The Palizzi Castle
A symbol of domination and decadence
The castle dominates Palizzi Superiore and stands out against a gigantic rock ridge from which it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses tens of kilometres along the Greek coast of the Ionian Sea.
The strategic position in defence
For centuries, the fort and its suburb have been considered, given its strategic position and the inaccessibility of the site, as a solid refuge to escape the continuous raids of Turkish piracy. Built by the Ruffo family in the 14th century, the castle has undergone numerous renovations and restructuring over time that have changed its appearance and intended use.
DID YOU KNOW THAT …?
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage has declared the castle a national monument and today it is undergoing intense restoration.
The numerous changes in destination over the centuries
Still visible, as evidence of the alternate vicissitudes of the manor, is a lapidarium dated 1580 that bears the epigraph, “falling for old age.” At the end of the 19th century, the castle became a residential building, rebuilt in brick, belonging to the Baron De Blasio family, a rich landowner in the area. Today, the ancient military walls remain the high walls, the guns and some traces of battles and loopholes. Interesting for the reconstruction of its history was also the discovery of prison cells carved out of living rock.
