Castle of Carini

Nestled in the picturesque town of Carini in Sicily, the Castle of Carini (Castello di Carini) stands as a testament to the island’s rich medieval history and architectural prowess. This imposing fortress, with its rugged stone walls and commanding presence, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the stories etched into its very fabric.

The Origins and Evolution of the Castle of Carini

The Castle of Carini's origins date back to the Norman conquest of Sicily. It was initially constructed by Rodolfo Bonello, a Norman knight who accompanied Count Roger I of Sicily. The castle served as a defensive stronghold, ensuring the Normans' control over the region. By 1283, the castle had come under the ownership of the Abate family, who began transforming the fortress into a more residential structure. However, their allegiance to the Chiaramonte family during a dispute for the crown led to their downfall, and the castle was confiscated.

In 1397, King Martin I of Sicily granted the castle and the surrounding lands to Ubertino La Grua, a knight from Palermo, as a reward for his services. Ubertino's lineage continued through his daughter Ilaria, who married the Catalan nobleman Gilberto Talamanca, thus founding the La Grua Talamanca family. This family retained ownership of the castle until 1812. Under the stewardship of Baron Giovan Vincenzo La Grua Talamanca in the mid-15th century, the castle underwent significant architectural enhancements, transitioning from a military bastion to a splendid summer residence.

The Tragic Tale of the Baroness of Carini

The Castle of Carini is perhaps most famous for the tragic story of Laura Lanza di Trabia, the Baroness of Carini. On December 4, 1563, Laura was brutally murdered by her father, Don Cesare Lanza, along with her alleged lover, Ludovico Vernagallo, in an act of honor killing. The powerful families involved in this grim episode quickly suppressed the details, leaving only sparse records of the deaths. It wasn't until the 19th century that the historian Salvatore Salomone Marino pieced together the story from local folklore and oral traditions.

A haunting legend persists to this day, claiming that on the anniversary of the murder, the bloodied handprint of the baroness appears on the wall of the room where she met her tragic end. This eerie tale adds a layer of mystique and melancholy to the castle's already rich history.

Architectural Marvels of the Castle

The Castle of Carini boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles, reflecting its long and varied history. The medieval walls, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, are interspersed with Arab-Norman elements, particularly noticeable in the pointed arches of the castle’s secondary gate. The coat of arms of the Abate family adorns the upper sections of the castle, while the La Grua family's emblem, featuring a crane, is prominently displayed on several portals.

Entering the ground floor, visitors are greeted by a room with a cross-vaulted ceiling, which was originally an exterior wall. Another room, devoid of flooring, reveals the foundations of earlier structures. A grand hall, divided by pointed arches and a central column, offers a glimpse into the castle's past grandeur. On the eastern side, one can find a stone washbasin from the Billiemi quarries, a frescoed chapel with trompe-l'œil decorations, and a marble statue of the Madonna of Trapani.

The Chapel and Upper Floors

The castle’s chapel is a true gem, featuring an artistic wooden tabernacle from the early 17th century, adorned with Corinthian columns that create a sense of depth. A wooden gallery allowed views from the upper floor, adding to the chapel's intricate design.

On the upper floor, the entrance to the 15th-century wing is marked by a marble portal inscribed with the phrase Et nova sint omnia (And let all things be new), which continues from another inscription on a second portal reading Recedant Vetera (Let the old be erased). These inscriptions likely date from the castle's transformation under the direction of architect Matteo Carnalivari, who converted it from a barracks to a noble residence.

Adjacent to this portal is the grand hall, known as the Salone delle Feste, featuring a coffered wooden ceiling adorned with stalactitic elements, noble coats of arms, psalms dedicated to the Madonna, and allegorical inscriptions. This ceiling was crafted during the castle's renovation when the La Grua Talamanca family allied with the Ajutamicristo family. A similar example of this architectural style can be found in the Ajutamicristo Palace in Palermo.

The Salone delle Feste and Other Rooms

The Salone delle Feste on the noble floor is a quintessential example of a 15th-century hall, complete with a coffered wooden ceiling, a fireplace bearing the La Grua coat of arms, and large windows. The ceiling features the Latin phrase In Medio Consistit Virtus (Virtue lies in the middle), indicating that it was designed for decoration, while the lateral structure provides support. A side door leads to the room favored by the Baroness of Carini, where she allegedly met her lover.

Other notable rooms include those with frescoes, such as one depicting Penelope and Ulysses. A small staircase leads to the kitchens, and another room stands out for its Gothic-Catalan style, characterized by Billiemi stone vaults and pinnacles.

The Castle of Carini is more than just a historical monument; it is a living chronicle of Sicily’s tumultuous past, filled with tales of love, betrayal, and transformation. Its walls whisper stories of noble families, architectural evolution, and haunting legends, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. As you wander through its ancient halls and gaze upon its panoramic views, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era, captivated by the enduring allure of this magnificent fortress.