Sperlinga
The Castle of Sperlinga: a Medieval Gem
Hello friends! Today we're talking about the Castle of Sperlinga, a wonderful medieval fortress located in the province of Enna, in Sicily. Built in the 12th century on the remains of sacred caves dating back to as far as 4,000 years ago, it is an enchanted place that exerts extraordinary fascination on those who visit it.
The History of the Castle
The Castle of Sperlinga has an ancient and fascinating history, rooted in medieval Sicily. Even before the arrival of the Normans, the area was inhabited by the Sicilian population, who used the sandstone rock caves as tombs. Later, in the 12th century, the Longobards, called "Lombards of Sicily", arrived in Sicily and founded a community in Sperlinga.
Between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th, under Norman rule, the Castle was built on a single monolith, excavated in the rock to build a real castle. In 1283, during the War of the Vespers, the Castle resisted the siege of the Aragonese army for almost a year. After the end of the conflict, the Castle was assigned to the Ventimiglia family, who owned it for over two centuries.
In 1597, the fortress was bought by Baron Giovanni Forti Natoli, who held it for his entire life. In 1626, the King of Spain granted his descendants the title of prince, elevating the barony to a principality. The property then passed to the Oneto family, dukes of San Silvestro and then of Sperlinga, who owned it until the end of the 19th century.
The Structure of the Castle
The uniqueness of the Castle of Sperlinga lies in its structure. Carved directly into the rock, the Castle is composed of numerous rooms and corridors, which develop on different levels. One feels the magic of this place and appreciates the mysticism that pervades it, it's like entering another world, where nothing is decoration and everything has a message to tell. Scholars still wonder how it was possible to dig into this hard rock to obtain the different rooms of the castle.
The Castle of Sperlinga has undergone numerous restoration and conservation interventions over the centuries. Today, it is possible to visit the fortress and admire its beauty and majesty.
Visiting the Castle
If you are passionate about history and archaeology, you cannot miss the visit to the Castle of Sperlinga. The Castle represents an authentic gem of medieval Sicily, a place of unique and unparalleled charm.
During the visit, you can admire the numerous rooms of the Castle and immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanted place. Among the most suggestive rooms there are the banquet hall, the chapel, the prison, and the well. You can also admire the beautiful panoramic view of the town of Sperlinga and the surrounding mountains.
The visit to the Castle of Sperlinga is suitable for everyone, young and old. The Castle is open every day and the cost of the ticket is affordable.
Conclusions
The Castle of Sperlinga is one of the wonders of medieval Sicily, a fortress unique in its kind that represents a real gem for the culture and history of the island. Visiting the Castle is an unforgettable experience that will lead you to discover the magic of an enchanting place and the timeless charm it exudes. If you are traveling to Sicily, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Castle of Sperlinga. You won't regret it!
