Spadafora Castle, probably built at the end of the sixteenth century around a defensive tower by the Spadafora family for coastal control and the defense of the fief of S. Martino, has been the subject of various studies and has been extensively written about starting with the Florentine architect Camillo Camiliani, especially regarding the date of construction. In the 1700s, the fortification was transformed into a noble residence, perhaps by the same Guttierez Spadafora whose heraldic badges, along with Branciforte, Moncada, Ruffo, and Gatto, are combined in the coat of arms surmounting the rusticated entrance portal of the castle, testifying to the supremacy of a family with very ancient origins. Even today, it is evident that the Castle has had a more residential than defensive use; in fact, official sources note that in 1675 a group of French soldiers captured it in just twenty-four hours. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the building was abandoned and occasionally housed military units in transit between Messina and Milazzo. It is currently open to the public for visits and cultural events.
Information about Spadafora Castle
Spadafora (Messina)
090 36894435
https://www.regione.sicilia.it
Source: MIBACT
