Maniace Castle, Syracuse

The Castello Maniace attracts tourists as a magnet. Sea breeze, the waves beating against the walls of the castle, water of emerald color, an ancient fortress that has a centuries-long history. What more could the traveler desire? The fortress is located in Sicily, in the city of Syracuse, and it is open to visitors. 

History of Maniace Castle 

The structure itself has a fairly long history, which begins in 1038. Byzantine commander George Maniakes conquered Sicily for Byzantium, in honor of which he founded the port in Syracuse. Two hundred years later, the architect Riccardo da Lentini rebuilt the port into the castle following the orders of Emperor Frederick II.

For many years the castle served as the center of political activity in the administrative region of Italy. At that time it was a hard-to-reach place, to which only one lifting bridge led. In 1288, King Pedro III of Aragon stayed here, in 1321 a Sicilian parliament was assembled inside the fortress walls. A little later, in the 15th century, the walls of the castle were used as a prison, but this did not last long. Almost until the end of the 16th century, the fortress was used as a residence for a number of queens.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the fortress was subjected to a powerful explosion of ammunition, which caused quite serious damage: several stone blocks were blown up by a shock wave for a couple of kilometers. But even so, the castle still stood and accepted people within its walls as much as it could.

Now the castle is restored and assumed its former appearance. From a bird's-eye view, it appears to us as a ship, rising directly from the bottom of the sea. All walls are constructed of light stone. On the "nose" of the fortress, a corridor with niches is built, like a labyrinth. Further the castle building itself rises, and even further there is an observation deck where the seats are now installed. The arch, windows, columns inside are done in the Gothic style.

How to get there

Castello Maniace is located at the entrance to the harbor of Syracuse. It is best to get to Syracuse from Catania by train, the ticket for which costs 9 euros. From Syracuse Central Station to the fortress it is about half an hour's walk.

Today Maniace Castle and its territory, including several spaces, are open to visitors. But most of the premises are inaccessible to tourists.

Entry fee: 2 euro (data of 2017).