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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Ursino Castle: A Sicilian Stronghold through the Ages

Catania, Sicily

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Nestled on a sea-facing cliff in Catania, Sicily, Ursino Castle stands as proof of enduring strength.

Built in the 13th century by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, this imposing fortress initially served as a defensive stronghold for the Kingdom of Sicily.

Over the centuries, its role evolved from a royal residence to a penitentiary, operating until 1986.

Today, visitors can explore the castle and witness the remnants of its past as a prison, including hundreds of names, dates, and symbols etched into the walls.

Despite the devastating earthquake of 1693 that ravaged Catania, Ursino Castle remained standing.

Castles were built to last.

Ursino Castle

The Ursino Castle is one of the most important and fascinating monuments in the city of Catania, Sicily.

It was a originally located on a rocky promontory that extended into the sea, and served as a crucial control point for maritime routes.

However, during the massive earthquake of 1693, the surrounding area was reclaimed by Mt Etna lava, and the building is now landlocked.

Ursino Castle is now a Civic Museum

Power during the lifetime of this castle changed hands over and again, and during the time of a serf rebellion called The Sicilian Vespers, this castle was the seat of the Sicilian Parliament.

Coming here to visit the castle, the entranceway inspired dreams of life in a castle, with Kings, Queens, Knights, intrigue and people scurrying from room to room to serve the Royalty.

This castle was the real deal.

I expected to see Knight's armor, fashions of the Queens at the time, some castle-type furniture, stories of trickery and manipulation with some physicality of the fantasy that the entrance hall promised.

Alas... there was nothing of the sort.

Today this castle is a civic museum showing a collection of items from ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Sicily. After visiting The National Archeological Museum in Naples, Italy, this display was decidedly tepid.

I saw it as a lost opportunity for Ursino Castle.

Our tickets to enter the Castle

The price to visit the Castle was $9Euro per person, saving $2Euros each utilizing our senior discount.

The architecture is captivating with pointed arches, intricate detailing, thick walls, crenellated towers, and moats.

At the center of the castle is a large courtyard, once used for military maneuvers and ceremonies.

Ribbed vault

This is called a ribbed vault, known for its structural strength.

Popular in medieval architecture, these ribbed vaults emerged as a significant architectural innovation at the time.

Because of this modernization technique, it was possible to create larger and more open interior spaces, such as cathedrals and churches.

You are probably familiar with the iconic Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris which also features stunning ribbed vaults with intricate tracery.

Roman or Greek column capital

Part of a larger building piece, this capital is made of white marble, a common material used in ancient architecture.

There is a scene with multiple figures, but it's difficult to determine the exact subject.

Well-preserved, there are still some signs of wear and tear, such as a crack in the base.

The sarcophagus of Costanza d'Aragona

Inside this sarcophagus it is believed to be the remains of Costanza d'Aragona, a queen of Sicily during the 13th century. It is also made of white marble.

In those days of Kings and Queens, marriage was a political and business strategy between countries and families. These marriages secured treaties and fortunes.

Costanza married King Frederick II in 1237, solidifying the alliance between Sicily and the Holy Roman Empire, and she became Queen of Sicily.

She was able to play a significant role in the political and cultural life of the kingdom, which brought her more status and fame.

However, her husband Frederick II, clashed with Pope Innocent IV, leading to a conflict that had far-reaching consequences for Sicily.

Sometimes a girl just can't win.

White marble statue of Hercules

Hercules is often portrayed as a muscular and powerful, and was one of the most famous and powerful heroes in both Greek and Roman mythology. He was known for his incredible strength, courage, and completion of twelve seemingly impossible labors.

Hercules was the son of the god Zeus and a mortal woman. His extraordinary strength was a gift from Zeus.

High positioned windows of the castle

These high positioned windows had the primary function of providing natural light to the interior spaces of the castle. Some of these windows also served as a means of ventilation.

Defensive considerations were also kept in mind, giving a clear view of attackers below and the surrounding area. These could give excellent positions for archers or crossbowmen to defend the castle and serve as observation posts... but I'd like to know how they got up there, (and stayed there) in this circumstance.

It's not like they had step ladders at the time...?

Gold leafed Triptych

This is the Annunciation Scene of Holy Mary with the Child, St. Lucy and St. John.

The author is an unknown Sicilian painter from the beginning of the 15th century.

Another sarcophagus

This white marble Roman tombstone shows a young woman and comes from the 2nd century AD.

The sasrcophagus is about 2 meters long and is well-preserved.

Aphrodite

The Greek goddess of love, beauty and fertility, Aphrodite is one of the most iconic figures in Greek mythology.

Known as Venus in Roman mythology, she is often depicted as a stunningly beautiful woman, and was associated with passion, desire, and all things sensual.

The Sicilian Vespers

This painting is a very important work by Michele Rapisardi.

It represents the scene in which a French soldier offends a Sicilian woman, thus causing a popular revenge, the people's revolt known as the Sicilian Vespers.

This revolt brought down the French dynasty dominating Sicily at that time.

A woman faints, a man fights with a French soldier, people huddle looking for security.

Because of increased taxes by the Angevin king along with abuse by French soldiers, anyone who looked or sounded French was killed by the Sicilians.

The result of the Sicilian Vespers was not self-rule, but the division of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Giving Sicily some relative independence forged a Sicilian national identity, distinct from their ethnic heritage, or the lands from which their rulers came.

Sicilians still maintain that fierce identity even today.

Staircase of the Roman Theatre of Catania

This is a painting of the staircase of the Roman Theatre of Catania, which is a significant archaeological site in Sicily, Italy.

Built in the 2nd century AD, it was used for theatrical performances and public events, accommodating around 7,000 spectators!

It had a semicircular auditorium, a stage, and an orchestra pit, and being well-preserved, It is a popular tourist attraction today.

Dedication to the Genius of the city of Catania

This is a tombstone found in the theatre of Catania and its inscription is a dedication to the "Genius of the splendid city of Catania".

It seems that the deceased person is named Virnantibus Saiculis.

Akaisha in one of the many doorways of the castle

The Civic Museum of Catania has archaeological finds, works of art, and testimonies of the city's history.

They also host temporary exhibitions in the atmosphere of this beautiful medieval fortress.

__________

Castle Ursino

Piazza Federico di Svevia

95121 Catania, Italy

Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.50 pm

Phone: +39 09 5345 830

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