The Norman Castle in Castel di Lucio

The story of Castel di Lucio begins in the XNUMXth century in Castellutium, around the fortress which dominates the valley from its height: the lords of these lands immersed in the Nebrodi Park and Madonie Park are the Ventimiglia and it was they who were responsible for the construction of the Norman castle in Castel di Lucio, a fortress which then gave its name to the village and subsequently to town of Castel di Lucio.

In the 1480th century, when the evidence on the life of the town became more precise, the lords of the area were still the Ventimiglias, but starting from XNUMX many noble families sold and bought the fort, from the Cannizzaro to the Agraz, with whom the village will become a duchy and they will maintain ownership of the castle until the nineteenth century.

Today you can visit the website of Norman Castle to Castel di Lucio, of which the ruins remain at the top of the fortress.

The architecture of the Norman Castle in Castel di Lucio

As we have already said, currently the site of Norman castle in Castel di Lucio it is mainly composed of ruins, among which we can however perfectly identify the circular tower and a section of the walls that belonged to the central body of the building.

It is possible to faithfully reconstruct the ancient appearance of the castle, which must have originally been composed of two towers with a circular base, a central body and surrounding walls to protect the complex. On the site, there was also space for rainwater collection tanks.

According to evidence dating back to the last century, the entrance located near the surviving Tower was also the main entrance to the castle.

What to do at the Norman Castle in Castel di Lucio and the surrounding area

Going up Via Castello up to the top of the fortress, the visitor arrives in front of the ancient Norman Castle in Castel di Lucio. An undoubtedly essential stop for those who are visiting Castel di Lucio or in the surrounding area and wish to see a castle from the Norman era, to observe one of the ancient protagonists of history up close.

By staying in the village, the visitor will also discover this small town of around 1.200 inhabitants at 750 meters above sea level in the Sicilian hinterland, on the border with the Nebrodi Park. The center proves to be an excellent strategic position for those who wish to discover the whole area, offering tourists a quiet base, as well as a fantastic panoramic point from which to admire the natural beauty of the area.

Da Castel di Lucio, you can easily reach the northern coast of Sicilia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea: Santo Stefano di Camastra is about 31 km away, Cefalù it is 49 km away, while Capo d'Orlando is 80 km from the town. Along the entire coastal stretch between Capo d'Orlando and Santo Stefano di Camastra you will find more beautiful beaches, but also interesting centers to visit, to admire beauties such as Cefalù Cathedral, River of Art of Santo Stefano di Camastra with its works of art displayed outdoors or the coast and the port of Capo d'Orlando.

Those who prefer the mountains, trekking and excursions in the countryside will be spoiled for choice, to immerse themselves in the splendid mountain panoramas of the Nebrodi Park, the Madonie Park or of Sambuchetti Oriented Nature Reserve.

Finally, don't forget to discover the truth flavor of Sicily, what you enjoy at the table: from cured meats to Nebrodi cheeses, from walled meat to gratinated mussels, passing through swordfish rolls, Messina cuisine knows how to treat both meat and fish to perfection, while desserts, of course, , are the great classics of Sicilian tradition. You can participate in the Festival of Cascavaddu to discover the taste of typical Sicilian cheeses.

How is it possible to get to the Norman Castle in Castel di Lucio

Castel di Lucio, in Metropolitan City of Messina, it is reached by car from the exit for Santo Stefano di Camastra of the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, the best option for arriving in the town by car.
Those who prefer to move on the train, you can get off at Cefalù station, 30 km from the centre, and continue your journey by bus o shuttle.