Castle, Medieval fortress in Scaletta Zanclea, Italy

Castello Rufo Ruffo is a medieval fortress in Scaletta Zanclea that sits on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. The structure features stone walls with a trapezoidal shape and narrow windows that frame views of the sea and surrounding hills.

Emperor Frederick II of Swabia ordered the castle built in 1220 as a defensive work and noble residence, entrusting it to Matteo Selvaggio, ancestor of Baroness Macalda, who was born there around 1240. Several families held it over the centuries until Antonio Ruffo bought it in 1672. In 1969 Prince Sigerio Ruffo, son of Rufo Ruffo, donated it to the municipality for 100 years, and it was restored and opened to visitors.

The castle takes its name "Rufo Ruffo" from Rufo Ruffo, penultimate prince of the Scaletta line. In 1969 his son Sigerio Ruffo donated it to the municipality for 100 years, and the town restored it and opened it to visitors.

The site is best explored on foot, and access is gained via a steep path rising from the village to the entrance. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some of the interior passages are narrow and the stone surfaces uneven.

The castle is also called Castello Rufo Ruffo, after Rufo Ruffo, penultimate prince of the Scaletta line. In 1969 his son Sigerio Ruffo gave it to the comune for 100 years, and it was restored and opened to visitors.