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Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Castles around Country of Catania, palaces and mansions

The area around Country of Catania is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads out over the whole area, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as homes, and still others only ruins as evidence of a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture in the surroundings of Country of Catania. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo di città

The Palazzo di Città is the monument of Acireale, represents the architectural quality over 200m of extension in Baroque style. The façade is made elegant by the sculptures, which are the elements saved from the original construction. Above the portal of the building you can see the national coat of arms of the municipality. Since 1833, the palace has become the official seat of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Zealans and Daphnics.

Caltagirone - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Caltagirone

The Castle of Caltagirone is located in the present ancient part of the homonymous city and was most likely built around the 12th-13th century. In fact, from documents dating back to 1239, the fortress is defined as the state property that is included in the number of castra exempta. Unfortunately, in 1256, the structure was damaged by the Manfredi and only the tower remained of the Castle. We proceeded to the construction of a room and a room annexed to the tower itself, but unfortunately, from documents dating back to the twentieth century, it is evident that only a few remains remain of the Castle.

Adrano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Adrano

Built in the 11th century by Count Ruggero, it is one of the symbols of the city. What catches the eye is the Islamic style of the building, which is perceived in the main entrance and in the interior. It rises 33 meters long for 4 floors, the walls are 2.3-2.6 meters thick. The castle was abandoned after the 1600s earthquake that destroyed its interior. Over the centuries, it has been transformed having assumed several roles as the residence of noble families, as the seat of a prison then from 1958 to the present day and Museum.

Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dell'Università

Today's Palazzo dell'Università was built in 1696, by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, Francesco, Antonino Battaglia and many other architects of the time. The majesty of the structure occupies a large area. The building has well-groomed 18th-century architectural decorative elements. On the façade you can see the coat of arms of Aragon, while inside there are numerous frescoes, works by Giovan Battista Piparo. Since 1696, the building has been home to the University of Catania, from which it also took its name.

Aci Catena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Municipio ex Convento S.Antonio da Padova

The Town Hall and former Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in 1636 in Aci Catena. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant buildings to which the Catenotes contributed. The staircase gives an extreme harmony to the whole building and inside there are most of the best works in the country. The cloister is decorated in the lunettes with frescoes depicting the life and works of the Franciscan Saints. It is among the most visited and best preserved monuments in the city.

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