Castello Ursino

Overview

Castello Ursino is a 13th-century Swabian-Norman fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. Originally built on a coastal cliff, the 1669 Etna eruption pushed the lava-stone shoreline outward, leaving the castle landlocked. Today it houses the Museo Civico, with an eclectic collection spanning Greek, Roman, and medieval artefacts.

Highlights

• Frederick II's towers: Four massive cylindrical corner towers survive from the original 1239–1250 construction.
• Museo Civico collection: Greek vases, Roman mosaics, Aragonese coats of arms, and 15th–18th-century paintings.
• Courtyard exhibitions: The central courtyard hosts rotating contemporary art and photographic exhibitions.

History

Frederick II commissioned the castle around 1239 as part of a defensive chain across eastern Sicily. During the Sicilian Vespers (1282), the Aragonese parliament convened here. The 1669 lava flow surrounded the fortress, filling its moat and pushing the coastline over 500 metres outward. Restoration in the 1930s converted it into a civic museum.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The ground-floor galleries have the strongest archaeological pieces; upper floors focus on painting.
• Tip 2: Free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
• Duration: 60–90 minutes.