Castello Ursino
Sicilia
Castello Ursino, located in Catania, Sicily, is a well-preserved 13th-century castle built between 1239 and 1250 by Emperor Frederick II as a royal fortress and symbol of royal authority. Originally situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have shifted it inland. The castle played a pivotal role during the Sicilian Vespers, hosting the Sicilian Parliament that deposed James II and crowned Frederick III. It served as the residence of several Aragonese kings and queens, including Frederick III and Maria of Sicily. Architecturally, the castle features a rectangular plan with large circular towers at each corner and an open-air inner courtyard, with a distinctive pentagram of black lava stone on the eastern wall. Over time, its military importance waned with the advent of gunpowder, leading to its use as a prison. Remarkably, it survived the devastating 1693 earthquake. Today, Castello Ursino functions as the Museo Civico, housing artifacts from the Classical era onward, including Roman mosaics, sculptures, and medieval inscriptions, reflecting Sicily's diverse cultural heritage. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions, artistic events, and can be used for civil ceremonies, making it a vibrant cultural landmark in Catania.
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Tip: The best time to visit Castello Ursino is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Visitors can benefit from discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions and events, so checking the official website before visiting can provide information on special programs. Guided tours are available and enhance understanding of the castle's rich history and collections.
Interesting facts
- •Castello Ursino was originally built on a cliff by the sea but is now about one kilometer inland due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
- •The castle survived the catastrophic 1693 earthquake that destroyed much of Catania.
- •The eastern wall features a unique pentagram made of black lava stone, a rare architectural feature.
- •It hosted the Sicilian Parliament during the Sicilian Vespers, a key event in Sicilian history.
- •The castle houses medieval inscriptions related to the 1492 expulsion of Jews from Catania.
History
Constructed between 1239 and 1250 by Emperor Frederick II, Castello Ursino was designed as a royal fortress to assert royal authority and defend the capital of Sicily.
It played a significant role during the Sicilian Vespers in 1295, hosting the Parliament that replaced James II with Frederick III as King of Sicily.
The castle served as a royal residence for several Aragonese monarchs until the early 15th century.
With the introduction of gunpowder weapons and the relocation of the capital, its military role declined, and it was repurposed as a prison.
Despite natural disasters like the 1693 earthquake and volcanic eruptions, the castle has been preserved and restored, becoming a civic museum in 1934.
Place Guide
Salone d'Armi
The ground floor hall named 'Salone d'Armi' contains the ticket office and exhibits including Jewish inscriptions from the medieval senate-house, a medieval keystone, a 16th-century cannon, parts of a Roman mosaic depicting the months, and a statue of Ignazio Paternò Castello Principe di Biscari by Antonio Calì. The room is named for its extensive weapon collection.
Sala di raccordo nord
This room displays artifacts from Catania's Roman theatre, such as a large headless statue, a torso of Hermes, and a plinth showing a trophy flanked by Victories and barbarian prisoners, discovered by Principe Biscari in 1770.
Torre delle Bandiere
This tower houses fragments of Roman mosaics, a statue of Hercules, and a plaster copy of Costanza d'Aragona's sarcophagus.
Salone delle scuderie
This main exhibition hall features notable works including a mosaic of putti from the Terme Achilliane inviting visitors to enjoy the baths, a 3rd-century frieze depicting Apollo and Artemis in a gigantomachy, various statues of Hercules in different poses, a male torso dedicated to Jupiter, and other Roman sculptures and plinths.
Contact
Phone: 095 345830
