Sperlinga Attractions
Location
This little town in the interior of Sicily lies 10km/6mi northwest of Nicosía on a barren ridge of rock.
As with some other mountain towns there are many caves nearby which show signs of having once been inhabited.
This little town in the interior of Sicily lies 10km/6mi northwest of Nicosía on a barren ridge of rock.
As with some other mountain towns there are many caves nearby which show signs of having once been inhabited.
Castle
Overlooking Sperlinga stands a massive Norman castle reached by means of steep steps cut in the rock. In 1239, in the Hohenstaufen period, it featured in the castra exempta, a list of castles under the direct control of Frederick II.
The building shows additions and changes made at various times; for example, the lower section with its Gothic double-windows dates from the 14th century, while the Renaissance portal is 16th century. The building was restored and made safe between 1981 and 1983.
The inscription above the entrance arch "Quod Siculis placuit sola Sperlinga negavit" (only Sperlinga saw fit to deny that which pleased the Sicilians) is a reference to the fact that this town offered asylum to French refugees following the "Sicilian Vespers" of 1282.
The building shows additions and changes made at various times; for example, the lower section with its Gothic double-windows dates from the 14th century, while the Renaissance portal is 16th century. The building was restored and made safe between 1981 and 1983.
The inscription above the entrance arch "Quod Siculis placuit sola Sperlinga negavit" (only Sperlinga saw fit to deny that which pleased the Sicilians) is a reference to the fact that this town offered asylum to French refugees following the "Sicilian Vespers" of 1282.
