Colombaia Castle

Colombaia Castle, also known locally as Castello della Colombaia, is a captivating medieval fortress located at the western tip of the port of Trapani, Italy. This iconic structure, with its rich tapestry of history and legends, stands proudly on a small islet, offering a glimpse into the region's storied past and the architectural prowess of ancient times.

The Historical Tapestry of Colombaia Castle

The origins of Colombaia Castle are shrouded in the mists of time, with some legends linking it to the Trojan exiles who landed in Trapani after the fall of Troy. However, historical records attribute the first military construction on this site to Hamilcar Barca during the First Punic War around 260 BC. The castle's name, Colombaia, is derived from the Greek word 'Peliàdes,' meaning 'dove,' which is also reflected in its alternate name, Torre Peliade.

The castle's strategic importance was underscored in 249 BC during a significant naval battle at Trapani, where the Romans suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Carthaginians. Just two years later, Roman consul Numerius Fabius Buteo captured the islet in a daring night assault, marking a turning point in its storied history. After the Roman conquest, the tower fell into disuse, becoming a nesting ground for doves, which were used for communication, and possibly a site for the pagan worship of Venus Ericina, to whom doves were sacred.

The Architectural Marvel of Colombaia Castle

Colombaia Castle is not a traditional castle but rather a multifaceted structure that has served various purposes over the centuries. The castle's most striking feature is its octagonal tower, which rises 32 meters above the islet. This tower, built during the medieval period by the Aragonese who arrived in Trapani in 1280, is one of the finest examples of military architecture in Sicily.

The main building comprises four superimposed floors, with the first floor originally serving as a cistern. The original entrance was located on the second floor, a testament to the defensive ingenuity of its designers. A narrow path, once paved, runs alongside the right flank of the main building, leading to a courtyard. Here, two chapels, repurposed as storerooms during World War II, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

The Changing Roles of Colombaia Castle

Throughout its history, Colombaia Castle has undergone numerous transformations. In the 15th century, it was expanded during the reign of Charles V to defend against Barbary incursions. By the 17th century, under the orders of Viceroy Don Claudio Lamoraldo, Prince of Ligny, the castle saw its last significant modifications. A plaque affixed to the tower's outer wall in 1671 by the Prince still bears witness to this era.

Following its military decommissioning, the castle found a new role as a prison under the Bourbons. From the uprisings of 1821 until 1860, it housed Sicilian patriots of the Risorgimento, including Michele Fardella, Baron of Mokarta, who later became the mayor of Trapani in 1861. The castle continued to function as a prison until 1965, after which it was abandoned.

The Modern Day Colombaia Castle

Today, the islet and the castle stand in a state of abandonment, with the main building perilously close to collapse. All entrances and exits have been sealed, and the chapels in the courtyard are off-limits due to their deteriorating condition. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle remains a point of fascination and a cherished landmark.

In 2009, Colombaia Castle was recognized by the Italian Environmental Fund as a Place of the Heart for Italians, highlighting its significance despite its neglected condition. In December 2010, the property was transferred from the state to the Sicilian Region, which announced plans for its restoration, promising a new chapter in the castle's enduring legacy.

Colombaia Castle, with its rich history and architectural splendor, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who built and inhabited it. As you stand before this ancient fortress, imagine the countless stories it holds within its walls, stories of battles and sieges, of prisoners and patriots, of a time when doves carried messages of hope across the seas. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Colombaia Castle is a must-visit destination that offers a unique window into the past and a promise of restoration for the future.