Naro Castle was first mentioned during the Angevin period (1266-1282), when its French garrison was slaughtered during the Vespers revolt.  Despite this, it is claimed that the keep was only built when the castle was enlarged during the reign of Frederick III (1296-1337). Certainly in 1325 Naro fell to the Angevins, possibly while it was under the command of Peter Lancia (d.1335+), who had received it within a few years of 1291.  Certainly he was holding it together with Caltanissetta and Delia before 1330.  In 1366 the town and castle of Naro were granted to Count Matthew Chiaramonte of Modica (d.1377) by King Frederick IV (d.1377).  With the overthrow of Count Andrew of Modica in 1398 Naro was seized by the Crown who proceeded to keep a garrison in the castle until it was converted into a prison.  The castle has been much repaired in recent years.

Description
Naro is a small castle standing on the edge of a cliff towards the north of the town.  It has a quadrangular plan with a large cistern under the courtyard.  A 40' square tower keep stands at the east corner. This was originally entered at first floor level and led into the hall to the south while it has fine windows to the north. To the south of the keep is a small D shaped tower.  Buildings lie between these two towers and along the inside of the western curtain wall.  The north front is centrally recessed to make an entrance portal which is flanked by a small square turret to the northeast.  Beyond this to the north is a small semi-circular turret which provides virtually no flanking.  From there the curtain makes 2 angles back to the keep.  The walls consist of laid rubble with fine limestone quoins.  Unusually the wallwalk is gained from a stairway in the hall.  The battlements are modern fakes.

Copyright©2019 Paul Martin Remfry

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