52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #21. Castles and Their Stories

Castles and their stories pervade hilltop towns in Sicily. This castle pictured, Il Castello di Caccamo in Palermo Province, presents travelers an especially interesting glimpse into Europe’s medieval past. Scholars think the site has been home to some kind of fortress for millennia, meanwhile, this impenetrable iteration, the largest in Sicily, was built by the…

Black Castle 

The imposing castle at Aci Castello was constructed out of black volcanic rock on top of La Rocca by the Normans starting in the late 11th century. Prior to that time, the promontory hosted both an Arab and Byzantine fortification. The castle was somewhat destroyed in a siege at the turn of the 13th century…

There Will Be Jousting

Speaking of Lords and Ladies, this weekend head to Piazza Armerina for the annual Medieval Festival featuring period music, dance, jousting, and a Palio (horse race)! The citizens of Piazza Armerina don’t fool around–from 12-14 August, the entire town recalls the 11th century, dressing, eating, entertaining, and sporting in the style of the citizens during…

The medieval mountain town Polizzi Generosa boasts beautiful views of the Madonie Mountains, Sicily’s highest mountain range. So when you peek beyond the walls of the ancient lane, or vicolo, on which you are walking, there is always a natural wonder to greet you. #polizzigenerosa #madonie #parcodellemadonie #vicolo #medieval #mountains #sky #campanile #lamp #sicily #sicily_travel…

Èrice possesses narrow medieval streets that are distinct from other hilltop walled cities’ because of the design of their marble pavement. #sicily #sicily_travel #sicilia #sicily_tourism #italy #ig_sicily #italia #siciliaph #siciliafoto #erice #trapani #pavimento #pavement #marble #street #design #medieval