Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle of Belvedere Marittimo is one of Calabria's castles with a fascinating history. It is one of the most important architectural symbols of the historic centre of Belvedere Marittimo, a seaside resort in the province of Cosenza and part of the ‘’Riviera dei Cedri‘’ Regional Marine Park. Although known as the Aragonese Castle of Belvedere Marittimo, the building stands on an earlier fortress of Norman origin, in a strategic and panoramic position. When the defence system was enlarged, the Norman stronghold began to take on manor-like characteristics with an initial restoration in 1287 by Ruggero di Sangineto.

It became a real castle with the renovation in 1490 by King Ferdinand of Aragon. This is the historical period when the castle of Belvedere Marittimo took on the Aragonese style, with the renovation of the crenellated walls and the opening of the gates. Of the original structure, the two watchtowers, Paolo Emilio Tower and Santa Litterata Tower, and the bastions are preserved.