Prince's Castle

The breeze from the Tyrrhenian Sea blows through the rooms of the Prince's Castle in Sangineto Lido, in the province of Cosenza. This majestic Angevin fortress dates back to the 15th century and overlooks the renowned Riviera dei Cedri, standing near the mouth of the Sangineto River.

Powerful and elegant, the castle was built for defensive purposes but has changed function several times over the centuries. It was inhabited by successive noble families until the abolition of the feudal system, then used as a prison during the First World War. In the courtyard, there is still an olive tree planted by Austrian prisoners on 4 November 1918, the day of the armistice, as a symbol of peace. Finally, in recent decades, after being restored and enhanced, it has become a cultural and entertainment venue. The ancient rectangular fortress is supported by four cylindrical towers and was originally surrounded by the sea, making it accessible only via a drawbridge leading to the large, airy courtyard with crenellated walls and loopholes. On the façade of the building facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, there is a loggia from which you can enjoy an enchanting view.

Sangineto Castle is part of the Italian Historic Houses circuit, which promotes the protection of places like this and offers guided tours and stays within the structures to learn about their history. Entering the castle is like taking a step back in time, imagining the lives of the nobles who lived in these large and elegant spaces. The mighty stone walls bear witness to an ancient history, and you only need to look around to appreciate the timeless charm of this elegant and aristocratic place: the central courtyard leads to the original noble chapel, the stables and the ancient wine press. Climbing a stone staircase, you reach the interior halls and private rooms where the noble families lived, finely decorated with frescoes and coats of arms. A unique and evocative atmosphere is enhanced by the view of the sea, which offers spectacular colours at sunset.