It seems that every hill town in Sicily has an ancient castle, and every castle is at the very top of the town. While in Milazzo we tried to go to the castles in Santa Lucia di Mela and Montalbano Elicona, which were recommended to us. It was easy enough to drive to the two towns. Starting in Santa Lucia di Mela, our intention was to drive up to the castle, at least as closely as we could. Climbing the ancient cobblestone streets, with their impossible switchbacks, was another story. Our rental car, although fairly maneuverable, would not make the turns in one pass. So at most of the switchbacks we were stuck with having to coast slightly backward, with cars behind us of course, to eventually make the turn.
As the "streets" became narrower, and the switchbacks became tighter, and the cars behind became impatient, we decided to bail. At one intersection, frustrated and with Joe's arms sore from flailing at the steering wheel, Chris noticed that if we turned right instead of left, the "street" went downhill. So that's what we did. We never made it to the castle.
The next day, after visiting the Tindari Sanctuary, we tried to drive to the castle at the top of Montalbano Elicona. Same situation, as we climbed through the ancient streets, armed with the experience of the day before, we realized we wouldn't make it to the top. Bailed again! So we have no photos of the castles at Santa Lucia and Montalbano Elicona.
Determined to see a castle, we we able to drive right to the castle in Milazzo. We parked right next to it (still no sure if we were allowed to do that, but hey, this is Sicily!) Resurrecting a theme from previous Italy trips we walked on cobblestones "Up a Hill, Through an Arch", to enter the castle proper. The castle was very large and even had an old church within its walls.
Score so far.... Castles 2 - Joe and Chris 1.
A few photos of the Milazzo castle, and from its walls....
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