Castello di Castelbuono
Sicily
Castles, Fortresses & Towers in Sicily
The Castle of Castelbuono in Castelbono never had strategic goals given its location in the Madonie mountains. The construction of the castle started in 1316, just a few kilometers from the sea and the foothills of the Madonie on behest of Count Francesco I di Ventimiglia. It has three floors: the first was for the servants; the second for the nobility and the third for the court and guests. On the second floor there is a beautiful Palatine Chapel built in 1683 by the brothers Serpotta, decorated with precious marbles, stucco, putti and friezes. Since 1600, the castle underwent several renovations that changed the purpose of use. Today, it appears to our eyes very interesting to visit, thanks to its good preservation: from the basement a secret tunnel leads to the church of San Francesco.