 Basilica of Murgo Solacium of Targia Castle Maniace

The Basilica of Murgo is the only attempt to build of gothic church in Sicily, following the architectonic rules of French monks, who were masters of that art and surely supervised the local craftsmen. The church is located in Agnone Bagni near the sea, some 30km north of Syracuse.

 Works started between 1220 and 1224 but were never finished, mainly because suddenly all the workers were transferred to Syracuse in order to build the castle. Today one can find only a few ruins, among them tall, thick walls, columns and other foundations. Anyway, the project is thought to be overwhelming, being the remaining framework some 90 meters long and 20 wide.

The Solacium of Targia was the summer residence of Frederick II, is located about 8 km north from the center of Syracuse. He had it built only for pleasure and relax. The structure is in perfect condition until now. The Solacium of Targia was the summer residence of Frederick II, is located about 8 km north from the center of Syracuse. He had it built only for pleasure and relax. The structure is in perfect condition until now.

The Castle of Frederick II was built between 1232 and In 1038 Commander George Maniace had ordered to build a fortress to defend the city, Frederick II later turned it into a castle. This castle has hosted Queen Constance of Aragon in 1362, Queen Maria of Aragon in 1399 and Queen Bianca of Aragon in 1416.

 For most of the 16th century the castle was a prison, then had military functions. You could only enter through a drawbridge, which was closed in The castle is 51 meters long each side, with four towers at each corner. It has the typical shape of many other castles all over southern Italy, all build during Frederik’s reign:4 round towers at each angle of a square.