Castel Sant'Angelo, Baroque military castle in Licata, Italy
Castel Sant'Angelo is a triangular fortress on Monte Sant'Angelo standing 130 meters above sea level and overlooking the harbor and Mediterranean Sea. The structure includes a central courtyard, residential buildings, stables, and a moat system for defense.
Spanish forces built this military complex between 1615 and 1640, incorporating an earlier watchtower designed by Camillo Camilliani in the 1580s. The site later became an important defensive position for the region.
The castle displays Spanish military design through its central courtyard, barracks, and stables that remain visible today. Visitors can explore this layout and understand how soldiers once lived and worked within these spaces.
Access is free from Monday through Saturday mornings to view military exhibits and historical artifacts inside. The hilltop location means visitors should prepare for slopes and wear sturdy footwear.
During World War II, the fortress received direct hits from American warships USS Brooklyn and USS Buck during the 1943 Sicily invasion. This bombardment left visible scars on the walls that remain visible today.
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