Museo Civico Castello Ursino, Catania

The Ursino Castle was built on the initiative of Emperor Frederick II as part of his plan for fortifying the Sicilian coast. In 1669 an eruption of Mount Etna changed the topography of the surrounding area, so it is difficult to establish the castle’s original setting with precision. Clearly, however, it stood on a promontory about 16 meter high, dominating the city and the port, and was protected by outworks on the side facing inland and by the cliff over the sea. Castello Ursino is situated in Catania, Sicily. The building houses a gallery of local art as well as the Catania Civic Museum, which is well worth visiting.

It's good to bear in mind this is a museum (art and antiquities) that happens to be inside a castle. The experience offers nothing in the way of exploring an historical fortress. It's also rather warm throughout the building. We found it best to take an elevator to the top floor (also the location of the only restrooms) and work our way down, rather than climb up the stairs in the heat. (It wasn't particularly hot outside that day.)