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On the western side of Golfo di Milazzo Sicily preserves another historic asset from the infinite archaeological and architectural chain that it got us used to. Milazzo is located 50 km from Messina on a peninsula named Capo di Milazzo. An abundance of former civilizations chose Milazzo for their settlements. Actually, chronology leads us back to the Neolithic age. Literature offers an accurate description of the area from Homeric times by means of the great literary piece “Odyssey” which presents Milazzo as the place of Ulysses’ shipwrecking.

The town used to be host of a various range of undertakings. The Byzantines turned it into the first Episcopal seat of the island. The 7th century brought Arab occupation which led to the construction of the first nucleus of the edifice. Subsequently, the town became a hunting park under the patronage of Frederick II. Later on, the reign of Charles V of Spain attracted proper conditions for the castle’s reinforcement.

Milazzo is now a strong tourist centre as it represents the transit port for the Eolie Islands. Other economic resources reside in the same elements that furthermore attract urban tourists longing to witness the rudimentary beauty of the island: fruit, wine and olive oil. Still, the town is not all about agriculture. The chemical industry and an oil refinery rule over the town massively contributing to its economic well-being.

A powerful attraction consists of Castello di Milazzo (Milazzo Castle). This imposing edifice is located on the summit of a hill. Of unknown origin, the castle is listed as an Italian National Monument. The quadrangular tower marks its oldest remnant which dates from the Arab period. Later on, the Normans and the Hohenstaufen got action into their own hands and enlarged the site. Of that time, the name Richard Lentini emerges as he was the trusty architect of Frederick II. The Aragonese period left its traces by means of walls and the five rounded bastions (15th century). Next, the site gradually started decaying and met its darkest days until not that long ago.

The dimensions of the castle enabled sheltering private edifices as a cathedral and a Benedictine convent. The Spanish 16th century entrance introduces an inner courtyard that announces the Old Duomo (1607).

The hall of the five spans is highly important as it represents the place that the Sicilian Parliament met in 1295. A fireplace gathers all attention through its arches and ruins. The inside of the castle requires time and attention and its rewards are more than compensatory. Meanwhile, the high of the castle gains its own heyday. The Baia del Tono (Tono Bay) and Eolie are highlighted by the location of the castle on a hill which fully enables a splendid landscape.

The depiction of an ancient edifice can only be scarce as most of what it used to be is now gone. What remains is the interest towards what Sicily is now able to offer, and this is no scarce resource, but an exquisite experience.