Castello di Montalbano Elicona
Medieval castle at the top of the village of Montalbano Elicona, a Swabian and Aragonese residence, open every day with a €3 ticket.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle stands in the historic centre of the medieval village of Montalbano Elicona, in the province of Messina. The first written record dates from 1154, when the Arab geographer Idrisi mentions it as a square watchtower. In the Swabian era Frederick II had it partly demolished and rebuilt; the work was completed by his great-grandson Frederick III of Aragon, and the architect Riccardo da Lentini also worked on it.
In the 14th century the castle was the residence of the Aragonese court, valued for the healthiness of its climate and for its leisure functions, though it kept its defensive features. In the 16th century it came under Spanish rule. In 1805 the owner, Giuseppe Bonanno Branciforti, ceded it to the Jesuits, who turned it into a monastery. From 1921 it was the seat of the Municipality, and since 1967 it has been open to the public.
The visit allows you to walk through the rooms of the fortress, with its towers, halls and defensive circuit, in a village more than 900 metres above sea level.
Highlights
- Swabian-Aragonese castle in a dominant position
- Polygonal tower and defensive circuit
- Residence of the Aragonese court in the 14th century
- Position more than 900 metres above sea level
- Operated by
- Comune di Montalbano Elicona
- Visitors per year
- approx. 19,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission for children up to age 12. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and companions. |
Free admission also for those entitled to it by law.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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