CASTELLO DI MILAZZO

Under the northern part of the castle area is a Neolithic necropolis, when the local population traded in pumice and volcanic stones cut into arrowheads, spears and blades. The primitive core of the castle built by the Normans was reinforced and enlarged by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century. It is characterized by the presence of towers on the western front, the central one with its massive and imposing appearance is called the Norman tower, the one at the southern end the Torrione del Paralightmine. The king gave it a square and solid structure with 8 lateral towers and a central tower. The Spanish, in the 16th century, added a Gothic portal and imposing walls, and then the castle passed into the hands of the Aragonese, who reinforced the fortifications. The structure therefore has three rows of walls dating from the different construction periods. On a piece of the medieval walls there is a strange lava stone drawing that seems to represent an insect. This figure, about which all possible explanations have been heard, actually represents a beetle, whose symbolism is linked to the sun that illuminates its eyes on the spring equinox. In 1880, the castle became a prison until 1960. The museum allows enchanted visitors to discover its treasures.

For the old dome, guided tour is mandatory but free. Has a beautiful portico and some interesting works of art.