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Sant’Angelo Castle is located on Sant’Angelo Mount, in one of the points of the historic Eknomos Mount.The castle, built after the tragic Franco-Turkish invasion of 1553, was incorporated on a pre-existing watch tower of the second half of the XVI century, built by military engineer Camillo Camilliani, becoming an integral part of the fortress. The task of building the entire military complex was given in 1615 to the Spanish captain Hernando Petigno, commander of the cavalry of Sicily kingdom, and from whom the fort is also named. The works ended in 1640, as is documented by the year engraved on the portal of the entrance. The castle was built with stones of Greek polis, in which are evident traces of ancient inhabited. The entrance to the castle, placed at noon in front of the sea, was allowed by a drawbridge, now walled.
The interior opens with a large courtyard, which was the castle’s weapons square, where there are several rooms that can be visited. Other parts of the castle are the remains of a chapel and arches that served as stables.
From a staircase you can enter to tower, from which you can admire a spectacular panorama that borders from the sea to hinterland, surrounded by hills.
In 1856 the castle was used for optical telegraph for exclusive use of Government. On July 10, 1943, in the historic Allied landing, the Americans occupied the castle, raising their flag. When the war ended, the castle was completely demilitarized and was renovated.
In 1969 State classified the castle as a monument of “particular historical and artistic interest”.
