Ruins of the Aragonese Swabian Castle in Maletto

Il Swabian Aragonese Castle in Maletto it was the first building in the country. The structure, built in the Middle Ages, is now reduced to a ruin but still tells its story. From an ancient fortress to protect the valley over time it becomes a noble palace, seat of the Spadafora family and therefore one of the most important political centers for the Aragonese in Sicily.

The history of the ruins of the Swabian Aragonese Castle in Maletto

Il Swabian Aragonese castle in Maletto it was built in 1263 by Count Manfredi Maletta on the foundations of an ancient tower. Count Maletta built the castle with a wall and a fortification for the tower to protect the communication route between Palermo and Messina where goods and flocks transit. The castle assumes a crucial role due to its strategic position in 1282 during the war of the Vespers between the Angevins and the Aragonese which ends with the defeat of the Angevins. At the end of the conflict, Federico III of Aragon assigned the fiefdom of Maletto to Baron Ruggero Spadafora to thank him for his contribution during the war. The baron undertook renovation works, had a second wall erected and expanded the castle which in 1330 became the family residence. The Spadaforas remained the owners of Maletto until 1812 when feudalism was abolished in Sicily, but from 1500 they left the old residence and moved to a new palace built in the center of the town.

The architecture of the ancient Aragonese Swabian Tower of Maletto

The ruins of the Swabian Aragonese Tower are on a rocky crest in the highest part of Maletto. The structure built in lava stone with mortar and fragments of bricks is made up of different quadrangular rooms. Outside, the walls protect the central space in which it is still possible to recognize the threshold of a door with a wooden hinge. The opposite side has an area with a trapezoidal plan with the remains of a wardrobe and in the adjacent space there are the remains of a quadrangular tower intended to protect the castle. The structure today is reduced to a ruin due to war events and the 1693 earthquake that hit the Val di Noto.

What to do at the Castello Svevo Aragonese in Maletto and its surroundings

From the ruins of the Swabian Aragonese Castle in Maletto it is still possible to have a view of the soldiers who in the past protected the internal communication route between Messina and Palermo, one of the most important in the reign of Frederick II. The fortress is not easy to access, in fact it can be reached with about 100 wooden steps starting from via Petrina in Maletto. The historic center of the town is not far from the staircase and in fact with a few steps you can reach it church of San Michele which is located adjacent to the ancient baronial palace of the Spadafora.

The church, built in the 500th century, has a clock placed on the tower which, with its chimes, regulates the religious and civil life of the community for years. In 1700 the Spadafora contributed to the growth of Maletto with the construction of the Schioccio fountain embellished with masks with female and male faces. The fountain is of vital importance for the town since until 1950 it remained the only source of water in the community.
Continuing in the heart of the village, you come across the Mother Church of Maletto, a jewel of religious architecture dating back to the XNUMXth century. Its imposing facade bears witness to the devotion and faith of the local population, helping to preserve the historical memory of the town.
Visitors can also set out to discover the uniqueness of the area surrounding Maletto, dominated by the highest active volcano in Europe. The country is in fact part of the Etna Natural Park which is known for the particularity of its landscapes and for the richness of flora and fauna.

How to reach the ruins of the Swabian Aragonese Castle of Maletto

By car:, from Catania take via Miceli in the direction of viale Bolano and follow the SS121 in the direction of the junction for Paternò. Then continue on the SS284 up to Maletto where follow the signs for via Petrina.

From Messina take the A20 from viale Boccetta and continue in the direction of the Fiumefreddo di Sicilia exit where you continue following the signs for Maletto. In the Pizzo Filicia district continue up to via Petrina.

From Palermo take the E90 from via Roma and continue to the Sant'Agata Militello exit where you take the SS289 in the direction of Maletto. Always follow the signs for Maletto which lead to the SS120 and SP159 up to via Petrina where the staircase leading to the ruins is located.