The Palatium of Frederick II in Rometta

The history of Federico II's Palatium in Rometta

The archaeological area of ​​the Palatium of Federico II in Rometta is located on a hill protected by natural precipices which, thanks to the fortification erected, made it one of the focal points of resistance on the island.

The exact date on which the Palatium of Frederick II was built is unknown but this is certainly attested no later than the thirteenth century.

The fortress is located in the center of a village which in the Middle Ages was the fulcrum of what was considered a real city-castle of Rometta.

Probably, in ancient times this area was considered a refuge for the population of Messina when this was forced to escape a foreign assault.

In the eastern part of the Palatium there is a mighty barrier wall which, together with the clearing where the village was, there is an important cliff which, together with the cyclopean walls it was a formidable protection.

Since the first Greek colonizers, following for i Romans, and then for i Byzantines and Normans, this site was always at the center of new defense installations to make them safer and more advanced.

The very tiring conquest of the fortress by the Arabs is historic, which saw them besiege the manor for over a year in 925.

Until the end of the fourteenth century the Palatium was used as the seat of the Captain of the city and, from what emerges from some features present along all the walls, it is easily conceivable that both in the sixteenth century and in the following century, the fortress was also defended by artillery pieces.

Architecture of the Palatium of Federico II in Rometta

As anticipated, the archaeological area of ​​the Palatium of Federico II in Rometta sees in the fortified palace a building capable of fulfilling the functions of a real castle but at the same time it was also a comfortable and rich civil residence.

The reconstruction made illustrates a complex divided into two parts, one for military use and another for residence separated by a central courtyard in the center of which is a cistern.

Access was through a fortified gate and the large boundary wall, over one and a half meters thick, also served to counteract possible landslides that undermined the entire hill.

It is said that Frederick II of Swabia lived in this castle during the summer. Of the written documents, they include the Palatium among i assets of the Crown of the Kingdom of Sicily and, for this reason, it was the residence assigned to the Captain of the City who represented the King.

Nowadays, only a few ruins of the Palatium and the Prison Tower which is a mighty stone building which was the extreme part of the fortification which served as a watchtower.

What you can do around Rometta

You cannot miss an in-depth visit to nearby Messina, a city that extends from the sea to the Peloritani mountains. In particular the Duomo erected during the Norman period. Recently restored, it offers the visitor the opportunity to admire precious frescoes and important paintings, even if the particularity that attracts many tourists is represented by the ancient clock located on the bell tower of the basilica.
In addition to the Duomo, we recommend a visit to the Church of Santa Maria degli Alemanni and the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.

Also interesting is the large Orion Fountain which is located in the center of Piazza del Duomo and which is historically linked to the myth of the foundation of Messina. It was built to celebrate the end of the construction of the city's first aqueduct, during the XNUMXth century. Beautiful too Fountain of Neptune located in Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia.

Also the Astronomical Clock of Messina it is worthy of a visit because of its
complicated gears that, every day, give life to automata, the phases of the moon and the perpetual calendar. In fact, at twelve o'clock with the accompaniment of sacred music, the sculptural figures that illustrate biblical scenes and historical episodes of Messina come alive.

The visit of the city must continue with the Royal Citadel, Seventeenth-century fortress erected with the aim of controlling the city after the revolt that took place in 1674.
Also nice Monte di Pietà Palace, early XNUMXth century building wanted by the Arciconfraternita degli Azzurri.

Do not miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, Procurement building, Fontana Falconieri, the Loggia of the Shopkeepers and the church Co-Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour.

Weather permitting, a visit is recommended Strong Campone which is located in Calvaruso at about 500 meters. It is a fortification from the Umbertine period which develops on two levels joined together by a ramp. The fort can be reached starting from the equipped area of ​​Musolino.

How is it possible to get to Rometta

To reach the archaeological area of ​​the Palatium of Federico II in Rometta, take the Rometta exit of the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway, and then take the Provincial Road 11 for about 56 km which leads from the hamlet of Rometta Marea to the ancient city of Rometta.

© Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons