Castello di Inici

Castello di Inici is a medieval castle on the southern slope of Mount Inici featuring stone walls, courtyards, a chapel, and a tower that once dominated the valley overlooking Segesta. The structure spreads across multiple levels and displays the construction methods typical of medieval defensive architecture.

The fortress was built before 1535 and served as a stopping place for Emperor Charles V on his journey to Palermo. In 1597 it became property of the Jesuits through a donation.

The chapel inside houses frescoes that reflect the religious meaning of the place and show how people shaped their spaces with art over time. You can see the hand of a local artist here, speaking to the value that past inhabitants placed on decoration and beauty.

The site is now abandoned and in poor condition after earthquake damage caused the tower to collapse in 1998. Guided visits with an experienced guide are recommended to safely explore the remaining ruins and understand the layout of the structure.

During the 20th century the fortress functioned as a community center housing around 50 residents, a post office, and a local school. This period showed how the structure remained an active part of local life before eventually being abandoned.