Chiaramontano de Naro
Chiaramonte castle in Naro was first mentioned during the Angevin
period (1266-1285), although 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, probably while it
was under the command of Roger Lancia, who had received it within a few
years of 1291. Certainly he was holding it again 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
The castle stands on the edge of a cliff above the town. It
has a quadrangular plan with a large cistern under the
courtyard. A large square tower keep stands at the east
corner, while to the south is a D shaped tower. Buildings lie
between these two towers and along the inside of the western curtain
wall. The north front of the castle is centrally recessed to
make an entrance portal which is flanked by a small square turret to
the NE. Beyond this to the north is a small semi-circular
turret. From there the curtain makes 2 angles back to the
keep. The walls consist of laid rubble with fine limestone
quoins.
Why not join me at other Sicilian
castles? Information on this and other tours can be found at Scholarly
Sojourns.
Copyright©2019
Paul Martin Remfry