Le Castella: The Aragonese Castle
Le Castella is a small hamlet located in Isola di Capo Rizzuto. It sits on a beautiful stretch of the Ionian coast in the province of Crotone. What makes this small seaside town so intriguing is its castle.
Once upon a time, the castle was surrounded by water. Today it sits on a small islet that is linked to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The castle looks as though it is floating on the crystal waters that surround it. But the magic doesn’t stop there! The enchanting island is also host to many legends. One of them is linked to the island described in Homer’s Odyssey where the nymph Calypso was imprisoned.
History of The Aragonese Castle of Le Castella
Legends aside, we do know this castle has an epic history. In fact, you’d never believe its turbulent past by simply admiring this captivating fairy-tale castle on the sea. It was never actually home to royalty or nobility. Instead, it served as a protective stronghold for soldiers against numerous invasions and attacks by the surrounding sea.
The mighty fortress you see today actually sits on ancient foundations that date back to the Magna Graecia (400 BC). Hannibal, one of Rome’s greatest enemies, took refuge here in the latter years of the Second Punic War (208-202 BC). When Hannibal left, the Romans settled into the castle to maintain a strategic advantage.
Next, it was the Arabs who came in and occupied the castle in the 10th century to control the entire gulf. When they were eventually forced out, the hamlet began to grow and find peace focusing on commercial trade.
Unfortunately, peace and serenity didn’t last long, and it once again became the site of numerous battles, disputes, and looting. King Ferdinand of Aragon eventually gained control of the castle and surrounding land in the 15th century, and like many of his castles and fortresses, took measures to fortify the castle.
Not long after, the castle was put to the test during the brutal Turkish invasions followed by the Bourbons and the French. The castle finally finds peace in 1800 with the resurrection of the Kingdom of Naples, and then of the Italian State.
Inside the Aragonese Castle of Le Castella
The castle is truly a masterpiece, shaped by the numerous populations that occupied this structure. You can still admire the Norman, Swabian, Byzantine, Angevin, and Aragonese influences that make up this historically significant and equally beautiful building.
The Aragonese Fortress looks to be in good condition, that’s because it has undergone restoration over the years. The castle looks like something out of a dream. I instantly think of a giant sandcastle straight out of the pages of some mystical fairy-tale.
That feeling of wonder doesn’t go away as you make your way to the front entrance! The castle still has many original features that really allow you to get a feel for what it would have been like centuries ago.
Heading to the left of the entrance, you will find what remains of a 16th-century chapel and church marking the beginning of the ancient village. Keep walking to find yourself walking through was once the old hamlet. From here, you get a lovely view of the coastline.
The next stop is the tower, which dates back to the 13th century (Angevin period). At the base of the tower is a big ominous cistern that collected rainwater. The tower has three levels, which are accessible by a very tight spiral staircase. If you are claustrophobic, you may not want to climb these stairs. You have to climb them almost sideways because it’s so narrow. However, for those who brave the climb, an incredible panoramic view of the sea and coastline await you.
Another fascinating feature of the castle is the drawbridge, which was once the mighty entrance to the castle. Although the bridge is long gone, if you look closely, you can see the slots that were used to raise and lower the heavy-duty, wooden barricade.
Include These Activities In Your Itinerary
You also have the option to take a boat trip around the castle in a transparent-bottomed boat. This will allow you to explore the underwater sea life that surround the castle, which is incredibly unique and part of a protected marine area. Also, you get a different point of view of the castle. For more information on this and other boat or underwater excursions, or to book tickets, visit the Proloco website for Le Castella.
The Aragonese Castle of Le Castella is absolutely worth a visit. You can make it a day trip and also include Capo Colonna. Capo Colonna is home to the last remaining column of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Hera Lacinia.
Le Castella and Capo Colonna are absolute must-see destinations when visiting Calabria and/or the province of Crotone.
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Comments are closed.
Katja
December 29, 2020 at 11:11 amNelle mie tante vacanze da queste parti, ho spesso visitato il castello aragonese de Le Castella: abituata alla montagna e ai castelli che dominano la vallata dall’alto, mi ha sempre affascinato questo castello nell’acqua. E poi, da quando ho scoperto la sua storia, me ne sono innamorata ancora di più!
