Poira Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Paternò, Italy
Poira Castle lies between Paternò and Centuripe in Sicily and consists of four main buildings that housed residential quarters, storage areas, animal shelters, and a religious structure. The buildings are arranged around the Simeto Valley and demonstrate how a medieval fortress was organized for both daily living and practical management.
The castle was built upon the remains of an ancient Siculi settlement and later became an important administrative center for the Spitaleri barons. This noble family controlled the Poira feudal estate for generations until feudal systems declined in the late 1800s.
The name Poira comes from the local population of the area. Visitors can observe how the buildings were originally arranged and understand the daily rhythm of those who lived and worked within these walls.
The site is best explored with local guidance or structured tours since the pathways through the countryside between Paternò and Centuripe are not always clearly marked. It is wise to wear suitable footwear and allow time to walk the historical trails and visit the surrounding archaeological areas at your own pace.
Excavations in 1995 revealed an ancient Greek necropolis with tombs from the 6th and 5th centuries BC filled with ceramic objects. Nearby, the Grotta degli Schiavi functioned as a Roman labor prison where workers were confined and chained if they resisted their conditions.
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