Castle of the Counts of Modica

The Castle of the Counts of Modica, locally known as Castello dei Conti di Modica, is a magnificent medieval fortress nestled in the heart of Alcamo, a charming town in the province of Trapani, Sicily. This historic castle, with its imposing structure and rich history, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and strategic importance of the region during the Middle Ages.

The History of the Castle of the Counts of Modica

The origins of the Castle of the Counts of Modica date back to the 14th century. In 1340, King Peter II granted Raimondo Peralta the lands of Alcamo and the nearby Bonifato Castle, though the castle itself was not mentioned at that time. The first recorded mention of the castle appears in a 1391 document where King Martin I confirmed the grant of lu Castellu di Alcamu to Enrico Ventimiglia, Count of Alcamo.

The construction of the castle began around 1340 under Raimondo Peralta, Count of Caltabellotta, and was completed in 1350 under the feudal lords Enrico and Federico Chiaramonte. Initially serving as both a residence and a defensive structure, the castle could withstand a siege for a month and a half, accommodating 30 companies of soldiers if adequately supplied with munitions and provisions.

In 1392, King Martin and his consort were guests at the castle following the defeat of the Chiaramonte family. The castle also hosted Emperor Charles V and his court, including the Infanta Eleanor of Aragon, for three days during their return from a victorious campaign in Tunis on September 1, 1535.

From 1410 to 1812, the castle was owned by the Cabrera family, Counts of Modica, from whom it derives its name. In 1534, it endured an attack by the infamous pirate Barbarossa. Between 1583 and 1589, the castle underwent three significant restorations. After the death of the last Countess of Modica in the early 1800s, the castle was auctioned and purchased by the Stuart family.

In 1828, following a ruling by the Tribunal of Trapani, the Municipality of Alcamo took possession of the castle. It was subsequently restored in 1870 and repurposed for various uses, including serving as the town hall, a prison (until 1968), and a stable.

By 1979, the castle's deteriorating condition was noted, prompting further restorations between 2000 and 2010. These efforts transformed the castle into a cultural hub, housing the Ethnographic Museum, the Regional Historical Wine Cellar, the Wine and Traditions Museum, a permanent exhibition of Sicilian puppets, and a display of sculptural works by Nicola Rubino. Additionally, civil weddings are celebrated in a hall on the first floor.

After the appearance of structural cracks, the castle was closed from 2011 to 2013 and then again until December 2015, when it was reopened to the public, although some areas remain inaccessible for safety reasons.

Exploring the Castle of the Counts of Modica

The Castle of the Counts of Modica features a rhomboid layout with a nearly rectangular central courtyard. The structure comprises mainly roughly cut stone blocks, with precisely squared and interlocked stones used at the tower corners and openings.

At each corner of the castle stands a merloned tower, each with specific functions. The tallest square tower, known as the Torre Maestra, located at the southeast corner, was used for torturing prisoners. The lower square tower at the northwest corner served as a lookout for sentinels. The circular tower at the northeast corner was designated for esteemed guests, while the circular tower at the southwest corner bears the marble-carved coat of arms of the city of Alcamo.

The castle's sides feature Gothic-Catalan-style bifore and trifore windows. The ground floor housed a chapel, rooms for the chaplain and servants, and an isolation cell. The first floor included a reception hall with an antechamber, the count's study, bedrooms with a connecting corridor, and another isolation cell.

In the past, the castle was surrounded by walls to thwart sieges by war machines. It originally had three gates on the south, west, and north sides, each opening onto a square. The southern square served as the headquarters for urban militias, the western square was known as the citadel, and the northern square was the third plaza.

There is also an unconfirmed hypothesis that beneath the castle lie prison pits used between the late 14th and 18th centuries for the incarceration of kings.

A Modern Cultural Hub

Today, the Castle of the Counts of Modica stands as a vibrant cultural center, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and the rich traditions of the region. The Ethnographic Museum provides insights into the daily lives and customs of the local people, while the Regional Historical Wine Cellar and the Wine and Traditions Museum celebrate the area's viticultural heritage.

The permanent exhibition of Sicilian puppets showcases the island's unique puppet theater tradition, and the display of Nicola Rubino's sculptures adds an artistic touch to the historical setting. The castle's halls, with their blend of medieval architecture and modern exhibits, create an engaging and educational experience for all who visit.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a unique venue to celebrate a special occasion, the Castle of the Counts of Modica offers something for everyone. Its walls, steeped in history, echo the tales of centuries past, making it a must-visit destination in the picturesque town of Alcamo.