Castle of Settimo di Fitalia in Giarratana
The Castle of the Settimo di Fitalia family was one of the first buildings that arose following the 1693 earthquake in the Val di Noto which struck the ancient town of Giarratana. After the earthquake, the new center was rebuilt about 4 kilometers south of the old town, on the “pojo di li disi” hill. The Settimo family built their own baronial palace on top of this hill. The castle was built in 1703 by Don Girolamo Settimo Calvello who gave it to his son Traiano.
The castle looked like a real fortress. Inside there were splendid halls adorned with paintings and frescoes with scenes of family costumes, scenes of battles, hunting and countryside landscapes. According to tradition, the castle was equipped with prisons and stables.
In 1865, the Marchionale court settled in Palermo and the castle was abandoned. Its structures were reused for the construction of new buildings and today only a ruin remains.
In the ruins of the Settimo di Fitalia castle the scenery of the cave of the suggestive living nativity scene is set, which is set up every year at Christmas.
Secondo a legend in the castle is hidden a rich treasure.
