The Castel is an ideal place for those who love the sea, open horizons and the cultural itineraries of ancient sicily. The castle is 45 Km from Agrigento and itthe valley of the temples; 50 Km. from Caltagirone with its ceramics and majolica pots; 55 Km. from Piazza Armerina and the roman mosaics; 100 Km. from Noto and its splendids baroque palaces; 20 Kms Gela with its fortifications and museum. The Castle can accomodate 35 guests. Private access to the sea and the beach: a large boat house for equipment, bathroom with shower..
The nearest shopping centre is Licata (11 Km) or Gela (20 Km). The Castle is situated on the S.S. (state highway) 115 at Km 245, is 100 Kms distant from Catania Airport and 200 Kms from Palermo Airport and is served by its own railway station The 21 mt. Tower dates back to the 12. century, in 1455 the castle chapel is consacrated.
The Castle of Falconara, flanked by a beautiful and exotic palm-grove, stand on a rocky promotory overlooking the sea. This most harmonius and picturesque building was built in different epochs. Th most ancien parts is the large square tower built in the 14th century, used by the previous owners to breed the falcons for hawking, hence its name. We do not knowexactly when the tower was built, but the historicaldata suggest that Ugone di Santapau, descendant of the noble family Adamara, was given it by King Martino d'Aragona by decreee on the 18th october 1392, as a recompense for his support against adversary factions. In 1540 Ambrogio di Santapau Branciforte, became the owner, and he was given the title of Prince of Butera. After several successions, about the beginning of 1800 the Castle came to count Wilding, a german officer, as a dowry of his wife, Caterina Branciforte, daughter of the last Prince of Butera. At his death, his brother Ernesto inherited the Castle: but he, during the 1848 risings decided to return to his native land and sold the castle to baron Antonio Chiaramonte Bordonaro, who was an ancestor oh the present owner, Baron Roberto Chiaramonte Bordonaro. Its historical background and the presence of the many hunting trophies shot by the presence owner of the Castle and his father, contribute to give the place its unique atmosphere. |
