Castello Ursino

History and description

Built in lava stone between the end of 1239 and the beginning of 1240 by order of Frederick II of Swabia, it was originally designed as a defensive fortress and imperial residence, as evidenced by its corner towers and inner courtyard. Over the centuries, it also served as the seat of the Aragonese and Spanish rulers, the Sicilian parliament during the Vespers, a prison—still marked by the engravings left by inmates—and later a barracks, before becoming the Civic Museum of Catania.

Curiosity 

Originally, the castle stood close to the sea, but due to the eruptions of Mount Etna in 1669, the coastline was reshaped, leaving it about 500 meters inland.

Access

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the castle can be visited with an entrance fee of €6, with reductions and specific free admissions available.

How to get there

Located in the very heart of Catania’s historic center, Castello Ursino can be reached by bus (lines 2, 5, and 556), by car with nearby parking, or on foot from Piazza Duomo.

A place of many faces and steeped in history, Castello Ursino is an unmissable stop for those who want to explore the culture and heritage of Catania.

Cover picture credits: FAI