Castello di Caccamo (Caccamo Castle)
Detail
Built during the Norman period on a steep rocky spur, this structure of the Chiaramonte family is undoubtedly one of the most important, evocative and best-preserved feudal manors on the island, as well as being the largest. The events in which it has been embroiled, starting in 1094, constitute an intense page of Sicilian history. It was a refuge for Matteo Bonello and the conspirators of the barons’ revolt of 1160-61. It was then confiscated by the Crown, enlarged in 1300 by Manfredi I Chiaramonte, further fortified at the end of the century by Giaimo de Prades, who had the “Torre del Dammuso” built in the centre of the south elevation, and finally transformed into a palace by the Amato family in the 18th century.
Inside the castle, features include the stables, the theatre, the various guardhouses, the chapel, the tower, the servants’ quarters, the dungeons with walls full of graffiti left by inmates, the Conspiracy Room and the imposing Armoury Hall with its magnificent coat of arms.
From the western terrace, overlooking the valley, you can enjoy a superb panorama that includes Lake Rosamarina with its dam and extends as far as Rocca Basumbra.
Let’s continue our journey to discover the other castles of western Sicily.
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