Castello di Villagonia, Medieval castle near Taormina, Italy
Castello di Villagonia was a coastal castle that formed part of a defensive network protecting the northeastern coastline of Sicily from maritime threats. The site was strategically positioned to detect and counter attacks from the sea.
The De Spucches family built this fortress during the Middle Ages as a crucial part of the Capo Schisò defensive system against pirate raids. The structure influenced regional defense strategies for centuries.
The castle symbolized the power of Sicilian noble families and passed through generations from the De Spucches to the San Martino family. These ownership changes reflected how such fortifications served as markers of social status in the region.
The site is easily accessible near the Taormina-Giardini railway station, which now stands where the former castle was located. Visitors should expect very limited remains that may only be visible from outside.
In 1913 the fortress was demolished to make way for the modern railway station that now marks the site. This demolition marked the transition from medieval defense structures to modern transportation infrastructure.
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