Montechiaro Castle

Montechiaro Castle, locally known as Castello di Montechiaro, lies south of the city of Palma di Montechiaro, in the Agrigento province on the island of Sicily in Italy.

Montechiaro Castle was probably built in 1358 by Federico III Chiaramonte, Count of Modica. Its function was primarily to guard and defend a small port for the export of grains. This port had its warehouses in the castle until the first half of the 17th century.

In 1363 the castle was inherited by Matteo, son of Federico, and in 1377 it came into possession of Manfredi III Chiaramonte. The last Chiaramonte to own the castle was Andrea Chiaramonte.

In 1392 Andrea was executed in Palermo for rebelling against the Aragonese rule over Sicily. The possessions of the Chiaramonte family were then also confiscated and Montechiaro Castle was granted to Guglielmo Raimondo III Moncada by King Martin I of Sicily. In 1397 he also rebelled against the Crown and lost all possessions.

In 1401 King Martin I granted Montechiaro Castle to Palmerio Caro as a reward for his assistance in the repression of the riots in the Mazara Valley. The castle stayed in the hands of the Caro family until 1585. Then it went to Mario Tomasi through marriage.

The Tomasi family kept ownership of Montechiaro Castle up until the 21st century. Then it was purchased by the city of Palma di Montechiaro and restored.

At present the castle seemed not to be used. It was closed when I visited and I don't know if it is accessible. A beautiful castle.

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