Prizzi Castle

Il Prizzi Castle, also known by the name of Castle of Margana, is located in the town of Prizzi (PA) and stands on the apex of a rocky cliff about 470 m high. The building was erected at the behest of Emperor Constantine V Capraino, in the Byzantine era, more precisely in 745 when Sicily was threatened by Muslims. For this reason, the castle was built in a strategic position, useful for controlling the neighboring territories. Originally the castle had a rectangular tower, however currently only the ground floor remains. Only a few ruins remain of the structure dating back to the XNUMXth century.

Architecture and works contained in the Castello della Margana

As mentioned, not much remains of the castle's original structure. However, a large room illuminated by two large loopholes is still appreciable today. The historians and scholars who have dealt with the Castle of Prizzi have in fact hypothesized that the floors of the castle were divided by a wooden roof, resting on the resign. There central tower today it is hidden by the presence of other buildings such as the stable, the curtain tower and the church. Inside the latter there are appreciable frescoes and what remains of the original rooms, presumably used as rooms for the Teutonic friars. This hypothesis was advanced on the basis of writings dating back to 1436. The construction of other structures, around the original building of the Castello della Margana, have in fact transformed its use: from a medieval castle to a fortified farm. However what remains of it today is an imposing but not excellently preserved structure.

Activities and tourist attractions near the Castle of Prizzi

In addition to the Castle, in the municipality of Prizzi, it is possible to admire numerous points of historical and cultural interest. More specifically, those who wish can visit the suggestive archaeological Museum. Established in 1999, it is divided into three sections: Archaeological, Paleontological and Mineralogical. Among the halls of the museum are preserved remains of inestimable value such as fragments of silver diadems dating back to the XNUMXth century BC, a silver plate depicting a face also dating back to the XNUMXth century BC and much more. This museum is completed by the Montagna dei Cavalli Archaeological Site. Here it is possible to admire the points where the artifacts preserved in the museum rooms were found.
The town of Prizzi also preserves within its walls splendid religious buildings such as the Church of San Sebastiano, Church of San Giorgio Megalomartire , Church of Sant'Antonio Abate.
About 11 km from the town of Prizzi there is the splendid Monte Carcaci Oriented Nature Reserve. The area extends in various municipalities (including that of Prizzi) for about 1500 hectares. Inside the reserve it is possible to admire the enchanting flora of the place but also the local fauna, two rocky outcrops and various watercourses.

How to reach the Castello della Margana

By car:, to reach the Castle of Prizzi from Palermo it is necessary to take the SS118 for about 80 km, from Catania it is necessary to take the Palermo-Catania A19 motorway for about 110 km taking the Resuttano exit and continuing for about 80 km on the SP19, SP121, SP112, SP41 and SP78.

By train, the nearest railway station is Roccapalumba-Alia (30 Km). To reach the Castle of Prizzi it is necessary to continue by car.
The company bus numbers AST connects Prizzi with various neighboring municipalities including Palermo, Bagheria, Campofiorito, Modica, Monreale, Poggioreale, Ragusa, Termini Imerese and many others. To consult the routes and timetables, it is necessary to connect to the company's official website.