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The Castle of Carini: between history and legend.


26 July 2022 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Cultural tourism, Travel Tips Tags: Trip to Sicily, Tourism in Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, Art and Culture in Sicily, Villages of Sicily, Western Sicily, Visit Sicily, 10 things to see absolutely in Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily, The best destinations in Sicily, 10 places not to be missed in Sicily, History of Sicily, Beauties of Sicily

The Castle of Carini has always attracted the attention of thousands and thousands of national and international tourists every year. For its architectural beauty? Also, but what most attracts is the aura of mystery and irresolution that surrounds the story of its Baroness: Laura Lanza. This medieval fortress is located in the city of Carini, in the province of the wonderful Palermo, not surprisingly the capital of our splendid Sicily. The city also offers an excellent starting point for exploring the wonders of the western part of the island: starting from the architectural beauties of Palermo, continuing westwards between the fantastic beaches of Scopello, the Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani and its salt flats and why not? The very popular Egadi Islands. Definitely a journey to discover Sicily between sun, sea, excellent food and that dose of mystery that silently and magnetically attracts to itself.

The Castle of Carini is evidence of the ancient noble wealth of those who lived in this place and was initially built as a watchtower, in fact it is located on the top of a hill near the city of the same name. In this regard, the ancient stronghold is also visible from the sea, in fact it can also be admired from Isola delle Femmine and from Ustica. The Castle was built by Rodolfo Bonello, a warrior following the Count Roger I of Sicily. In 1283 it passed into the hands of the Abbots until 1387 when it became the property of Ubertino La Grua. Shortly after, the marriage between his only daughter Ilaria and Gilberto Talamanca took place which gave birth to the La Grua - Talamanca family, from which the Castle takes its name. But the marriage that laid the foundations for a timeless tragedy was that between a young descendant of the family, Vincenzo, with the fourteen-year-old daughter of Cesare Lanza, baron of Trabia and count of Mussomeli: Laura Lanza.

Inner courtyard
Detail
Indoor Overview
View from the castle
Despite the twenty years they spent at the Castle and 8 children, their union was not at all happy and this pushed Laura into the arms of a lover, Ludovico Vernagallo. The adulterous relationship between the two was soon discovered by Cesare Lanza who, as an aristocratic man decided to cleanse the honor of the family stained by Laura's betrayal, ordered the killing of the two without hesitation and without remorse. The killing was immediately covered up and this lack of clarity and knowledge gave life to the legend that tells of the restless ghost of the Baroness wandering through the wings and rooms of the Castle and whose bloody handprint still appears on the wall of the room every 4th December, the day of the anniversary of the death of the two adulterers. Don't worry, the Baroness has no intention of following you on your journey to discover Sicily and you can always take refuge in one of our splendid ghost-proof villas with private pools in the province of Palermo.

Recommended villas


L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.

Acquamarina: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.

Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square meters, in a fairly quiet area of ​​the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite 50 sqm private swimming pool is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.

Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square meters and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colors and scents of our beautiful Sicily.

Brezza di Lula: In the area of ​​the Capogallo Reserve, just 15 minutes by car from Palermo and about 2km from the splendid beach of Mondello, this delightful villa with refined taste and attention to every detail, comfortable and completely renovated, is born. The 2000 square meter garden, where the wonderful infinity pool is located, surrounded by centuries-old olive and palm trees, will give you moments of peace and privacy, far from the chaos of the city but within walking distance of one of the most sought-after Palermo nightlife. The perfect combination for your holidays in Sicily.

Villa Blu: A little more than 2 km from the marvelous Zingaro Nature Reserve, in the province of Trapani, stands this delightful farmhouse restored with taste and simplicity. Ideal destination for your holidays in Sicily as it is detached from the city chaos and immersed in 2000 square meters of garden to enjoy the surrounding nature. At 800 m from the sea, you can enjoy wonderful afternoons of fun and relaxation, between a barbecue and a swim in its characteristic private pool.

Profumo di Mare: Located to the east of the wonderful Gulf of San Vito, this enchanting villa with its beautiful private swimming pool and its comfortable and bright rooms, is ready to give you an unforgettable holiday in one of the most popular destinations of Italian and international tourism. It is not for nothing that the area in which it is located is defined as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean Sea.

Balata: Immersed in a Mediterranean-style garden that features palm trees, bougainvilleas, roses and olive trees, just 2.5 km from the beautiful beaches of Scopello, the villa is like a small jewel that shines in the midst of nature. Perfect place for a relaxing holiday in Sicily perhaps inside its wonderful Jacuzzi overlooking the countryside and the sea.

Yasmin: Splendid residence located near the town of Castelluzzo, a seaside village very close to the famous tourist-seaside city of San Vito Lo Capo. With its wonderful private infinity pool, this villa will leave you speechless. If you were looking for a holiday in Sicily full of emotions, sunsets, colors and scents, go no further: Yasmin is the one for you.