Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle is a fortress in Reggio Calabria defined by two circular towers topped with crenellations that rise above rectangular base structures. These towers stand at the intersection of Via Aschenez and Via Possidonea and form the main visible remains of this defensive structure.

The fortress traces its origins to Byzantine foundations laid in the 6th century, later controlled by Normans and Swabians. King Ferdinand I of Aragon subsequently added the distinctive circular towers that define the structure today.

The fortress has served as a gathering place for local celebrations and community events throughout the centuries. Today, visitors can sense how this structure shaped the identity and pride of the city.

Visit in the morning when the area is less crowded and lighting for photographs is better. Wear sturdy footwear since the terrain around the towers can be uneven and exploring requires some physical effort.

From 1956 to 1986, the National Institute of Geophysics ran an observatory within the fortress walls to monitor seismic and meteorological activity. This scientific use is often overlooked today, yet it reveals how the site served purposes far beyond its military past.