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Description
It is one of the most ancient fortifications still an integral part of Messina. It rises up in the hamlet of Montepiselli, in the Camaro valley, and it dominates the Straits from 525 feet above sea level. Its construction started in 1540, thanks to the will of viceroy Don Ferrante Gonzaga, in order to control the city’s entrance from the mountains. The site was finished in 1545.
The construction was supervised by the engineer Ferramolino, who was helped by Francesco Maurolico, a very important scientist and architect of the time.
The architecture of Gonzaga castle is important because it is a link between the old and the new defensive systems used in Italy at that time. Till the 70s, the site was a military zone, later given by the State to the Municipality of Messina. Nowadays it is possible to visit it only during particular events such as the Castle National Day. Its imposing structure enriches the mountain view that surrounds the city.
The construction was supervised by the engineer Ferramolino, who was helped by Francesco Maurolico, a very important scientist and architect of the time.
The architecture of Gonzaga castle is important because it is a link between the old and the new defensive systems used in Italy at that time. Till the 70s, the site was a military zone, later given by the State to the Municipality of Messina. Nowadays it is possible to visit it only during particular events such as the Castle National Day. Its imposing structure enriches the mountain view that surrounds the city.