Castle of Roccavaldina

Il Castle of Roccavaldina it is among the most important monuments of the city, a real example of traditions and folklore, capable of transmitting to you all the beautiful things the history of Roccavaldina.

This castle is also known as Baronial palace of Rocca, located in the historic center of Roccavaldina, within walking distance of other important points of interest, such as the Cathedral of San Nicolò.

The building, which is among the most visited attractions in the city, can be admired from different points of view Roccavaldina, thanks to its imposing structure that stands out from the surrounding buildings.

History of Roccavaldina Castle

Where the Castle of Roccavaldina stands today, there was once a Roman outpost, dating back to around 260 BC. C. Over time it was expanded several times, until it became a real fortress already during theByzantine era.
With the arrival of the Arabs in Sicily, they also conquered the Castle of Roccavaldina, applying their unmistakable architectural style.

After two centuries, the Castle of Roccavaldina passed into the hands of Roger I of Altavilla, who overthrew Arab rule and took control of all Sicilian fortresses.

Some documents testify that in 1296 the Castle of Roccavaldina was inhabited by Giovanni Rocca, who belonged to one of the most influential noble families of that era.
During the Five hundred, the Castle of Roccavaldina was radically transformed, both in style and uses. In fact, in these years it was preferred to use this building as a baronial residence rather than a fortress. The choice fell to the Princes Valdina, who settled in the city at the same time.

It was the Valdinas who commissioned various restoration works on their building, with the intention of making it more similar to the noble residences of that period.
After having belonged to the Valdina family for several centuries, in 1966 Roccavaldina Castle is classified as Monument of Historical Interest, then restored to make its premises easily usable by all visitors.

Architecture of Roccavaldina Castle

Thanks to the restoration carried out in 2000, Roccavaldina Castle appears in perfect condition, both inside and out. You will then be able to enjoy a visit to its premises and cross those same rooms and corridors that until a few centuries ago saw the soldiers and nobles of Roccavaldina.

The building shows a quadrangular plan, with a facade placed in each of the cardinal points. The northern elevation is the main one, which overlooks the main square of the city. The other three are placed in an equally strategic and panoramic way, as they are perfect for being able to admire the Nebrodi,Etna and Tyrrhenian Sea.

How to get to Roccavaldina Castle

Being in the historic center of Roccavaldina, it will be really easy for you to reach the Castle, just as it will be easy for you to get to the city, which is well connected by the Provincial Road 58, also crossed by the buses of Sicilian Transport Company AST.

You can also arrive with regional trains, thanks to the presence of Torregrotta railway station, just 5 km away. Instead, if you have to use planes to get to Sicily, the closest solution to land is theCatania Fontanarossa Airport, which is located about 130 km from Roccavaldina.

The capital Messina it is just 30 km away, which you can easily travel with the numerous connections and all the services that are made available to move around its entire territory.