CASTELLACCIO DI MONREALE

Erected by the Normans in the 12th century under William II of Sicily in the Arab-Norman style at the top of Monreale on Monte Caputo, at an altitude of 764 metres, this building is the only example of a fortified monastery in western Sicily. Seven towers were originally erected to protect the monastery and the church, but this was not enough to counter the attack of the Chiaromonte family who destroyed it in the 14th century. It was not restored until 1898 by an Italian architect. Today it is used as a guest house by the Alpine Club of Monreale.