Castello di Nicastro, Medieval castle in Lamezia Terme, Italy.
Castello di Nicastro is a castle on San Teodoro hill distinguished by four cylindrical towers and defensive walls that look out over the Lamezia plain and gulf. The structure contains remains from different periods that reflect the site's architectural evolution.
The Normans built the fortress in the 11th century over Byzantine foundations, and Frederick II later added a pentagonal keep. These changes show how the fortress reflects different rulers layer by layer.
The castle is deeply rooted in local stories of the San Teodoro district, where tales of princesses, treasures, and knights are passed down through generations. These legends still shape how residents perceive the ruins and speak about their past.
The castle is closed to visitors for safety reasons, but you can see the ruins from outside by exploring the surrounding area. The best views come from paths around the hill, where you can better understand the structure and its place in the landscape.
The Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII, son of Frederick II, was imprisoned here for his final two years and died within the castle in 1242. This captivity was part of a power struggle between the emperor and his father over rule in Sicily.
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