Castelluccio

The Swabian Castle, better known as "Castelluccio," stands on a chalk hill and dominates the coast defending the city of Gela.

The origins of the castle date back, according to ancient historical documents, to 1143 when Count Simone of Butera donated it to the abbot of the Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena in Catania.

The castle was built using yellow calcarenite and large blocks of white limestone, which give the entire structure a really pleasant and imposing appearance; it is also devoid of decorations and lacework, features that further enhance its functionality.

Located in the Spadaro district, it is easily reached by taking the road from Gela to Catania and is about 10 km from the city. Regarding the architectural aspect, it can be seen that the plan is rectangular with thick walls and two mighty towers located on the sides: the tower to the west still has the remains of a cistern and a hall still partly visible, in the tower to the east, on the other hand, a chapel carved into the wall can be admired.

The castle was probably organized on several floors given the double rows of windows visible from the outside, and although only ruins are now left one can still reconstruct the functions of the various parts. Parts of the rooms devoted to stables and armory and a few residential rooms are, however, still present.