Prison fortress of Ficarra

Ficarra, North Eastern Sicily: we are in the Metropolitan City of Messina, in a small town populated by 1.300 inhabitants among the northern slopes of Nebrodi Mountains , Tyrrhenian coast of the island, a few kilometers away from Capo d'Orlando. Here history has left its traces, superimposed century after century among the stones of Prison fortress of Ficarra, one of the most important monuments of the village.

Starting from the XNUMXth century, the first testimonies recalling the Castle, probably already existing in the Arab era; this fortress famous for having been the XNUMXth century residence of the baron of Brolo, was actually the residence of many noble families in the area for several centuries and it was only in the eighteenth century that the fort became the town's prison. But what makes this fortified building even more interesting is the fact that time has not crystallized inside it as in other medieval manors, in fact the structure still performs an incredible instructive function today, having become the seat of the Medieval Toy Museum.

The architecture of the Ficarra Prison Fortress and what you can admire there

The Ficarra Prison Fortress is beautiful medieval building in brick and stone. Fortified with walls that surround its perimeter and located at the highest point of the village, the Ficarra Castle it is accessible from a single entry point, through the sixteenth-century door beneath the brick arch. This is the only opening in the walls, making the building extremely safe for its time.

Crossing the door, you enter inside, directly into the courtyard where the well for collecting rainwater is located; here too, the materials that predominate are stones and bricks, from the floor to the walls. In the courtyard, there are several windows with iron bars, under which you will find several wooden benches. Wood is the other most common material in the castle, such as that of the access stairs.

Entering the Ficarra Prison Fortress you can visit a ancient medieval manor and at the same time access the exhibition space dedicated to medieval toys, to discover which games people spent time with almost a thousand years ago.

What to do at the Ficarra Prison Fortress and in the surrounding area

The Prison Fortress of Ficarra is a magnificent ancient building, today perfectly preserved and home to the museum, so a visit to the castle will be the perfect opportunity to discover an important trait of local history. After visiting the fortress and discovering its entire history, you can also explore the historic center of Ficarra, with a walk through the main streets and squares of the town.

Among the most important monuments of the village, in addition to the Prison Fortress you will also find the Mother Church of Maria Ss. Annunziata and Convent of the Friars Minor, but if you really want to discover all the beauties of the town, we advise you to extend your tour to other stops, such as the Church of the Loggia, that of San Biagio and that of the Madonna del Lume, the noble palaces Piccolo and Miraglia-Rotelli and the Silkworm House at Palazzo Ferraloro; walking through the main streets of the town, you will also encounter other surprises, discovering a village rich in history and art, with statues and museums, until you reach the monumental olive trees of Ficarra, just outside the centre.

If you stay a few more days in Ficarra, also dedicate yourself to discovering the surroundings: the closest centers are those of Sant'Angelo di Brolo in the hinterland and Brolo or Capo d'Orlando, along the coast.

How to get to the Ficarra Prison Fortress

Ficarra, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, is located about 450 meters above sea level and to reach the town you can choose by car or train.

By car:, take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, then turning at the exit for Brolo-Capo d'Orlando Est, about 4 km from the centre; on the train, get off at Capo d'Orlando Naso station, which is located 9 km from the town, where you will be accompanied by buses or shuttles.

© Image byChiarabonson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons