Lanza Castle of Trabia

The wealth of water of the lands of Trabia drove many noble families into these places, among which the prestigious Norman-Swabian dynasty of Lanza that has been dominating the country since the sixteenth century. The symbol of their power was the imposing castle that was destroyed in 1517 by rebels during a popular uprising.

As reported in old written records, the castle seemed to be immersed in a true earthly paradise with a fresh and clear spring flowing between the massive rocks.

In time, the building was joined by a tavern and later by some processing industries. In 1784 the Prince of Trabia Pietro Lanza transformed the castle into a busy establishment, since the cloth, cookies, oil of "nozzle" and glue industries were added to the tuna one. These activities came to an end with the death of Prince Pietro in 1811. The castle was later inhabited by its owners only at the time of the tunning-fishing nets and another Prince Pietro founded, among its walls, an “amateur dramatic society”, which lasted only a few years. Still a property of the same family, the caste had been restored with passionate care by Prince Raimondo Lanza.

The castle now shows large terraces from which you can enjoy an amazing view of the splendid Gulf of Termini, some remains of the side structures, the walls accompanied by a circle of towers and architectural elements placed at regular intervals used for ornament and defense . The centre of the estate is determined by the old tower, once used as a prison, which dominates the large courtyard.

On the first entry you can see the remains of the drawbridge and inside the walls, the second entry leading into the prince's private residence. Unfortunately, this monument of great historical and architectural value is destined to decay and ruin. The park and the surrounding gardens are devastated by decades of neglect, the interior is subjected to constant theft: furniture, floors, doors, windows, ornaments, sculptures and artifacts of all kinds are carried away with contemptuous security. If restored, its tourist appeal would be extraordinary for its history, the artistic importance of the architecture, the rarity of the location by the sea.