LuLu
January 6, 2021 at 7:36 amAdoro visitare i castelli e hai ragione questo castello ha il suo fascino che non si può negare! 🙂 Spero che tu possa tornare a visitarlo presto!
cristina
August 7, 2020 at 4:25 amI love castles, especially when they are on the water and layered in history! Ciao, Cristina
LuLu
August 21, 2020 at 4:46 pmI love castles, too! 🙂
Britt K
July 31, 2020 at 3:47 pmOh wow, this sounds like such a fun place to explore. I love the picture you shared that showed the castle surrounded by water – it really does look like something out of a movie… Something fictional created to give that ‘sense of awe and wonder’. I love that there are still areas like this that we can visit and see these incredible architectural feats from those who came before us. What better way to familiarize ourselves with the past?
LuLu
August 4, 2020 at 10:09 amI completely agree with you, Britt!
Subhashish Roy
July 31, 2020 at 11:35 amWow this is so beautiful. Castles surrounded by water have always fascinated me and Le Castella is just a magnificent masterpiece. I would not miss out on the boat trip to get a whole round view of the castle.
Kat
July 31, 2020 at 10:30 amOh, I would love to do that boat trip with the transparent floor. I love sea life and am sure it would be fascinating. The castle is gorgeous and the water looks so clear! Definitely looks worth a trip.
Nkem
July 30, 2020 at 9:49 amI’ve been reading/watching/hearing a lot about these Italian wonders lately! What a joy to learn about this castle and its history. Thank you for writing this and sharing the photos.
LuLu
August 4, 2020 at 10:08 amThanks for your comment, I’m glad I could share one of Italy’s many wonders with you! 🙂
Lyosha
July 29, 2020 at 4:26 pmwow! looks so very beautiful! I miss real deal castles so much. I still hope to see one this year
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:22 amI hope you do, too!
Ben
July 29, 2020 at 1:01 pmThat is SO FREAKING AWESOME! I am a huge nerd. I love medieval everything and fantasy of all kinds, so visiting a castle has always been a huge one on my bucket list. I would love to see Castella one day. It looks amazing.
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:26 amThanks for your comment, Ben! There are lots of castles in Calabria, but this one, in particular, is really cool!
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
July 29, 2020 at 12:01 amThe history of this castle is fascinating! I loved reading about it, and now I want to go visit. The boat ride sounds like a must as well, to really get a view of the surrounding areas. I’ve always looked at castles and wanted to know the history around them. Thank you for a new addition to my travel bucket list.
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:19 amThe history here is remarkable. To think such a pretty fairytale-like castle was actually the place of many invasions and battles. It’s definitely worth a visit when visiting Calabria!
Stephanie S
July 28, 2020 at 9:45 pmLuLu, thank you for sharing the history of Le Castella. I really love the details of this castle. I can only imagine seeing this in person. How beautiful, and such great history behind it all. Thanks so much for sharing.
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:17 amThank you so much, Stefanie. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and this beautiful castle. It’s one of the most beautiful castles in this region!
Scott DeNicola
July 28, 2020 at 4:49 pmIt’s funny that you mentioned a sandcastle because that was my first thought as well of the Aragonese Castle. I love the rich history of these places dating back as far as this does. It looked to be in great condition but seeing as it was restored certainly has helped the appearance. Though they don’t build things like they used to! Who doesn’t like a drawbridge? This is very Game Of Thrones looking to me and a place I would totally visit!
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:12 amThanks, Scott. It always blows my mind to walk around places like these and think about how much as happened on the very place I’m standing.
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
July 28, 2020 at 4:44 pmI would love to visit Le Castella! There’s such as sense of history about places like this. I like the idea of exploring it from the land and also taking a boat ride (glass bottomed or not) to view it from the sea.
LuLu
July 30, 2020 at 9:11 amI saw a lot of sailboats out as well, I’d love to sail around some of the coastlines here!
Image Earth Travel
July 23, 2020 at 11:05 pmLooks fabulous!
I’ve been dying to get to this spot and always somehow miss it even thought it’s not far from Cosenza – very annoying!
You didn’t take any inside photos? Would love to see some inside shots.
LuLu
July 25, 2020 at 8:55 amI visited Le Castella many years ago and I was almost positive that I had taken photos inside. But looking back at my photos, it’s obvious I didn’t. All the more reason to go back! 🙂
Greg Speck
July 23, 2020 at 11:46 amThank you very informative. Reminds me of the one in Ischia. Love the history you have given.
LuLu
July 25, 2020 at 8:56 amGrazie! Many of the castles that were built or re-enforced during the Aragonese period have a very similar style! I hope to visit Ischia, it looks lovely!