The Rufo Ruffo Castle of Zanclea is a gem of the Province of Messina which includes a collection of ancient objects and documents dating back to the 14th century.
The Rufo Ruffo Castle of Zanclea can easily be seen from the surrounding area. This fortress was built on top of a precipitous hill surrounded by green valleys from where you can overlook out on the sea. There was no architectural design planned therefore the castle was built with limestone rocks arranged in no rigorous way and solely based on the geographical locatio making it a challenge.
The Castle was built in the second half of the 13th century by Frederick II as most castles in this area. Lived in by the king himself, then the beautiful explorer and warrior Macalda, the Emperoro Carl V, King Vittorio and mani more till it reached the last owner Antonio Rufo Ruffo, a great art collector of the time.
Inside the Rufo Ruffo Castle of Zanclea there are several objects from some museums of Messina. In particular there are paper documents related to the surrounding territory and the historical information of the castle and the noble families that lived there. The religious medals and medallions as well as the armour collections and marble objects are just a few of the things you can still see in this castle. But before you leave this castle make sure to ask your guide to tell you the legend of Macalda…its a favourite!
Admission Fee: €2.00 Full / €1.00 reduced for children under 14 years of age and adults over 65 years old.
Opening Times: Sunday to Friday 9.00-12.00 / Saturday 9.00-12.00 & 15.00-17.30
Address: Via Castello, 4, Scaletta Superiore (Messina)