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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 Messina, palaces and mansions

The area around Country of Messina 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 Messina. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Lipari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Lipari

The castle was built on a plateau that can be found on a cliff next to the sea, from archaeological research and studies of the conformation of the rock the area appears to have been inhabited for about 6000 years. This rock for the inhabitants has always represented a natural defense against attacks from the sea. The current structure was constructed in the course of the sixteenth century by Charles V as a result of a harsh attack on the city perpetrated by the Tunisian captain Kairedin Barbarossa who deported'' almost all the inhabitants.

Taormina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Taormina

The Arab-Norman Castle or even Castello di Monte Tauro dominates the whole city of Taormina from above with a beautiful view of the sea. It was built in the Middle Ages on the remains of an ancient acropolis; it has a trapezoidal base and a tower, which served as a lookout. Today of this construction we can admire only the high keep and the courtyard, as well as the remains of a tower and the surrounding walls. The Castle is open to the public and to get there you have to go along a long staircase, which starts from the church of Madonna della Rocca.

Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte San Jachiddu

The fort is located in the center north of Messina and enjoys an excellent view as it is located on a high level. It has a symmetrical trapezoidal shape and is equipped with a drawbridge entrance. The whole structure consists of three levels that are connected by two ramps and numerous internal and external stairs. For many years it was in very bad condition, but, after being renovated, the building has been excellently recovered and is often used as a venue for events and exhibitions.

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