Castelbuono and the Ventimiglia Castle

Bernard Gagnon · CC BY 4.0

Castelbuono, PA

Castelbuono is one of the liveliest villages in the Madonie, beneath a 14th-century castle that dominates the town. It was the residence of the Ventimiglia, powerful lords of medieval Sicily.

Inside the castle, the Cappella Palatina di Sant'Anna is decorated with stuccoes by Giuseppe Serpotta, of the family of great Palermitan stuccoists. The castle houses the Museo Civico, with sections on archaeology, urban history and contemporary art.

The town is also known for manna, a sweet substance extracted from the ash trees of the area, and for its pastry shops. From the centre, paths lead into the woods of the Madonie Park.

• From 1 April to 31 October every day 9:30-13:00 and 15:00-18:30. From 1 November to 31 March 2027 every day 9:30-16:45. The floor of the Sacred Art Section is temporarily closed for works.
• 2-3 hours
• Full price €6, reduced €4 or €2; free for several categories (e.g. under 7s).
• All year
• Uphill centre with alleys and steps; the castle has internal routes on several levels.
• Booking is recommended; guided tours are on request. Taste manna, the natural sweetener produced by the ash trees of the Madonie. Don't miss the Cappella Palatina with its stuccoes.