Branciforti Castle

Raccuja, Italy

The monumental complex of the Branciforti Castle is located at the highest point of the village of Raccuja to dominate the whole valley. It dates back to the Norman era, even if its origins are to be found between the Roman and the Arab ages. Over the centuries the Castle was subjected to numerous changes, the most important of which dates back to 1200s when the entire building passed under the ownership of Baron Orioles. Subsequently, in the 16th century, it was sold to the Banciforti family which carried out other alterations. Following their rule, immediately after the unification of Italy, the whole monumental complex became a judicial prison. Today the property has been carefully restored after a conservation campaign in the 90s and is home to the municipal library and a museum area.

References:

ttattago.com

Address

Piazza Castello 23, Raccuja, Italy

See all sites in Raccuja

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.ttattago.com

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

SALVATORE VALENTI (12 months ago)
Beautiful experience. I had the pleasure of revisiting the castle after many years, on the occasion I came with my vintage car club (S. A. Mo club), and under the guidance of councilor Marcella Scalìa (very good) we visited the place.

Marcella Platania (2 years ago)
Nice experience, very knowledgeable guide, free entry

Pascu Alexandru Ioan (3 years ago)
A place full of history, with many objects from that era, free entry and with a person who tells you the story. I recommend going for those who love new discoveries.

Silvia Lo Giudice (3 years ago)
Well maintained and surrounded by beautiful fresh air.

Giuseppe Fazio (6 years ago)
From the outside it promises well. Unfortunately, being Sunday, it was closed to the public. All the more reason to return. Building that brings luster and richness to the Nebrodi area, so rich in history, architecture and art unknown to many.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

Historic Site of the week

Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.