Castle of the Counts of Modica, Medieval fortress in Alcamo, Italy
The Castle of the Counts of Modica is a fortress in Alcamo with four corner towers arranged in a diamond-shaped layout. The external walls display Gothic-Catalan style elements that define its appearance.
Construction began around 1340 under the Peralta family and was completed in 1350 by the Chiaramonte family. The building first appeared in written records in 1391 and later became a symbol of regional power.
The castle houses an ethnographic museum that displays local crafts and regional traditions. Visitors can see how people in this area lived and worked in earlier times.
The fortress sits in Piazza della Repubblica and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should check opening times in advance, as the building hosts temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
Emperor Charles V visited the fortress in 1535 following his military victory against North African forces. The visit by such a major European ruler made this castle a memorable place in local history.
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