Castelbuono
| Castelbuono | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Castelbuono | |
 Castelbuono
|
|
| Coordinates: 37°56′N 14°06′E / 37.933°N 14.100°ECoordinates: 37°56′N 14°06′E / 37.933°N 14.100°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region |
 Sicily
|
| Province / Metropolitan city | Palermo (PA) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mario Cicero |
| Area | |
| • Total | 60.51 km2 (23.36 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 423 m (1,388 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 9,648 |
| • Density | 160/km2 (410/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Castelbuonesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 90013 |
| Dialing code | 0921 |
| Patron saint | St. Anne |
| Saint day | July 26 |
| Website | Official website |
Castelbuono (Sicilian: Castiddubbuonu) is a town and comune in the province of Palermo, Sicily (southern Italy).
It is known for its castle from which its name derives, and around which the city developed in the 14th century.
Construction of the Castle began in 1316, by order of Count Francesco I of Ventimiglia, over the ruins of the ancient Byzantine town of Ypsigro, high on the San Pietro hill. Hence its original name, Castello del buon aere ("Castle of good air"), from which the name Castelbuono is derived - literally meaning "good castle".
Numerous drastic alterations were made in the 17th century for reasons of accommodation, when a number of Ventimiglia families moved here from Palermo - the castle never served any really strategic purpose, owing to its geographic position down valley. The construction presents Arab-Norman and Swabian features: the cube shape recalls Arabic architecture; the square towers, although incorporated into those of the façade, reflect Norman architectural style, as also the battlements; and the round tower recalls aspects of Swabian architecture.
The city is home to one of Europe's oldest road running competitions: the Giro Podistico Internazionale Castelbuono was first held in the city in 1912 and is held annually.
The construction of the Castle mixes Arab-Norman features with others typical of the castles built during the Hohenstaufen rule of southern Italy: the cube shape recalls Arabic architecture; the square towers, although incorporated into those of the façade, reflect Norman architectural style, as also the battlements; and the round tower recalls aspects of Frederick II's times architecture.
The structure is on three floors, the first floor for the servants, with the essential services, the second for the nobility, with the sumptuous Cappella Palatina, and the third for the court and for guests.
...
Wikipedia