Castle, Medieval castle in Militello in Val di Catania, Italy
The castle is a medieval fortress in Militello in Val di Catania built with four equal sides and round towers positioned at each corner. A defensive moat on the western side reinforced the protection of this square-shaped structure.
The fortress was built in medieval times and later expanded by the Branciforte family, who made it a significant center. An earthquake in 1542 caused major damage and led to structural changes, including the relocation of the entrance.
The Branciforte family transformed these walls into a center of knowledge by gathering thousands of books and operating a printing press. Visitors can sense how this fortress became a place where learning and ideas were produced and shared.
Access today is through the southern wall, as the original entrance was relocated following earthquake damage centuries ago. Visitors should keep in mind the uneven surfaces and the age of the structure when exploring the fortification.
This fortress served occasionally as a gathering place for important political assemblies of Sicily beyond its military role. A royal refugee found shelter within its walls in the 1400s, showing how significant this location was as a place of protection for those in power.
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