Il castello di Spadafora, probably built at the end of the sixteenth century around a defensive tower by the Spadafora family for coastal control and for the defense of the fief of S. Martino, has been the subject of several studies and much has been written about it starting with the Florentine architect Camillo Camiliani, especially regarding the date of construction. In the 1700s the fort was transformed into a noble residence, perhaps by the same Guttierez Spadafora whose heraldic insignia, together with Branciforte, Moncada, Ruffo and Gatto, are combined in the coat of arms that surmounts the rusticated entrance portal to the castle, testifying to the supremacy of a family of very ancient origins. Even today it is evident that the Castle had a more residential than defensive use, in fact official sources note that in 1675 a group of French soldiers stormed 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 Castello di Spadafora
Spadafora (Messina)
090 36894435
https://www.regione.sicilia.it
Source: MIBACT
