 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although Sicily is an ancient region filled with architectural reminders of the many civilizations that have mainly marauded through it for millennia, there is really only one town left that has managed to preserve an authentic medieval appearance such as you'd find in Umbria or The Marches. That town is Erice, and it trumps the more famous villages to the north because it has something no riches could buy them: spectacular views of a rocky coastline, the pale blue Mediterranean Sea, and the Egadi Islands just a handful of miles away. So pure and simple is this panorama that there is nothing to keep you from believing, absolutely believing, that you have zoomed back in time to the 13th century, when a cadet member of a northern European dynasty established his residence here. That gentleman's family still resides in this castle, which now offers you the only chance you'll have to stay in an authentic medieval castle during your Sicilian holiday.
Perched at the very top of the ancient stone village, this spectacular fortress was built to discourage maurading foreigners, but since 2005 it has been welcoming a very small number of sophisticated travelers. The property is surrounded by its own private park where a rich buffet breakfast and scrumptious Sicilian meals are served in warm weather. On the other side are the crenellated towers, with nothing but the pale blue sea beyond. Step over the threshold and you will enter a gothic world, where wrought-iron chandeliers throw a soft glow over the hand-hewn stone walls and parquet floors. Furnishings are all faithful to the period when the castle was built, cleverly combined with such modern amenities as air conditioning, satellite TV, DSL Internet access, direct-dial telephones, mini-bar, and private bathrooms with shower or bathtub and hair dryer. Windows are double-glazed and screened for comfort whether open or closed.
Of course, a few concessions had to be made when renovating this regional treasure. One was to forego an elevator, so you'll have to climb a few steps no matter which of the seven rooms you stay in. Room 1 (bathroom with bathtub and shower) is on the ground floor as is Room 2 (bathroom with shower); these are only a few steps up from the lowest level. On the next floor are Room 3 (whirlpool bathtub) and Room 4 (whirlpool bathtub and shower). Room 5 is on the second floor and features a bedroom with queen bed and single bed plus bathroom with whirlpool bathtub below, and a sitting room with double sofabed on the loft above. Room 6 is 100 steps up in the tower, with dramatic views of the park and an en suite featuring a shower and triangular whirlpool tub. 40 more steps up at the very top of the castle tower, with the most breathtaking views in Sicily, is Room 7: an 800-square-foot bedroom whose en suite has a whirlpool tub. Rooms 5 and 7 also have a balcony, and all rooms but 6 have sea view.
|
In Italy Online charges no booking fees or hidden extras.
Click
here for more information about our services.
Click here for details about Italian lodgings.
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
| Nightly Rates for 2008 (per room) One-Night Stays OK! |
|||
| Includes taxes, services & breakfast | |||
| Low Season Jan. 7-March 31 Nov. 4-Dec. 24 |
Mid Season April 1-July 31 Sept. 1-Nov. 3 |
High Season Jan. 1-6 Aug. 1-31 Dec. 25-31 |
|
| PRICES FOR 2 PEOPLE | |||
| Room 1 (Junior Suite) | 250.00 EURO | 300.00 EURO | 350.00 EURO |
| Room 2 ( Superior Double) | 200.00 EURO | 250.00 EURO | 300.00 EURO |
| Room 3 (Standard Double) | 150.00 EURO | 200.00 EURO | 240.00 EURO |
| Room 4 ( Superior Double) | 200.00 EURO | 250.00 EURO | 300.00 EURO |
| Room 5 (Suite) | 300.00 EURO | 450.00 EURO | 500.00 EURO |
| Room 6 (Junior Suite) | 250.00 EURO | 300.00 EURO | 350.00 EURO |
| Room 7 (Junior Suite) | 300.00 EURO | 450.00 EURO | 500.00 EURO |
| THIRD PERSON | |||
| In Room 2, 5, 6, or 7 | 75.00 EURO | 100.00 EURO | 120.00 EURO |
| FOURTH PERSON | |||
| In Room 7 | 40.00 EURO | 50.00 EURO | 70.00 EURO |
Click here for information about getting to Sicily.
You do not need a car to stay here, but if you are planning to tour the area at all, we highly recommend
it.
