Castello Normanno (Paternò)

The Castello normanno ("Norman Castle") is a castle in Paternò, in the Province of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy.

History

The castle was built in 1072 by Count Roger I of Sicily to protect the Simeto valley from Islamic raids. The first nucleus of the fortress was soon enlarged, and it subsequently lost its original military functions. Under Henry VI it was made the seat of the Count of Paternò, assigned to his fellow Swabian Bartholomew of Luci. Later the castle housed kings and queens, such as Henry's son Emperor Frederick II, Eleanor of Anjou and Blanche I of Navarre, as the castle had been included in the so-called Camera Reginale estates ("Queen's Chamber") by King Frederick III of Sicily.

The Chamber was abolished in the 15th century, and in 1431 the castle was acquired by the Special family; until 1456 it was owned by the Moncada family. Used as a jail, in the following centuries it became increasingly decayed, until restoration work begun in the 19th century brought it back to its ancient prominence.

Description

The castle has a rectangular plan, on three floors, with a height of 34 m. Originally, it had Ghibelline-style merlons, of which today only remains can be seen. Notable is the colour effect created by the dark shade of the stones and the frames of the Gothic-style mullioned windows, in white limestone.

The first-storey houses several service chambers and the Chapel of St. John, decorated with precious 13th-century frescoes. The piano nobile houses a large Weapons Hall. The king's residence was located in the upper floor.

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
There are no tips nor hints for Castello Normanno (Paternò) yet. Maybe be you will be the first one to post useful information for fellow travellers? :)
5.3/10
95 people have been here
Map
Via dei Normanni, 95047 Paternò CT, Italy Get directions

Castello Normanno on Foursquare

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
Casa Vacanze Tenuta dei Cavalli sull' Etna

starting $79

Hotel Ristorante Paradise

starting $76

Valle Degli Ulivi

starting $73

Croce Vallone Agrihotel

starting $81

Etna

starting $65

B&B Prima Classe

starting $104

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Adranon

Adranon (Ancient Greek: Ἀδρανόν) and Adranos (Ancient Greek: Ἀδρανός

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castello Ursino

Castello Ursino is a castle in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy.

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (Italian: Aeroporto Internazionale V

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Mount Etna

Mount Etna, is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castello Normanno (Aci Castello)

The Castello Normanno ('Norman Castle'), or alternatively the Castello

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Morgantina

Morgantina is an archaeological site in east central Sicily, southern

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Fortezza del Tocco

The Fortezza del Tocco is a fort in Acireale, Sicily. It was built in

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Palike

Palike (Ἀρχαία ἑλληνικὴ. Παλικήν; italiano. Palikè) was an ancient

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein, pronounced ])

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Tower of London

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Château de Gruyères

The Castle of Gruyères (in french: château de Gruyères), located in th

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castel Sant'Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as the Castel Sant'Angelo, is

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castello Scaligero (Sirmione)

Замок Скалігерів (італ. Castello Scaligero) —

See all similar places