Castello Ursino

Hotels near Castello Ursino, Catania, Italy .

Castello Ursino is a castle situated in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. Built from 1239 to 1250, Castello Ursino belonged to Emperor Frederick II, King of Sicily, and was considered invincible at the time. In 1295, during the Sicilian Vespers, the Parliament deposed James II of Aragon as King of Sicily, replacing him with Frederick III, was held here. The following year it was captured by Robert of Anjou but was later again in Aragonese hands.
With the capital being moved away from Catania and the appearance of powder weapons, the castle lost its military role and was used as a prison. The Castello Ursino is one of the few buildings in Catania to have survived the earthquake of 1693. The castle has a rectangular plan, with a large circular tower at each corner and an open-air inner courtyard.
The castle was built on a cliff looking out to sea, but due to volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, it is now a kilometer inland. The former moat of the 17th century was filled with lava from an eruption by Mount Etna. Today its present location, surrounded by streets and shops in a typical Catania piazza, may surprise many visitors.
Presently the castle houses the Catania Civico Museum and a gallery of local art. There are artifacts and artwork from the castle as well as the greater geographical area on display at the museum. The items on display date from the Classical era onward, representing the diverse influences throughout Sicilian history.

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Nearby Attractions and Landmarks:

Angelo Massimino
Bellini Theater
Castello Ursino
Catania Duomo
Catania Roman Amphitheater
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
Le Ciminiere Fairs and Convention Center
Tito Minniti Reggio Calabria Airport