Raccuja

Acquired in 1552, Raccuja (now in the province of Messina) experienced a period of great splendor under the Branciforte. “Under the rule of the Branciforte the figurative arts and culture flourished, monasteries were enriched, the town was given new streets and imposing buildings”. The Castle, built by Roger de Hauteville for defensive reasons, but transformed by the Branciforte into an aristocratic residence and a place of political and administrative representation, still stands. In 1812 it was transformed into a prison, and remained so until the sixties of the twentieth century. Recently the building, after decades of neglect, was restored.

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