Branciforti Castle of Raccuja

Branciforti Castle stands in the upper part of the inhabited center of Raccuja (Messina - Sicily), in a not very strategic position but fundamental for the control of the Regia trazzera that passed nearby.

It is a fortress of medieval origin built on the remains of Roman and Islamic architecture.

On ancient pre-existences probably Roman, the count Ruggero d'Altavilla founded a solid construction for the defense of the places just conquered and which he placed under his direct dominion.

The castle, which all for the Royal period carried out the functions of defense and accommodation for the officials of the Kingdom, underwent major structural changes under the lordship of the Orioles, aimed at transforming the ancient medieval fortress into a Manor that was able to accommodate a noble family of their rank.

The restoration of the 2000s also involved the court area, the interior furnishings and the adjoining church of the Carmine convent, however having the merit of resuming the monumental complex in its essential parts and restoring light to the historical asset.

The recovery intervention was aimed at the total use of the castle, with the intention of making it the seat of a civic museum, historical archive and municipal library.

Map: Branciforti Castle of Raccuja