Branciforti Castle in Raccuja

Strolling for Raccuja you will immediately notice its medieval origins, which you can admire in the splendid buildings of that era that have come down to the present day, through which you can relive the history of this town and appreciate its traditions.

Among the most iconic buildings of the place is the Branciforte Castle, real bulwark of the Sicilian Middle Ages, which despite the many past centuries boasts impeccable conditions. Among the other buildings to visit, you certainly cannot miss the Mother Church of Santa Maria del Gesu and the most ancient Tholoi of Raccuja.

History of the Branciforte Castle of Raccuja

Although the Branciforte Castle was built in medieval era, its foundations are much older. According to historians, the Raccuja fortress it was built on the ruins of an ancient castle dating back to Roman and Arab times.

It was the Count Roger I of Altavilla to want this building to be built, with the intention of fortifying some strategic areas around the Nebrodi. Roger I not only took over the remaining part of the Byzantine castle, but also greatly expanded its extent.
After i Normans, the Branciforti Castle was also inhabited by Swabians, which continued with the expansion of the building also in height, so much so that they also raised its towers.

With the arrival of the Aragonese, the Branciforti Castle was transformed into baronial residence, changing its function for what would later be the most prolific period for this building.
In 1552 the Brancifortes arrived, i.e. i Counts of Raccujawhich significantly changed its style. The Brancifortes, from which the name of the building derives, transformed it into an institutional place, at the center of Raccuja's political activities.

In more recent times, starting fromUnification of Italy, the Branciforti Castle has been transformed into a prison, while today, after a substantial restoration, it is open to the public for visits and some exclusive cultural events.

Architecture of the Branciforte Castle of Raccuja

The Branciforti Castle extends over an area of ​​about 1500 m2, placed between two large towers located at the ends.
The building extends over two floors, the exterior of which is mainly characterized by Sicilian sandstone. Above the entrance portal is the banner of the Brancifort family.

The ground floor has remained almost entirely the same as the original structure, presenting various details typical of theIslamic architecture. In some points it is possible to highlight what, very probably, were the baths and meeting rooms.
Sandstone is also present inside the Branciforti Castle, used for the arches that separate the various rooms.

The upper floor, on the other hand, is more regal and aristocratic, as it housed the private rooms of the family that ruled there. You can still find some historical decorations and various decorations that have remained in these rooms for many centuries.

How to get to the Branciforte Castle of Raccuja

You can get to the Branciforti Castle easily, thanks also to the connections that serve the city, such as the Provincial Road 136, which is also crossed by buses Sicilian Transport Company AST, with which you can move throughout Sicily.

If you are forced to travel by plane to get to Sicily, you can land at theCatania Fontanarossa Airport, which is about 95 km from Raccuja.
Further connections are offered by its capital Messina, about 100 km away but still easily accessible given the many services available.