Pollina Castle

Pollina Castle, locally known as Castello di Pollina, lies in a small mountain village of the same name, in the Palermo province on the island of Sicily in Italy.

When Pollina Castle was exactly built is unknown. It is first mentioned in 1082 when the Norman count, Roger I of Sicily, assigned the 'castle of Polla' to the diocese of Troina. In 1131 it was passed on to the diocese of Cefalù. It is certain that the castle was used to protect the coast and to communicate with other, more inland, castles as San Mauri, Geraci and Isnello.

In 1321 Pollina Castle was bought by the Ventimiglia, a powerful noble family. They kept ownership of the castle, with only short interruptions, until the end of feudalism in Sicily, in 1812.

Between 1548 and 1550 a scientist from Messina; Francesco Maurolico, stayed at Pollina Castle. From the keep he observed the stars for his astronomy works.

At present the site of Pollina Castle is freely accessible. A nice ruin with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside in a quiet, old village.

Gallery