What remains of the castle of Butera, located in the highest part of the country, is a large tower with a square plan dating back to about 1400; it was probably rebuilt in place of a fortification of Arab-Norman origin, in turn built on Byzantine and Arab pre-existences.

Originally it consisted of a system of towers connected by walls.

Beyond the tower, reached in good state of conservation, some parts are now completely incorporated in the buildings of a later period; the court is now used as a public square.

The tower, of great artistic value, has the Santapau family crest and some beautiful mullioned windows.

This fortress resisted a 26 years siege, before being conquered by the Norman Roger.

Lords of the castle were also Ruggiero Slavo, Galvano Lancia, Artale Alagona and the Lanza Branciforti family.

It has also been used as a prison.

It is currently owned by the municipality, and has been used as a concert hall and as a municipal warehouse.

Top