Castello di Amantea
Dominating coastal road that was once an important stronghold under Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese, It was refurbished under Bourbons, but was heavily damaged during the earthquakes of 1638 and 1783; was left was abandoned after disastrous siege of 1806-1807 suffered by Napoleon's troops. Castle, now in ruins, is on plateaux with a beautiful view both on small bay of Oliva river, on Tyrrhenian sea, and Catocastro river valley. Mastia ovoid tower facing north-west, called St. Nicholas, was built in Angevin age, judging by the coat of arms bearing the lilies of France, who will stay on. In Aragonese period Castle was graded according to the dictates of Francesco di Giorgio Martini to withstand the blows of new firearms: the walls were lowered and reinforced, was built a rampart of access on the eastern side and produced a rampart that preceded the moat. Today it is almost entirely preserved the great bastion facing south, resting on solid rock of the cliff.
Info:
Castle can be reached by four paths: one starts from Tirrena Road, just before the junction with Corso Umberto I, another begins to the right of Church of Carmine, in Corso Umberto I, one third (Salita San Francesco) is developed by ancient city gate until it touches the ruins of Franciscan complex underlying Angevin tower, fourth finally starts from Church of College (to which are attached imposing ruins of former Jesuit College) .
