Sights in Tyrrhenian Coast
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Castelbuono Castle
In 1316, Francesco I Ventimiglia built the absolutely enormous Castelbuono Castle that gave the town its name (from castrum boni), and which soars above the golden patchwork of houses. The castle is divided into areas that cover archaeology, and the castle's and Castelbuono's history (with religious artefacts and jewellery), and several rooms are dedicated to modern and contemporary art exhibitions; sadly, none of the paintings are marked or explained.
The castle is supposed to be haunted by Queen Constance Chiaramonte, who it is said runs along the corridors, regular as clockwork, every first Tuesday of the month. Right in the heart of the castle is the extraordinary Cap…
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Milazzo Castle
The strategic position of Milazzo is obvious from the enormous Milazzo Castle, built by Frederick II in 1239 and added to by Charles V Aragon. It constitutes the nucleus of the old town and was originally the site of a Greek acropolis, then that of an Arab-Norman citadel. At one time the whole of Milazzo fitted within its huge walls, which command great views of the bay and the Aeolians.
The castle contains the city's Duomo Vecchio (old cathedral) and the ruins of the Palazzo dei Giurati (the old town hall). It is a lovely site to clamber around, full of flowers and crumbling structures. To reach the castle climb the Salita Castello, which rises up through the atmospheric…
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Santuario di Gibilmanna
While you're in town, you will probably meet a few visitors who have come on a pilgrimage to pray at the elaborately decorated baroque Santuario di Gibilmanna, a shrine to the Virgin Mary. During the shrine's coronation on 17 August 1760 (a day which also marked the official consecration of the church), the Virgin is supposed to have shown signs of life, namely restoring sight to two blind worshippers and speech to a mute.
The miracle was later confirmed by the Vatican and consequently, the church is one of Sicily's most important shrines.
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Chiesa Madre
At the start of the Imera valley, Polizzi Generosa is a charming town that was given the nomenclature generosa (generous) by Frederick II in the 1230s. The town is a trekking base for the Madonie, and is riddled with churches that are often shrouded in mist. One sight worth visiting is the Chiesa Madre, with a Flemish depiction of the Madonna and Child with Angels from the early 16th century, and a Madonna of the Rosary by Guiseppe Salerno.
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Cathedral
Cefalù’s cathedral is the final jewel in the Arab-Norman crown alongside the Cappella Palatina and Monreale. Inside, a towering figure of Christ Pantocrator is the focal point of the elaborate 12th-century Byzantine mosaics. Framed by the steep cliff, the twin pyramid towers of the cathedral stand out above the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, which swarms with camera-snapping tourists among the pavement cafes and restaurants.
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Relais Santa Anastasia
Relais Santa Anastasia is a simply gorgeous 12th-century abbey - superlatives are not enough to describe it. Set among working vineyards, and with an ancient cobbled courtyard straight out of a storybook, the abbey boasts beautiful rooms, exquisite attention to detail, and fabulous food and wine from the vineyards. It is 9km from Castelbuono in the direction of Cefalù.
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Spanish Castle
Milazzo’s main in-town attraction is its enormous Spanish castle It was closed indefinitely for restoration at the time of research; when open, it has guided tours on the hour and is a lovely site to clamber around, full of flowers and crumbling walls with dreamy views of the Aeolians.
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Salita Saraceno
An enormous staircase, the Salita Saraceno, winds up through three tiers of city walls in a 30-minute climb to the summit of La Rocca. From here you have wonderful views of the town below. The steps are to the right of the Banco di Sicilia on Piazza Garibaldi. From here the way is clearly signposted.
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Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto
The most beautiful church in Petralia Soprana is the 18th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto, at the end of Via Loreto, off the main square. Inside is an altarpiece by Gagini and a Madonna by Giacomo Mancini. To the right of the church through an arch is the town's belvedere.
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Museo Mandralisca
Off Piazza del Duomo is the private Museo Mandralisca. The museum has an interesting collection that includes Greek ceramics and Arab pottery, the highlight being the Portrait of an Unknown Man, a Renaissance masterpiece painting by Antonello da Messina.
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Museo di Mina Palumbo
The other excellent sight in Castelbuono is the Museo di Mina Palumbo, named after the naturalist Francesco Minà Palumbo. His collection gives an exhaustive insight into the Madonie mountains, and their botany, natural history, minerals and archaeology.
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Osteria Magno
The Osteria Magno is an imposing 14th-century mansion that has been heavily renovated over the centuries and today is only open for temporary art exhibitions. If you want to get a look inside at other times, ask for the keys at the tourist office.
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Il Castello
Apart from a few loose rocks there is nothing left of the Il Castello, a Norman castle that once crowned the rock's peak, or the Arab citadel.
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Lavatoio
On Via Vittorio Emanuele is the lavatoio, a 16th-century wash house which was built over a spring that was well known in antiquity.
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Tempio di Diana
The 4th-century Tempio di Diana provides a romantic getaway for young lovers.
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