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4 Fabulous Castles Worth Visiting Near Catania Italy

by Auto Europe International Car Rental Broker

Catania, Italy is a beautiful Italian city and the second largest after the popular seaside Palermo.


This sprawling oceanfront city is one of the largest in Italy, and while the Sicilian cuisine and cultural heritage and history are fantastic and diverse here, one often overlooked (but exceptional) thing to do when visiting Catania is to visit some of the amazing castles available within and just outside the city limits.


While the city was destroyed in both 1169 and 1693 by earthquakes and the volcanic ash of Mount Etna, the castles near Catania today are stunning, historic, and will remind you that even the most substantial historic structures may not be here forever.


Here are 4 of my favorite castles to visit near Catania, Italy.

Castello Normanno

Aci Castello Sicily Italy - Creative Commons by gnuckx (5085398127)

Stunning views on this castle perched above the ocean waters on lava rock from nearby Mount Etna. A truly unique and historic castle, Castello Normanno is easy to get to (it’s about 20 minutes from Catania by car).

Castello di Calatabiano

Calatabiano 01

A stunning castle perched high on a hilltop and accessible by foot or funicular (recommended). If you are visiting Catania during the summer (tourist season), then you may be able to enjoy some food and a drink at the castle, but in the slow season those amenities are not available (though it will be much less crowded). It’s just over 40 minutes by car from Catania, and it’s well worth the drive. One of the best-kept-secrets on the island of Sicily.

Dongione - the Castle of Motta Sant’Anastasia

Motta sant anastasia norman tower.jpg
Source: CC BY 3.0, Link


An amazing castle which you must visit early (it closes for the day at 1pm). Stunning medieval architecture and you’ll often get to experience local church services in the chapel. Great stairs, views, and it feels like a museum inside. Will make you feel like a kid no matter what your age is! About 25 minutes inland by car from Catania..

Il Castello di Nelson

If you’re looking for something unique that speaks to the long, multi-cultural history of Sicily, then consider a visit to Il Castello di Nelson, a surprising piece of British history tucked away in rural Sicily. Visitor will find a lovely grounds, which was part of a feudal state offered to Horatio Nelson, duke of Bronte in 1799 offered by King Ferdinand. It’s just over an hour by car to Castello Nelson, and while it’s currently closed for renovations, you can still explore the grounds.


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About Auto Europe Freshman   International Car Rental Broker

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Joined APSense since, November 10th, 2018, From Portland, United States.

Created on Dec 2nd 2018 15:47. Viewed 1,312 times.

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