Castle of Sclafani Bagni

Sclafani Bagni it's a spa well known in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, but here thethermal water it is not the only attraction to attract tourists, who in fact can visit the Castle of Sclafani Bagni at the top of the fortress just outside the village.

The history of the Sclafani Bagni Castle begins with the arrival of the Normans, when the whole area was populated with farmhouses. However, it is to Count Matteo Scalfani that we owe all the grandeur of this castle: in fact it was he, in the fourteenth century, who had the walls built along the borders of the village and who enlarged the rooms of the Castle, making it a real fortification.
At the end of the century, the county passed into the hands of Nicolò Peralta and in the fifteenth century many counts and barons bought and sold the county of Sclafani, each time becoming the lords of the Castle.

We have to get to the seventeenth century, to witness the arrival of the Moncadas in the town, while in 1821 the last lord of Sclafani died.
Today, the ruins of this ancient and large castle remain, which can be freely visited.

The architecture of the Castle of Sclafani Bagni and what can be admired there

Of the Castle of Sclafani Baths are still visible the tower , walls fourteenth century. From these remains, and from some numbers, it is possible to reconstruct at least in part the original conformation of the Castle.

The walls are one and a half meters thick and the tower is about 20 meters high. With a rectangular plan, the manor consisted of three floors, plus the terrace. Inside, the light came through loopholes on the lower floors, while a large internal staircase led to the upper floors, where the lords' houses were lit by large windows. Near the tower, it is still possible to spot an old cistern.

What to do at the Sclafani Bagni Castle and in the surrounding area

The Castle of Sclafani Bagni is a wonderful attraction for all those tourists who wish to combine many hours of relaxation at the thermal source, also a cultural stage, where you can discover a part of local history.
Those who stay overnight in Sclafani Bagni, therefore, will find relaxation, culture and flavour, in fact, in the center it is also possible to taste typical dishes of local cuisine such as sweet and sour rabbit or Sicilian rolls, but also taste all the typical products of the Madonie Park, from cheeses to cured meats, from bread to oil.

In the historic center of the town, you can finally visit beautiful churches such as Church of Maria SS. Assumption, Church of St. James , Church of San Filippo, all buildings of worship which we recommend you enter, to also admire the works of sacred art they house.

From Sclafani Bagni, it is easy to get to scillato, which is only 40 km away: here you can stop in the village to visit the Church of Maria Santissima della Catena and the many mills in the centre, before immersing yourself in the uncontaminated nature of the Madonie Park.

The Park offers you many nature trails, to be explored alone or in groups, thanks to the guided tours and the many naturalistic and cultural activities organized by the Park Authority.

If you also want to visit the capital of Sicily, Palermo is located about 88 km from Sclafani Bagni and it will take you about an hour and a half by car to get to the city; but the game is worth the candle, because here you can admire some of the most beautiful historic buildings in our country, such as the Palazzo dei Normanni or Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri and unique churches such as the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.

How to get to Sclafani Bagni Castle

Sclafani Bagni, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be easily reached, both by car and by train.
Who arrives in the car, taking the A19 Palermo-Catania, can take the exit for Scillato (6 km from the centre) while those arriving on the train, getting off at Termini Imerese Station, you can travel the remaining 22 km to the centre, by bus or shuttle.