Castello di Caccamo explained

Caccamo Castle
Native Name:Castello di Caccamo
Location:Caccamo, Sicily, Italy
Type:Castle
Coordinates:37.9318°N 13.6601°W
Pushpin Map:Sicily
Pushpin Label:Castello di Caccamo
Ownership:Region of Sicily
Open To Public:Yes
Built:12th century
Builder:Matthew Bonnellus
Materials:Stone
Condition:Intact
Events:Barons' Revolt of 1160

The Castello di Caccamo (English: '''Caccamo Castle''') is a castle in Caccamo, Sicily. It is among the largest and best preserved Norman castles in Sicily, and one of the largest in Italy.[1]

The castle is built on a steep cliff, 521 metres above sea level. It overlooks the surrounding countryside, including the San Leonardo River Valley, and the Rosmarina artificial lake.[2]

History

The castle as it is today was built by Matthew Bonnellus in the 12th century. It was later modified by the Chiaramontes in the 14th century, and by other rulers until the 17th century.[3]

The castle is a large structure built of white stone, having an irregular plan. It has walls with V-shaped battlements, towers, a moat and a courtyard. The interior consists of a maze of rooms and stairways.[4]

The most notable room within the castle is the Sala della Congiura, also known as the Conspiracy Hall. In 1160, some Norman barons met in this room to plot against William I of Sicily, but the rebellion failed.

Parts of the castle collapsed in an earthquake in 1923.[5]

The castle was inhabited by descendants of the Dukes of Caccamo until it was purchased by the Region of Sicily in October 1963. By this time, the castle was in ruins. Restoration work funded by the Region of Sicily began in 1974.[6]

Present day

Today, the castle is open to the public. A restaurant called A Castellana is located on the ground level of the castle,[7] while other parts of the structure are also used for conferences and meetings.[1]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pienta. Maryellen. The Castle of Caccamo. sicilianodyssey.blogspot.com. 16 May 2015. 20 February 2008.
  2. Web site: Castles in Sicily. sicilyincoming.com. 16 May 2015.
  3. Web site: Termini Imerese. Best of Sicily. 16 May 2015. April 2008.
  4. Web site: Orlando. Andrea. Castello Di Caccamo. iCastelli.it. 16 May 2015. it. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518105832/http://www.icastelli.it/castle-1234885568-castello_di_caccamo-it.php. 18 May 2015. dead.
  5. Web site: Il castello di Caccamo. Io amo la Sicilia. 16 May 2015. 9 May 2013. it.
  6. Web site: Salone dei Duchi e dei Baroni. A Castellana. 16 May 2015. it.
  7. Web site: A Castellana. A Castellana. 16 May 2015. it.