The Ventimiglia Castle in Gangi

The Palermo municipality of Gangi hosts the famous Castle of Ventimiglia. It is a place with intact charm, capable of leaving anyone who intends to visit it speechless. After having briefly discovered its history, here's what you need to know about a place to be known by many visitors.

Brief history of the Ventimiglia Castle in Gangi

Il Castle of Ventimiglia it was built at the end of the XNUMXth century, for a work completed in the first decades of the XNUMXth century. The castle structure is located on the Mount Marone, by decision of Franco I Ventimiglia. The castle was owned by his family until 1625, after which the Graffaro family took possession of it. After a few years, the castle passed into the hands of another family, namely that of the Valguarnera.
Over the years, starting from the seventeenth century, the castle underwent several changes, which transformed it more into a palace than into a real castle. Unfortunately, the fortress was also struggling with many years of neglect, experiencing an era of total abandonment. Indeed, its structure was used as a prison. Until the Milletarì family arrived, which still owns part of the castle today, while the other part has returned to the hands of the Ventimiglia family.

Architecture and works of art inside the Castello dei Ventimiglia in Gangi

The Ventimiglia Castle in Gangi contains within it several characteristic features, able to highlight its medieval nature. This element is clearly visible from the main elevation, its facade faces south-west, near the Valguarnera Square. The fortress stands halfway between two now abandoned towers and is characterized by a large door. Several balconies are arranged along the noble floor and are equipped with wrought iron gates.
At the same time, the structure has a northern portion which leads to Avenue of Remembrances. The right wing of the castle, which was once the chapel, has undergone numerous restorations. The left wing, on the other hand, was totally destroyed in the XNUMXs, in order to build the municipal aqueduct. There are also some traces of the castle's experience as an educational institution, dating back to the XNUMXs and XNUMXs.

What to do around the Ventimiglia Castle in Gangi

Anyone planning to visit the Castle of Ventimiglia he must also take a nice stroll around the locality of Gangi. There's a lot to see around here. The municipality of about 6000 inhabitants showcases the important Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, in addition to Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit and all 'Gangi Vecchio Abbey. From Palazzo Bongiorno to the Castle of Gangi, from the Cylindrical Tower to the Masseria di Bordonaro Soprano, every tourist is spoiled for choice. Not surprisingly, this location is considered among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

How to get to the Ventimiglia Castle in Gangi

To reach Gangi and the Ventimiglia Castle by car, take the A19 highway and exit at Irosa or Resuttano, about 18 kilometers from the city centre.
By train, the Cefalù railway station is about 30 kilometers from the destination. The closest airport is located in Catania, about 84 kilometers from the Palermo town.

© Image by David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0 - find, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons