Ruins of the Norman Castle in Caltabellotta
The remains of the Norman castle of Caltabellotta rise on the slopes of the peak that dominates the town. The summit, known as "Pizzo", is located at an altitude of 949 m a.s.l. and from this place you can enjoy a splendid view of Caltabellotta, the mountains and the sea.
The castle was built over an ancient Arab fortress, and was for a long time the residence of the noble Luna family during the Spanish era. For this reason the castle is known as Castello del Conte Luna.
Another name by which the castle is known is "Castello della Regina Sibilla", which in 1194, after the death of her consort, the Norman king Tancredi, he had his son heir to the throne William III take refuge to protect him from the unstoppable advance of the Swabian Arrigo VI in Sicily.
Today few vestiges remain of the castle: a wall, a significant double arch portal with ogival profile on the outside and round arch inside and the foundations of some rooms.
Despite the castle, from the architectural point of view, little has been preserved, the suggestive climb up the steep staircase set in the rock and the wonderful panorama alone constitute valid reasons to visit this place.
