Luna Castle

Sciacca, Italy

The majestic medieval castle of Sciacca was built in 1382 at the wishes of Guglielmo Peralta, count of Caltabellotta, who became one of the four vicars of the kingdom of Sicily after the death of king Fredrik the III. The castle was passed down to the counts of Luna when, after the death of Nicolò Peralta (son of Guglielmo) one of his three daughters, Margherita, married count Artale of Luna, a Catalan and uncle of king Martino.

The castle rises from its dominating position, in the high up, east part of the city, and is located within the perimeters of the ancient walls, that still exist in part today.It is tied to the “Caso di Sciacca”, the century-long bloody battle between the Catalan house of Luna and the Norman house of Perollo, in conflict over a secret love, that of Giovanni Perollo for Margherita, wife of Don Artale Luna, but also for political and economic interests.

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Address

Via Giglio 53A, Sciacca, Italy
See all sites in Sciacca

Details

Founded: 1382
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.distrettoturisticoselinuntino.it

Rating

3.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Micky Gliese (4 months ago)
Good information about Sciacca
Ke WU (2 years ago)
Missing explanation
Sergey R (2 years ago)
Pretty underappreciated place with small amounts of tourists! A very nice view from the castle walls! You can make great photos from there! The castle itself is pretty much in ruins, but there is a tower still standing with some historical and recreated weaponry and armor. I also liked the recounting of the castle's past, which you can read at the entrance.
Daniel Clarke (3 years ago)
Small castle but worth a quick visit. There are a number of small displays (the male chastity belt will raise eyebrows) and it has excellent views of the sea.
Daniel Wright (3 years ago)
Nice place to see if you are in the area, would not travel to see it alone as it takes 20 minutes or so to go around
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Starting with Filippo Colonna (1578–1639) many changes have refurbished and create a unitary complex around a central garden. Architects including Girolamo Rainaldi and Paolo Marucelli labored on specific projects. Only in the 17th and 18th centuries were the main facades completed. Much of this design was completed by Antonio del Grande (including the grand gallery), and Girolamo Fontana (decoration of gallery). In the 18th century, the long low facade designed by Nicola Michetti with later additions by Paolo Posi with taller corner blocks (facing Piazza Apostoli) was constructed recalls earlier structures resembling a fortification.

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Along with the possessions of the Doria-Pamphilij and Pallavacini-Rospigliosi families, this is one of the largest private art collections in Rome.

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