Castle of Pantelleria, Medieval castle in Pantelleria, Italy.

Castle of Pantelleria is a fortress standing at the entrance of the old harbor, built with volcanic stone walls and a rectangular tower at its center. Today it functions as a museum displaying archaeological findings and historical objects discovered on and around the island.

The fortress was founded by Byzantine builders in the 6th century as a defensive structure protecting the harbor. The Normans later modified and reinforced it, adapting the design to their military needs.

The castle is now the seat of the island's archaeological museum. Its name is often wrongly given as "Castello Barbacane": a government official listing state property confused "the castle and its barbican" with a single name, and the barbican itself stood to the north, where Piazza Almanza is today.

The castle is easily reached by walking along Lungomare Paolo Borsellino street near the waterfront and is accessible on foot from the main harbor area. Plan your visit during cooler hours since the exposed stone structure offers minimal shade.

The name "Castello Barbacane" is a bureaucratic error: a government official listing state property confused "the castle and its barbican" with a single name. The actual barbican stood to the north, where Piazza Almanza is today.