Castello di Lombardia

The Castello di Lombardia is a castle in Enna, Sicily.

History

The Castello di Lombardia was one of the largest castles in Sicily. Historians write Frederick II the construction of the castle; secured, however, is not. The fort was built on the ruins of an Arab fortress. The name comes from Roger I, who commanded Lombard mercenaries here.

The fort

The fort is situated on the outskirts of Enna at an altitude of about 980 meters above the sea. It is located on a rock; only the western side is accessible. Attacker had uncovered so attacking from the west. 1232 Frederick II taught here a breakpoint to suppress rebels.

The castle encloses an area of ​​27,000 m² and is one of the largest in Europe. Of the original 20 towers are still standing six. The courtyards are all preserved; the largest farm in the summer there as an open air theater. From the platform of Torre Pisan, of the highest tower, one has a view of the Ätnamassiv in the east, the Nebrodes and the Monti Madonie in the north, on Lake Pergusa and on clear days on the Mediterranean in the south.

In the 14th century tried powerful Sicilian families, including the Alagona and Chiaramonte to bring this strategic point in their possession.

Demeter rocks

At the foot of the castle in the north-east of Demeter rock lies. On this rock there was the sanctuary of the Greek goddess Demeter.