The Castle of San Nicola L’Arena was built in the 14th century around the pre-existing Norman-era watchtower.
It too, like all the castles on the Sicilian coast, was intended to protect that stretch of sea from the aggressions of Turkish and Saracen pirates who, in those days, targeted Sicily’s richest fishing beaches.
Later, with the establishment of the tuna fishery, the castle became the focal point for the adjacent small fishing village of San Nicola L’Arena, which found tuna fishing to be one of its main activities.
According to some documents found, it is believed that, that of San Nicola L’Arena, was the first Tonnara to be granted a royal concession in 1367.
Although the castle has been transformed over the centuries, it is still characterized by the presence of three towers, a watchtower of considerable size, and two other smaller ones located on the major side of the walls. The whole system lies on a natural foundation that was later fortified but also softened by an inner garden.
The current owners, Princes Vanni Calvello of San Vincenzo, continue a preservation effort apt to keep alive the memory of a piece of Sicilian history.
The Castle of San Nicola l’Arena, looms over the waters of the Gulf of Trabia, bringing back memories to relive the emotions and splendor of the courts of the past.
A castle filled with legends, stories, disputed loves, tales of battles, emotions and feelings evocative of times long gone. The unique atmosphere of the place makes the Castle of St. Nicholas the Arena one of the most beautiful and exclusive locations, where to organize all kinds of special occasions such as receptions, weddings, gala dinners, conventions, and prestigious events.
In the heart of the small seaside village of San Nicola l’Arena is the private parking available to guests, just a few steps, skirting the sea and the delightful marina, and you arrive at the entrance to the Castle, passing through the ancient ogival tufa portal, you will find yourself projected into an oasis out of time; an enchanted world made so by the magical reflections of a verdant garden that lies on the waters of the gulf.
The imposing tower enveloped in ivy, the inner courtyards housing the vestiges of the ancient Chiesetta, and the two large crenellated terraces overhanging the sea create corners of Paradise and ancient atmospheres where time seems to stand still.
The amplitude and particularity of the various spaces available, such as the garden, terraces and courtyards, as well as the indoor hall created in the “camperia ” of the tuna fishery , allow a multiplicity of solutions to best organize any kind of event, even for a large number of guests.
For the realization of the events, we cooperate with the best catering professionals working in the industry to propose the best solutions and meet any needs.