Castello Ursino (Catania)

Italy / Sizilien / Catania / Piazza Federico II di Svevia

Castello Ursino is a once impregnable 13th century castle. Built circa 1239 it belonged to Emperor Frederick II, King of Sicily. It 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.

When the castle was first built, it was on a cliff looking out to sea, however as the result of volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, it is now a kilometre inland. The castle's former moat too in the 1600s was filled with lava from an eruption by Mount Etna.

Today the castle houses the Catania Civico Museum, and Art Gallery.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°29'56"N   15°5'4"E
This article was last modified 10 months ago