Castello Maniace, Syracuse, Italy

The Castello Maniace is a citadel and castle situated at the far point of the Ortygia island promontory, It bears the name of George Maniakes, the Byzantine general who besieged and took the city in 1038. Originally, one could only enter the castle over a bridge spanning a moat (now filled). A feature of the castle is the decorated portal. Today the castle is open to public and is a local tourist attraction in Syracuse.

The first fort was built here in 1038 by George Maniakes, a Greek general and later the Catepan of Italy, after he captured Syracuse from the Arabs on behalf of the Emperor Michael IV. Frederick II, as King of Sicily, had his architect Riccardo da Lentini rebuild it in 1232–1240. King Peter III of Aragon resided here with his family in 1288. From 1305 to 1536 the castle was used as residence by numerous queens of Sicily.

In the 15th century it was used as a prison. In the following century it was included in the fortification defending the harbour and the city. A huge explosion damaged it in 1704, after which it was renovated and adapted to the use of guns.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Cristina Roman (4 months ago)
Nice castle and sea view. The sunset is amazing here

Mark C (4 months ago)
Only walked around outside as I didn't have time to go in. About 7 euros for entry. Looked clean and well presented.

Vladimir Balaz (9 months ago)
Mighty fortress with thick walls. It is located at the very end of Ortigia.

Ognyan Ivanov (12 months ago)
Beautiful Fortress very solid built. Beautiful View to the coast and interesting architecture! The entry Ticket is only 4 Euro, so it is in every case worth seeing.

Jeroen Daveyne (12 months ago)
Old castle. If you like old castles visit it. If not...go drink a coffee I guess.

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