Idea #751 – Visiting Maniace Castle in Syracuse, Italy
Maniace Castle is located on the tip of the Island of Ortigia, in Syracuse, from where it overlooks the entrance to the port. The castle bears the name of its founder, Georges Maniakès, a Byzantine general of the catepanate of Italy, who conquered the city from the Arabs in 1038, in the name of Emperor Michael IV. Between 1232 and 1240, Frederick II, King of Sicily, ordered its reconstruction. In 1288, King Peter III of Aragon resided there with his family. From 1305 to 1536, the castle served as the residence of several queens of Sicily.
From the 15th century, the castle changed its function and became a prison. It is integrated into the urban fortifications, as a support at the end of the peninsula. The castle was remodeled and completed in the 16th century. In 1704, an explosion due to its powder magazine severely damaged it. It was then renovated and redesigned for the use of modern artillery, with the addition of a series of casemates.
The Maniace castle is built according to a quadrangular plan, 50 meters on each side. The walls are still 12 meters high, although the circular towers at the corners have been leveled. A large room, with ogival vaults, is still preserved. All the casemates, built in the 18th century, provide another view of the city and the fort, at sea level. Come on, we’re off to see it up close…
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Maniace Castle, Syracuse, Sicily, Italia