Donnafugata Castle is an imposing fortified complex located in the Sicilian countryside, near Ragusa. Its history dates back to the 14th century, but over the centuries it has undergone numerous transformations and expansions.
Legend has it that the name "Donnafugata" derives from a love story between a young fugitive noblewoman and a Sicilian nobleman. According to the story, the woman fled her forced marriage to join her lover and took refuge in the castle, which was later named after her.
Construction on the castle proper began in the 14th century on a site that was formerly occupied by an Arab watchtower. Over the centuries, the castle passed through various Sicilian noble families, who contributed to expanding and renovating the building according to their tastes and needs.
However, the most significant transformation occurred in the 19th century when the castle was acquired by the Arezzo di Trifiletti family. Count Corrado Arezzo, influenced by the romanticism of the time, decided to renovate the castle in a neo-Gothic style. The Sicilian architect Luigi Bernabò Brea was commissioned to carry out these modifications, giving the castle the fairy-tale and evocative aspect it still has today.
The Donnafugata castle has a quadrilateral plan with four corner towers and an internal courtyard. The rooms inside are decorated with sumptuous frescoes, period furniture and works of art, bearing witness to the splendor and elegance of the ancient Sicilian noble families.
The castle gained considerable international visibility thanks to Giovanni Verga's novel, "I Malavoglia", published in 1881. In the book, Donnafugata becomes the residence of the Malavoglia family, and the castle is described in detail, making it a literary symbol.
During the 20th century, the Donnafugata castle underwent various changes of ownership and was also used as a film set for numerous films and television series, becoming even more famous internationally.
Today, Donnafugata Castle is open to the public and is one of Sicily's main tourist attractions. Visitors can explore its charming halls, stroll through its surrounding gardens and admire the splendid panorama of the Sicilian countryside. The castle is also a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, which make it even more lively and fascinating.
Translated by Google •
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