with a great profusion of precious marble, stuccowork, putti, and friezes that commemorate the most resplendent moments in the history of the House of Ventimiglia. Here is kept the holy relic of the skull of Saint Anne, in an urn that acts as the pedestal to the sculpted bust of Castelbuono's patron saint.

There are also the traditional underground dungeons and a tunnel that leads to the Church of San Francesco.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Alfia Di Gregorio (2 years ago)
Cute village with a delicious sweet shop Fiasconaro!

John Canessa (2 years ago)
It is ancient but well maintained. Most rooms have been refurbished. The staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Took several pictures. Had a great time.

A.j. Swain (2 years ago)
Very pleasant stop during the drive around the national park. Choice of cafes and Gelateria. A beautiful old town to wander

Vincenzo Sferruzza (2 years ago)
The town is nice, on a hill in the country side. A lots of cultural and musical event. The mountain and the sea very close. A good place to spend the summer vacation in.

Peter Herka (2 years ago)
If I compare this castle to other historical buildings in Sicily, it is not worth of going inside and paying entrance fee. Unbalance of inner courtyard area is striking (I am attaching photo). It is a visual chaos. You can see some average religious artifacts inside the museum. Most interesting was the chapel, but lets be honest - all the churches and chapels in Sicily are beautiful. I recommend to spend more time exploring the streets and miss this tour.

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