The Ursino Castle displays a superb architecture that displays a creative mix of Eastern and Western designs.
An emblem of the multicultural face of Catania, Ursino Castle was built in the thirteenth century under the reign of Frederick II and is known for its superb architecture that displays a creative mix of Eastern and Western designs.
Due to an earthquake in the 1600s and the eruptions of Etna, the lava buried a large part of it, increasing the distance between the sea and the castle. Only the north side is now intact and this is where the main entrance is located, the façade has been made with volcanic ashlar blocks and limestone.
The ruins of the Ursino Castle are well preserved and easy to reach from the city centre of Catania.