Castle of the Counts of Modica - Alcamo

Construction of the castle started around 1340 and was completed in 1350.

The plan of the castle is diamond-shaped with an almost rectangular courtyard in the center. At the corners there are four crenellated towers, two with a square plan and two with a circular plan, each of which had a specific function ; in particular:

in the highest square tower (called "Maestra Tower" for this reason), located in the southeast, prisoners were tortured;
the lowest square tower, located to the northwest, was reserved for sentries;
the round tower in the northeast was used to receive distinguished guests.
The round tower to the southwest also bears the coat of arms of the city of Alcamo, carved in marble.

It was used as a residential and defensive structure until the 16th century. If supplied with ammunition and food, it could resist for a month and a half and sheltered 30 companies of soldiers.

In the period between 1410 and 1812, the castle was owned by the Cabrera, Counts of Modica, from whom it takes its name.

During his return from the victory in Tunis on September 1, 1535, Emperor Charles V stayed for three days in one of the castle's towers.

From 1828, the municipality of Alcamo took possession of the castle, following a judgment by the court of Trapani. In 1870 the castle was converted into a prison.

Later the castle was used to house the Ethnographic Museum , the Regional Historical Wine Cellar, the Museum of Wine and Traditions and a permanent exhibition of Sicilian dolls. Civil weddings are celebrated in a hall on the first floor.

Willem Vandenameele