Medieval structures
Medieval structures
Stone witnesses
Ancient stories and different dominations that have followed one another over time have left artistic and architectural heritage of great value. The Castles born initially with surveillance tasks, defense of the territory and as residences for noble families, then transformed into military outposts.
Byzantine castle fortified by Roger the Norman
Built in the Byzantine period, it hosted many Kings and Queens. It was enlarged and fortified by Roger the Norman. The oldest portions of the walls are built with small and medium-sized local limestone stones, rough-hewn along their visible surface and bound with mortar.
According to Lunetta (a 19th century policy historian) it remained in good condition until 1820, then it was abandoned and was gradually demolished. Its stones have been reused for the repairs of the Mother Church and some noble palaces.
Castle of Geraci
The Castle of Geraci, from Byzantine epoque, can still be seen today where ancient remains. The building was the first defense of the vast county. The Normans, the Aragonese and then the Ventimiglia refurbished the castle to build a true military fortress.
Ventimiglia Castle and Civic Museum
It was founded in 1316, on the hill of St Pietro, by Count Francesco I Ventimiglia. Today it has three floors plus a basement and consists of an expanded central body with four towers. Inside, the Palatine Chapel of Sant'Anna, commissioned by the Ventimiglia family at the end of the 17th century, is very important. It is decorated with a host of angels and allegories made in stucco, on a gold background, by the brothers Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta. The chapel houses the Sacred Skull of St Anne on the high altar with a frontal made of coral, gold and pearls.
Castle and Conjuring Hall
The Castle is the emblematic symbol of Caccamo; with a mighty bulk and crenellated towers, it stands on an overhanging limestone ridge, defending the village and dominating the valley below, furrowed by the San Leonardo river. The most important room inside is that of the Conjuring in which some Norman barons plotted against King William I of Sicily in 1160.