Piazza Duomo 1, 96016 Lentini, Sicily Italy

Via Bricinna, 96016 Lentini, Sicily Italy

Via Bricinna, 96016 Lentini, Sicily Italy

A moat, carved in the rock for a depth of 15 meters and a width of 20, separates Tirone and Castellaccio hill. Here raised the Castle of the emperor Frederick II of Swabia, built in 1239 by his architect, Riccardo da Lentini.Lentini was also the birth place of Notaro Jacopo, the inventor of sonnet.The Castle had a very long life: it was damaged and repaired many times, because of its strategic position, even after two terrific earthquakes, in 1542 and in 1693. The Triquetra Arx still stand Castellaccio hill, it is a triangular-shape tower, whose vertexes where pointed towards the three extremities of Sicily. On the top of the hill there is also a little church for the garrison; At the center of the fortress, there is the Sala Ipogea. A steep stairway brings to a rectangular room covered by a barrel vault with pointed arches, lightened by airshaft windows and having no other exits. The use and the meaning of this room are still mysterious.

Via del Museo 1, 96016 Lentini, Sicily Italy