The Ursino Castle is in the Catania’s historical center. Built up on a Federico II of Svevia’s order between 1239 and 1250, its name takes etymological origin from “Castrum sinus”, castle of the gulf, since in the past the castle was on sea level, from which it went away in consequence of a large lava flow in 1669 and some earthquackes.
Symbol of the imperial Svevian power, its construction was directed to the defence of the oriental Sicilian coast..
The emperor’s taste for geometries, is strongly reflected on the monument which has a square plant, four round towers in the corners and four halfround plant towers in the middle of each side of the castle.
The project of the fortress, committed to the military architect Riccardo da Lentini, counted a fosse and a draw bridge , too.
The principal lancet arch entry, shows the Svevian escutcheon.
Aragoneses’ residence in XIV century, it was afterwards modified, bordered by new walls, then changed in a prison in 1837.
Inside of it we can observe some decorated rooms, the Gladiators (a roman relief), Afrodite’s statue and Eracle’s bust, which dates back to IV century b. C.
The restoration and the suggestive lighting have given to the castle remarkable glamour such to ensures it the role of place of the Civic Museum, to visit for the big artistic interest works, like pictures and archaeological finds.
The municipal property castle, is placed in the Catania center, in the Federico of Svevia Square.