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Frederick II
Roger I
Ostrogoths
Carthaginian
Stupor Mundi
William II of Sicily
Roger II
Constance of Sicily
Emperor Henry VI
Federico II di Svevia
Peter II of Sicily
Arab Norman
William I of Sicily
King of Sicily
Phoenician
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Castello di Donnafugata


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Castello di Donnafugata

Castello di Donnafugata
Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession.

Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century.

A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred

In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful,

The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings.

In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages.

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The "Castello di Donnafugata" is located about 10 kms west of Ragusa. It can be traced back to the 14th century, but all buildings seen now, are much younger. Corrado Arezzo Barone di Donnafugata (1824-1895) built the present palace building on the foundations of the previous one. The palace has 122 rooms on a floor space of 2500 m².

Donnafugata is very well known for its wine and different restaurants. One of them serves simple, authentic Sicilian food.

www.donnafugata.it/en/

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Comments
 Jaap van 't Veen
Jaap van 't Veen club
Beautiful light and colours.
Have a nice weekend.
5 years ago.

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