Castello di Milazzo

Like all of Sicily, coastal town Milazzo has thousands of years of history. Settled since the Neolithic Age, Milazzo has always had a strategic location along the Tyrrhenian Sea, used by the Romans and then the Arabs. The current Milazzo Castle was originally constructed under Norman rule in 13th century and later reinforced in the 15th century by Charles of Aragon. During the 18th century and the subsequent Bourbon period it suffered great damage and later became a prison, which it remained until 1960.

The castle structure was extensively renovated in the 1980s and 1990s. The Milazzo Castle is located on a rocky promontory with a view towards all directions and features imposing stone walls aimed at deterring any possible invaders. The main area of the castle is closed to the public at siesta time of day (12:00-15:00), but you can walk through some of the impressive stone gates and covered walkways that take you to the inner courtyards of the castle. The view from the castle’s south side towards the Nebrodi Mountains and Mount Etna is stunning. If the weather is good and sky clear, the snowfields at the top of Mount Etna are clearly visible...

http://www.mondimedievali.net/castelli/Sicilia/messina/milazzo.htm