We are in Sicily, in the hinterland of Paternò, in the province of Catania. The ruins of the Castle of the Baroness of Poira rise on a spectacular hill overlooking a vast hilly area characterized by barren gullies and wide valleys. The area, sparsely populated, is very suggestive, immersed as it is in the silence of its boundless spaces. The Simeto, the longest river in Sicily, is not far away. Etna, to the north, looms majestically.
The castle of Poira is actually not a real castle but an ancient fortified farm, built on previous buildings of probable medieval origin or perhaps even more ancient, as evidenced by the archaeological excavations that have brought to light a Greek necropolis and Roman structures .
The remains of the defensive walls, the cisterns, the ancient chapel have the desolate charm of abandonment and history that here borders on the crime story. In fact, at the end of the nineteenth century the place was the scene of an assault by a band of brigands from distant (for the time!) Palermo. The criminals entered the fortress thanks to the complicity of the baron’s campiere and kidnapped the Baron and his family inside for a whole day. It is estimated that the loot of the raid was very rich (around one million euros today). But the story does not end with the escape of the bandits. All the members of the gang, except one, were in fact exterminated in an ambush in the mountains of Palermo shortly after. The action was attributed to a rival group but it is believed that the principal was the Baron himself with the connivance of the Bourbon government.
Beyond the history, the place is certainly worth a visit. It is a piece of authentic Sicily, far from the most famous tourist destinations and little known even by the locals. Its scenic beauty makes it perfect for a day outdoors, preferably in Autumn or Spring when Nature gives its best. To reach the "Castle" you have to take the road that connects Paternò to Centuripe, leaving it at the old roadman's house and following a branch that climbs towards the hills. The road is not in excellent condition but with a little patience and prudence you can reach the district called Poira.
Shot in 2019 with an Olympus OM-D EM5 MKII and a Mavic air, this short video was edited using I-Movie. The photos are by Francesca Sparatore who at the time used a Nikon D3100.
The song “Fallen Warrior” is by Jeff Broadbent, licensed under Audio Hero.
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