The Castello della Baronessa di Poira holds ancient secrets

The Castello di Poira, better known as Castello della Baronessa di Poira, is an ancient ruin located in the territory of Paternò, Catania. The complex consists of four large structures with residential, warehouse, animal shelter, and religious functions. It served as a masseria until the end of the 20th century. The barons Spitaleri of Adernò made it their residence in the modern era. During the late 19th century, the castle was subject to the 'Sequestro Spitaleri', a brazen attack by the Banda Maurina, a group of brigands.

The brigands demanded and received 50,000 lire for the safety of the barons. Despite this, they intruded and plundered the castle before fleeing. In 1995, the Sopraintendenza ai beni culturali di Catania brought to light a necropolis with tombs from the 6th and 5th centuries BC on the hill of Poira. Not far away is the 'Grotta degli Schiavi', probably a Roman ergastulum where slaves were kept at the end of the work day and those who rebelled against the imposed work were chained.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons