Donnafugata Castle, Gothic Revival castle in Ragusa, Italy
Donnafugata Castle is a neo-Gothic building near Ragusa, surrounded by gardens with native and exotic plants across an area of eight hectares. The facade features a three-story tower, decorated loggias, and wide terraces overlooking the Sicilian countryside.
The first fortifications appeared during Arab rule in the 11th century and served as a watchtower. Baron Corrado Arezzo transformed the estate extensively in the 19th century, giving it the neo-Gothic appearance visible today.
The estate served as a summer residence for the aristocratic Arezzo family and displays a mix of Arab, Norman, and neo-Gothic influences throughout its rooms. Visitors walk through furnished chambers that preserve the atmosphere of Sicilian noble life during the 19th century.
The estate lies around 20 kilometers west of Ragusa and is reachable by country road. Separate admission tickets allow access to the building, the gardens, or both areas together.
A stone labyrinth in the garden once entertained guests and remains walkable today. Inside, mechanical devices and a hall displaying 750 coats of arms of Sicilian families line the walls.
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