Norman fortress in Milazzo

The territory of present-day Milazzo has been inhabited since ancient times. In the documents mentioned from the IX-VIII centuries BC. e. The geographical location on the coast throughout the centuries-old history created conditions for endless military operations. The Norman Fortress is a monument of the Middle Ages, when the city was owned by Norman tribes among others.

The citadel, dating from about the 13th century, is the most significant monument of Milazzo. The fortress, located on the cape, occupies 7 hectares, most of which are occupied by ancient buildings, as if floating above the landscape of the city. It is believed to be one of the first Norman buildings in Sicily. The first buildings of the future citadel were formed before our era. Over time, the value of the fortress as a defensive structure increased. It has been rebuilt and rebuilt many times. And in Norman times it became what it is today – a fortified, powerful structure, which has everything necessary for life, i.e. a cathedral, a palace (now it exists in the form of ruins), military buildings, etc. In many ways, this fortress is an exemplary medieval defensive structure of Sicily.